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Gumbo
This book contains adult content. It is intended for mature audiences.
BLURB:
Tony Romano’s life was torn apart at age fifteen when his father died. His mother moved him and his brother from New Jersey to Belle Glade, Florida, a place rife with crime and bleakness. With his widowed mother working two jobs to support them, she was rarely home and the streets were soon raising Tony.
Cassidy Macklin was raised by her grandmother for most of her life. Smart, creative, and kind-hearted, she does her utmost to prevent her circumstances to bring her down. Reading helps her escape to a different life and place, even if only in her imagination. And Grandmama’s soulful food is the balm that heals her heart and keeps her world afloat.
Tony and Cassidy form a connection, which deepens as the days pass. But soon, darkness rears its head and things fall apart, bringing havoc and turmoil. Years later, the two cross paths again and both must come to terms with the monsters of their past. Their discoveries trigger emotions they’ve never faced before.
Secrets, pain, and old habits—some of those die hard. Will Tony and Cassidy be able to finally have the life together that they so deserve, or will they be forced to part again, this time forever?
Read ‘Gumbo’ to find out!
BLURB:
Tony Romano’s life was torn apart at age fifteen when his father died. His mother moved him and his brother from New Jersey to Belle Glade, Florida, a place rife with crime and bleakness. With his widowed mother working two jobs to support them, she was rarely home and the streets were soon raising Tony.
Cassidy Macklin was raised by her grandmother for most of her life. Smart, creative, and kind-hearted, she does her utmost to prevent her circumstances to bring her down. Reading helps her escape to a different life and place, even if only in her imagination. And Grandmama’s soulful food is the balm that heals her heart and keeps her world afloat.
Tony and Cassidy form a connection, which deepens as the days pass. But soon, darkness rears its head and things fall apart, bringing havoc and turmoil. Years later, the two cross paths again and both must come to terms with the monsters of their past. Their discoveries trigger emotions they’ve never faced before.
Secrets, pain, and old habits—some of those die hard. Will Tony and Cassidy be able to finally have the life together that they so deserve, or will they be forced to part again, this time forever?
Read ‘Gumbo’ to find out!
567 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2019
115 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Tiana Laveen
98 books510 followersTiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved away, and now lives inside of her mind, but her heart is occupied with her husband, two children, and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Tiana Laveen is a uniquely creative and innovative author whose romance fiction is geared towards those who not only want to temporarily escape from the daily routines of life, but also became pleasantly caught up in the twisted, well developed journeys of her unique characters. Tiana creates a painting with words as she guides her reader into the lives of each and every main character. Her dedication to detail and staying true to her characters is evident in each novel that she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 22, 2019
Life is like a bowl of gumbo!
Bravo! Once again Tianna Laveen writes a story that’s so relatable and real. Cassidy and Tony meet each other and become friends as teenagers. by the time these to meet both have lost loved ones. and both losses at that time are pretty Trumatic to each one of them. but by gods grace they find each other become friends and become each other’s savior. Young love can be turbulent and their love for each other is no different. but because each of them have the love and support of family and friends they survive through some very very hard times and they persevere. this was an excellent story of first love. The love of cooking together and remembering those that we love d and lost along the way. Five gumball stars!!
Bravo! Once again Tianna Laveen writes a story that’s so relatable and real. Cassidy and Tony meet each other and become friends as teenagers. by the time these to meet both have lost loved ones. and both losses at that time are pretty Trumatic to each one of them. but by gods grace they find each other become friends and become each other’s savior. Young love can be turbulent and their love for each other is no different. but because each of them have the love and support of family and friends they survive through some very very hard times and they persevere. this was an excellent story of first love. The love of cooking together and remembering those that we love d and lost along the way. Five gumball stars!!
August 24, 2019
Tony Romano=Hott!
Tony and Cassidy story of young love that never dies was surprisingly great.
I was taken by the heat the author created between the characters_very believable.
This book was Gumbo.. poorly made youthful decisions that haunt you as an adult. Family conflict and tragedy. This story went straight to my heart.
Tony and Cassidy story of young love that never dies was surprisingly great.
I was taken by the heat the author created between the characters_very believable.
This book was Gumbo.. poorly made youthful decisions that haunt you as an adult. Family conflict and tragedy. This story went straight to my heart.
June 2, 2019
4.5 stars
June 22, 2019
This book had me screaming. I haven't laughed so hard while reading a book in a long time. The funny stories that were told I constantly found myself busting out laughing and that's rare for a book to make me do that. No this was not a comedy but the things and stories that were said by the characters in here were hilarious! I am a huge fan of stories that start off with the MC falling in love when they are young. I loved Tony, Cassidy and the side characters. The MC's went through alot but their love brought them back together. Tony was no joke not when he was a teen and definitely not when he became an adult protecting everyone he loved. Great read!
May 16, 2019
Wow!!!! But.....
Wonderful story love all the characters. This book made me LOL as well as tearup too. But if there is a negative to this book....please tell me why after the wedding , did they wash just their hands.....IJS....that was nasty
Wonderful story love all the characters. This book made me LOL as well as tearup too. But if there is a negative to this book....please tell me why after the wedding , did they wash just their hands.....IJS....that was nasty
June 13, 2019
Deliciously Crafted
This book was such a breath of fresh air. I loved the length, the story was thorough not just about love and romance but about heartbreak, death, a good glimpse into life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book was such a breath of fresh air. I loved the length, the story was thorough not just about love and romance but about heartbreak, death, a good glimpse into life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 16, 2019
This was a LOVE STORY!!!
TONY & CASSIDY were the perfect couple. I Loved these two. They were friends and then became the innocent boyfriend and girlfriend. However that innocence was snatched away due to trials and tribulations of living in the hood, but prevailed and we got the HEA.
This book made me nostalgic with the awesome playlist. There were some parts when I was LMAO. This is the second book I have read from this author and in both instances it was as I was able to form a movie and bring life to the characters as I was reading.
Great book.
TONY & CASSIDY were the perfect couple. I Loved these two. They were friends and then became the innocent boyfriend and girlfriend. However that innocence was snatched away due to trials and tribulations of living in the hood, but prevailed and we got the HEA.
This book made me nostalgic with the awesome playlist. There were some parts when I was LMAO. This is the second book I have read from this author and in both instances it was as I was able to form a movie and bring life to the characters as I was reading.
Great book.
July 27, 2019
All the right ingredients!
Tony and Cassidy! Excellent in their own right but Superb when blended together. So many truths in this story!! More ladies need to embrace that FACT that you do not lose your “Black card” just because you are now being thoroughly loved, cherished, and respected by someone that is not Black. If he is treating you like he wants to best you in a competition on showing love, ain’t nothing wrong with that. Love only wants to bring the best out of a person and race, the hood, culture, homies, money or lack there of, shouldn’t be on the priority list when it comes to matters of the heart.
From the song list to the descriptions of the hood, friends, enemies, love lost and found again, I was transported to my high school days and the truisms that still float in my mind even now. When a story can invoke your anger over the injustice, your joy over true love expressed and peace that it all works out in due time, you are having Gumbo of the highest quality. Grandmama put her foot in it yet again! Even with the heartbreaks I will definitely have this on my reread often list.
Tony and Cassidy! Excellent in their own right but Superb when blended together. So many truths in this story!! More ladies need to embrace that FACT that you do not lose your “Black card” just because you are now being thoroughly loved, cherished, and respected by someone that is not Black. If he is treating you like he wants to best you in a competition on showing love, ain’t nothing wrong with that. Love only wants to bring the best out of a person and race, the hood, culture, homies, money or lack there of, shouldn’t be on the priority list when it comes to matters of the heart.
From the song list to the descriptions of the hood, friends, enemies, love lost and found again, I was transported to my high school days and the truisms that still float in my mind even now. When a story can invoke your anger over the injustice, your joy over true love expressed and peace that it all works out in due time, you are having Gumbo of the highest quality. Grandmama put her foot in it yet again! Even with the heartbreaks I will definitely have this on my reread often list.
August 1, 2019
3.00 Stars. (BW/WM). Amazon e-book. This is a long story-too long for my taste. The protagonists, Tony Romano and Cassidy Macklin, were young teens in love when Tony was sentenced to 10 years in prison for murder. Tony was a troubled youth and small town gangster who sold drugs and eventually murdered the killer of his best friend and bother of Cassidy, his girlfriend. After Tony’s conviction, he instructed Cassidy to go on with her life, attend college and pursue her dreams and he gave her large sums of money to help her in that endeavor. Twelve years later, their first meeting is at Cassidy’s grandmother’s funeral; reluctantly, Cassidy is persuaded to accept an invitation to “catch up” from Tony. He comes to grand mother’s and they decide to honor grandma’s memory by cooking favorite dishes from her recipe book and prepare the house for sale. They re kindle their love, slay a little dragon drama, get married, have a baby and live happily ever after.
July 22, 2019
Perfect
Just when I thought TL couldn't get any better.....she wrote this!!!! I LOVE this book. GUMBO!!!! Wow!!! I dnt even know how review this book it was just that freaking awesome. I'm just gonna say read it for yourself you won't be disappointed and Antonio Romano.....what a man, even as a boy. The characters were so real and jumped off the page. The love between Tony and Cass was so tangible you could feel it. Grandma was so real...that fictional character reminded me of my own grandmother. Danica was the perfect ride or die...the best "sister bestie" ever. This book will have you laughing, taking trips down memory lane, and crying. It was so real; an emotional roller coaster ride. If you have never read a TL book, start with this one, and I guarantee you will instantly become a fan. I loved this book!!!!
Just when I thought TL couldn't get any better.....she wrote this!!!! I LOVE this book. GUMBO!!!! Wow!!! I dnt even know how review this book it was just that freaking awesome. I'm just gonna say read it for yourself you won't be disappointed and Antonio Romano.....what a man, even as a boy. The characters were so real and jumped off the page. The love between Tony and Cass was so tangible you could feel it. Grandma was so real...that fictional character reminded me of my own grandmother. Danica was the perfect ride or die...the best "sister bestie" ever. This book will have you laughing, taking trips down memory lane, and crying. It was so real; an emotional roller coaster ride. If you have never read a TL book, start with this one, and I guarantee you will instantly become a fan. I loved this book!!!!
June 24, 2019
Good read
Slight spoilers ahead..i thought this was a great read of puppy love turned to real love. I love how the author tied in their love of music and grandmama’s food as their way back to each other.
I have one downfall i hated that tony killed once again not once but twice. It just left a bitter taste in my mouth. Especially the fact that he’s a white man killing black men and they were hoping for a lighter sentence because of that. I just think in this day and age of how racism and cops killing blacks it might come off a bit of a trigger.
Just because of that i still couldn’t give this book anything less than 5 stars.
Slight spoilers ahead..i thought this was a great read of puppy love turned to real love. I love how the author tied in their love of music and grandmama’s food as their way back to each other.
I have one downfall i hated that tony killed once again not once but twice. It just left a bitter taste in my mouth. Especially the fact that he’s a white man killing black men and they were hoping for a lighter sentence because of that. I just think in this day and age of how racism and cops killing blacks it might come off a bit of a trigger.
Just because of that i still couldn’t give this book anything less than 5 stars.
July 25, 2019
Magnificent!!And oh,so beautiful.
Outstanding,I really enjoyed reading this book. It pulled you into the lives of each characters. Some you loved and some you wanted to punch and kick. The blend of young love into the deep,strong,decadent and passionate love was well done and the reader could identify with their "first love" . The writing flowed easily and effortless that keep you involved and turning pages. You will fall in love with Tony and Cassidy and laugh and cry with them. I will seek to read more books from this author. Select this book and you will not be disappointed. Magnificent
Outstanding,I really enjoyed reading this book. It pulled you into the lives of each characters. Some you loved and some you wanted to punch and kick. The blend of young love into the deep,strong,decadent and passionate love was well done and the reader could identify with their "first love" . The writing flowed easily and effortless that keep you involved and turning pages. You will fall in love with Tony and Cassidy and laugh and cry with them. I will seek to read more books from this author. Select this book and you will not be disappointed. Magnificent
August 27, 2019
This needs to be made into a film
There’s not often a book comes along that draws you completely in, and you become invested in the characters. Well this one did. From start to finish. It had humour, I have never LMAO from reading a book. It also had a great storyline. I loved how it started, and took us on a complete journey for Tony and Cassidy. This was so well written it could be made into a film. A must read!
There’s not often a book comes along that draws you completely in, and you become invested in the characters. Well this one did. From start to finish. It had humour, I have never LMAO from reading a book. It also had a great storyline. I loved how it started, and took us on a complete journey for Tony and Cassidy. This was so well written it could be made into a film. A must read!
June 27, 2019
Loved it💓
This was such a well written story, I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. Tony and Cassidy's love story stretched over a decade. It was sweet, intense and at the same time very sad. The impact of drugs, poverty and family love and loyalty are The back drop to this tale.
This was such a well written story, I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. Tony and Cassidy's love story stretched over a decade. It was sweet, intense and at the same time very sad. The impact of drugs, poverty and family love and loyalty are The back drop to this tale.
July 8, 2019
😋 Delicious Read
Gumbo was heartwarming and tragic all at once. I loved the premise the subtle life lessons and the depth of each character. I felt the forebading, love, despair,and anger of every riveting moment. Gumbo can be saved warm or cold depending on your outlook. I highly recommend.
Gumbo was heartwarming and tragic all at once. I loved the premise the subtle life lessons and the depth of each character. I felt the forebading, love, despair,and anger of every riveting moment. Gumbo can be saved warm or cold depending on your outlook. I highly recommend.
August 21, 2019
The love of my man
It started out as young love and end into everlasting love.
I love d this story and would recommend it to anyone
It started out as young love and end into everlasting love.
I love d this story and would recommend it to anyone
May 9, 2019
OMG... I loved this story!
It was long but worth every page-turning read. I did not want it to end. Dante and his brother Antonio Romano thought their lives were over when their father died and their mother moved them from their comfy way of life in New Jersey to an area in Palm Springs, Florida called Belle Glade or Hell Glade as the locals called it. Life was rough for both of them and adjusting to their new home was hard, until Tony met his across the street neighbor Cassidy Macklin and they became instant friends and falling in love with each other. With Tony's big heart and Grandmama Betty and Cassidy's love, they formed a solid extended family that not only contained them but their friends as well. Grandmama had many adopted grandchildren in the hood. He, Tony, did what he could to help support his cash strapped mother and to get his older brother to clean up his act. Together, Cassidy and Tony forged a plan to permanently get out of Hell Glade, but their plans took a twelve-year hiatus when Toney avenged the death of their best friend Maize.
It was the passing of their beloved Grandmama that got them back together, along with cooking recipes found in her mysterious recipe book while cleaning out her house to feel closer to her. Their absence from each other was still a very sore affair in Cassidy's heart as she was so angry with Tony for not keeping this promise by abandoning her. Tony found out why in Grandmama's recipe book and he finally understood why she was so angry with him.
I just loved the way that Tiana weaved this tale. My heart hurt for Tony and Cassidy and all of their friends who did not make it out of Belle Glade. I laughed and I cried in this book. It looked like the whole world was against this couple getting their HEA at every turn. Their love for each other had never died in twelve years. Cassidy tried to kill her love of Tony but could not. Tony anguished over not being with his Angel Eyes and now that he had her again, he would do anything to protect her and their love and he did. Casey's friend Danica kept me laughing. Her comic relief was refreshing in an otherwise heartbreaking situations. Tiana wrote this story with such finesse by only revealing certain tidbits of information in strategic places that made the story make sense in the end. Grandmama was right, Tony and Cassidy were like a fine Gumbo, he was the meat and she was the vegetables equally flavorable on their own but united together are so much better. I just loved Tony's talk with his newborn son Antonio. It was so heartwarming to see that he was determined to keep his life on the straight and narrow for the sake of his family. They finally got to finish their plans and have their HEA. Great job Tiana. You never fail to tell a great story! The only thing I would change about writing this book is that authors, who list a slew of songs in their books, would create a Spotify playlist for that book and list the link in the beginning of the book. It would enhance the reading experience that way.
It was long but worth every page-turning read. I did not want it to end. Dante and his brother Antonio Romano thought their lives were over when their father died and their mother moved them from their comfy way of life in New Jersey to an area in Palm Springs, Florida called Belle Glade or Hell Glade as the locals called it. Life was rough for both of them and adjusting to their new home was hard, until Tony met his across the street neighbor Cassidy Macklin and they became instant friends and falling in love with each other. With Tony's big heart and Grandmama Betty and Cassidy's love, they formed a solid extended family that not only contained them but their friends as well. Grandmama had many adopted grandchildren in the hood. He, Tony, did what he could to help support his cash strapped mother and to get his older brother to clean up his act. Together, Cassidy and Tony forged a plan to permanently get out of Hell Glade, but their plans took a twelve-year hiatus when Toney avenged the death of their best friend Maize.
It was the passing of their beloved Grandmama that got them back together, along with cooking recipes found in her mysterious recipe book while cleaning out her house to feel closer to her. Their absence from each other was still a very sore affair in Cassidy's heart as she was so angry with Tony for not keeping this promise by abandoning her. Tony found out why in Grandmama's recipe book and he finally understood why she was so angry with him.
I just loved the way that Tiana weaved this tale. My heart hurt for Tony and Cassidy and all of their friends who did not make it out of Belle Glade. I laughed and I cried in this book. It looked like the whole world was against this couple getting their HEA at every turn. Their love for each other had never died in twelve years. Cassidy tried to kill her love of Tony but could not. Tony anguished over not being with his Angel Eyes and now that he had her again, he would do anything to protect her and their love and he did. Casey's friend Danica kept me laughing. Her comic relief was refreshing in an otherwise heartbreaking situations. Tiana wrote this story with such finesse by only revealing certain tidbits of information in strategic places that made the story make sense in the end. Grandmama was right, Tony and Cassidy were like a fine Gumbo, he was the meat and she was the vegetables equally flavorable on their own but united together are so much better. I just loved Tony's talk with his newborn son Antonio. It was so heartwarming to see that he was determined to keep his life on the straight and narrow for the sake of his family. They finally got to finish their plans and have their HEA. Great job Tiana. You never fail to tell a great story! The only thing I would change about writing this book is that authors, who list a slew of songs in their books, would create a Spotify playlist for that book and list the link in the beginning of the book. It would enhance the reading experience that way.
May 7, 2019
Loved it
It’s a great story of hardship, love and redemption. Tony and Cassidy were great characters, flawed (mainly Tony) but with strong moral fiber and a will to strive. I know Tony’s mother was in a tough spot but she came across as less mature than her child. Of course it was through Tony’s lense but still. As he said, who (unless they are hiding from the law or the mob) takes their children to an area with such a high crime rate instead of toughening it out and downsizing at home? I know teenage boys can be trying but her reaction to both Dante’s addiction and Tony’s misdeeds were weak. In Dante ‘s case I suppose she just couldn’t face the reality of addiction but with Tony she shouldn’t have accepted the money, however much she needed it. No teenager comes around that much cash by legal means in the hood. I like how their reconnection was described over months (none of that insta nonsense) and their friendship rebuilt. It must have been hard for them both. A lot of years and life had happened in 12 years. I got concerned for a minute with the mess with Boss but it worked out. Finally the whole tribute to the departed during the wedding was kind of strange but sweet. All in all, a great read with layers demonstrating the complexity of life, love, struggle and survival.
As an aside, we all would like to have friends like Maize and Danica. The first one giving it to you straight even when it’s not what you want to hear, the other sticking with you through thick and thin.
It’s a great story of hardship, love and redemption. Tony and Cassidy were great characters, flawed (mainly Tony) but with strong moral fiber and a will to strive. I know Tony’s mother was in a tough spot but she came across as less mature than her child. Of course it was through Tony’s lense but still. As he said, who (unless they are hiding from the law or the mob) takes their children to an area with such a high crime rate instead of toughening it out and downsizing at home? I know teenage boys can be trying but her reaction to both Dante’s addiction and Tony’s misdeeds were weak. In Dante ‘s case I suppose she just couldn’t face the reality of addiction but with Tony she shouldn’t have accepted the money, however much she needed it. No teenager comes around that much cash by legal means in the hood. I like how their reconnection was described over months (none of that insta nonsense) and their friendship rebuilt. It must have been hard for them both. A lot of years and life had happened in 12 years. I got concerned for a minute with the mess with Boss but it worked out. Finally the whole tribute to the departed during the wedding was kind of strange but sweet. All in all, a great read with layers demonstrating the complexity of life, love, struggle and survival.
As an aside, we all would like to have friends like Maize and Danica. The first one giving it to you straight even when it’s not what you want to hear, the other sticking with you through thick and thin.
January 2, 2020
One of the Best Books I've Read
This is two books in one. The first deals with Tony and Cassidy as teenagers. I wasn't sure I wanted to read about teen love, well I was wrong. It was the perfect background to everyone's story, without it, the context would be lost.
This takes place in Belle Glade, Florida, or as referred to as "He'll Glade in the book. It's a depressing and soul snatching place, and yet the young people with the guidance of some significant older folk, specifically Grandmama Betty, found love, friendship and some happiness.
Cassidy and Tony were definitely soul mates and even through some soul crushing situations, you somehow knew they would make it.
Everyone should be so blessed to have someone like Grandmama in their life. She w was the blue for so many in that community. Lord the recipes and food discussions had me hoping up and cooking several times while reading this book. I gotta go buy some Oxtails now; I already bout most of the makings for my Gumbo.
I don't want to spoil the book, but outside of Cassidy and Tony, my favorite character was Danica. Girl that mouth of hers had me rolling. My husband would be like, " what did Danica say it do now? ". One of my favorite lines had "......get your one-fourth of a Slim Jim looking Ass in treatment somewhere." That girl was something else, but a heart of gold.
This book have a very realistic view into life in some of our worst ghettos, and yet showed how love and life could survive and sometimes flourish.
Loved this book and the writing style of Me Laveen.
This is two books in one. The first deals with Tony and Cassidy as teenagers. I wasn't sure I wanted to read about teen love, well I was wrong. It was the perfect background to everyone's story, without it, the context would be lost.
This takes place in Belle Glade, Florida, or as referred to as "He'll Glade in the book. It's a depressing and soul snatching place, and yet the young people with the guidance of some significant older folk, specifically Grandmama Betty, found love, friendship and some happiness.
Cassidy and Tony were definitely soul mates and even through some soul crushing situations, you somehow knew they would make it.
Everyone should be so blessed to have someone like Grandmama in their life. She w was the blue for so many in that community. Lord the recipes and food discussions had me hoping up and cooking several times while reading this book. I gotta go buy some Oxtails now; I already bout most of the makings for my Gumbo.
I don't want to spoil the book, but outside of Cassidy and Tony, my favorite character was Danica. Girl that mouth of hers had me rolling. My husband would be like, " what did Danica say it do now? ". One of my favorite lines had "......get your one-fourth of a Slim Jim looking Ass in treatment somewhere." That girl was something else, but a heart of gold.
This book have a very realistic view into life in some of our worst ghettos, and yet showed how love and life could survive and sometimes flourish.
Loved this book and the writing style of Me Laveen.
April 26, 2020
Gumbo
Now I know why I don't want any of the books I read by Tiana Laveen to end; her characters seem like people you would know, people you have heard of or people you want to know. Gumbo is a beautiful story. I love this couple and their love for each other. I like how they could be honest with their feelings and not use their painful past against each other. The cooking scenes were beautiful, and when they would read the notes from Cassidy's grandmother, it melted my heart.
Tiana's male characters are GREAT! Of course, I think Dr. Saint Aknaten is her best male, and my second favorite is Aaron. And last but not least, my third would be Tony/Antonio. I think all her books need to be movies, especially Gumbo. I have a whole visual in my mind about this book being a movie. I would love to see the cooking and graveyard scenes come to life. There are so many great moments in this book that I would love to see on the big screen or on the screens of PassionFlix or Netflix.
Now I know why I don't want any of the books I read by Tiana Laveen to end; her characters seem like people you would know, people you have heard of or people you want to know. Gumbo is a beautiful story. I love this couple and their love for each other. I like how they could be honest with their feelings and not use their painful past against each other. The cooking scenes were beautiful, and when they would read the notes from Cassidy's grandmother, it melted my heart.
Tiana's male characters are GREAT! Of course, I think Dr. Saint Aknaten is her best male, and my second favorite is Aaron. And last but not least, my third would be Tony/Antonio. I think all her books need to be movies, especially Gumbo. I have a whole visual in my mind about this book being a movie. I would love to see the cooking and graveyard scenes come to life. There are so many great moments in this book that I would love to see on the big screen or on the screens of PassionFlix or Netflix.
May 19, 2019
Ever lasting love
This was a d@mn good book. It made you cry, laugh, & soul search at the same time. This was a great coming of age story that wasn't so sweet & clean and wrapped with pretty bow on top. " Name that tune? Dumb Diddy Dumb...." That d@mn Danica had me rolling with laughter. She is the friend everyone woman needs with her own brand of truth serum. Lol. I'm sure some of us know a grandmother like Grandmama, she is everybody's favorite in the neighborhood. I highly recommend this book. I also feel as though this book should be made into a movie one day. My only issue, the time stamps. One minute we are in the 80s & the next we are in modern times speaking about Nipsey Hussle. It didn't sync up with their ages. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book.
This was a d@mn good book. It made you cry, laugh, & soul search at the same time. This was a great coming of age story that wasn't so sweet & clean and wrapped with pretty bow on top. " Name that tune? Dumb Diddy Dumb...." That d@mn Danica had me rolling with laughter. She is the friend everyone woman needs with her own brand of truth serum. Lol. I'm sure some of us know a grandmother like Grandmama, she is everybody's favorite in the neighborhood. I highly recommend this book. I also feel as though this book should be made into a movie one day. My only issue, the time stamps. One minute we are in the 80s & the next we are in modern times speaking about Nipsey Hussle. It didn't sync up with their ages. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book.
May 28, 2019
I enjoyed this story of Cassidy & Tony's first love then their reunited love. There is a lot of detail in the story that brings much depth to the story. I also appreciated many of the secondary characters rounding out the main love story as well as Cassidy and Tony's individual support systems. It's not always an easy read but it feels like a genuine love story with flawed, interesting characters.
Also, I know the author loves to insert music into her stories but it got a bit wild the last third of the book with constant 'song now playing' updates. Other than that minor quibble, it's a strong romance.
Also, I know the author loves to insert music into her stories but it got a bit wild the last third of the book with constant 'song now playing' updates. Other than that minor quibble, it's a strong romance.
June 22, 2019
A Very Good and Sensual Interracial Romantic Comedy
Combo is a very good and sensual interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading story love story of Tony and Cassie. They met when the were fifteen, when Tony with his mother and brother moved to Florida's poorest area. Cassie live across the street from their house with her grandmother. I found their love story to be inspirational and humorous as the couple overcome a lot of obstacles to find their happy ever after years later. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading very good interracial romantic comedies.
Combo is a very good and sensual interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading story love story of Tony and Cassie. They met when the were fifteen, when Tony with his mother and brother moved to Florida's poorest area. Cassie live across the street from their house with her grandmother. I found their love story to be inspirational and humorous as the couple overcome a lot of obstacles to find their happy ever after years later. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading very good interracial romantic comedies.
February 3, 2023
Gumbo
Thank you so much Towns for this read. The love story of Tony and Cassidy was amazingly endearing! I loved every moment. I cried when they cried and laughed when they laughed. Grandma was very special and I wished I could have had a grandmother like her in my life. The trials and tribulations they endured would have broken anyone, but because of grandmama's love, guidance and her cooking, they found their way back to each other. The loss of Maize was rough, including the loss of Tony's freedom. So, so happy they found their way back to each other and created a mini me. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
Thank you so much Towns for this read. The love story of Tony and Cassidy was amazingly endearing! I loved every moment. I cried when they cried and laughed when they laughed. Grandma was very special and I wished I could have had a grandmother like her in my life. The trials and tribulations they endured would have broken anyone, but because of grandmama's love, guidance and her cooking, they found their way back to each other. The loss of Maize was rough, including the loss of Tony's freedom. So, so happy they found their way back to each other and created a mini me. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
May 11, 2019
Lip smacking😍
Fangirling again...she did it again....Tiana's did it again....Gumbo is such a delightful love story between Tony and Cass...the story follows the young people at the tender ages of 16 and 15...living through very harsh times in a neighborhood referred to as Hell Glades....horrendous things happen they.....terrible things happened there....dreams died there...but some also survived there....something beautiful and pure in nature...destined by the powers to be...endless..effortless...undeniable selfless love....that's Tony and Cass story...
Fangirling again...she did it again....Tiana's did it again....Gumbo is such a delightful love story between Tony and Cass...the story follows the young people at the tender ages of 16 and 15...living through very harsh times in a neighborhood referred to as Hell Glades....horrendous things happen they.....terrible things happened there....dreams died there...but some also survived there....something beautiful and pure in nature...destined by the powers to be...endless..effortless...undeniable selfless love....that's Tony and Cass story...
April 16, 2020
I felt like I was watching a freaking movie😱 not the normal kind, like those fancy Cinerama with the moving chairs and real life sound effects😍
Maybe it was because of the gun shots happening outside (am serious, there was a shoot out while I was reading) or just Tiana Laveen magic touch but I didn't eat, pee( this is me been dramatic) or move while reading.
Oh don't get me started on part two😍 it's not just her swearing him out but it's him also accepting help and them living happily ever after...
This is a gangster love story you don't want to miss...
Maybe it was because of the gun shots happening outside (am serious, there was a shoot out while I was reading) or just Tiana Laveen magic touch but I didn't eat, pee( this is me been dramatic) or move while reading.
Oh don't get me started on part two😍 it's not just her swearing him out but it's him also accepting help and them living happily ever after...
This is a gangster love story you don't want to miss...
September 19, 2021
I think I lost my all interest the moment that Tony implies about reverse racism regarding saying N word, and I feel like I want to educate people about why you shouldn't use N word based on US history and cycle of violence that comes with it.
I honestly don't know well enough about Tiana Laveen, but if any black authors are writing a white love interest who begins a secret rant about reverse racism using N word, I'm seriously judging you on the basis of internalizing self hate.
I just cannot deal with ignorance and racial ignorance in general.
I honestly don't know well enough about Tiana Laveen, but if any black authors are writing a white love interest who begins a secret rant about reverse racism using N word, I'm seriously judging you on the basis of internalizing self hate.
I just cannot deal with ignorance and racial ignorance in general.
May 1, 2022
Great together, thus Gumbo!
This author has never disappointed me in any of her books! Another 10+! It was great, every page, every word was a great read! Tony and Cassidy love was the mixing of their Gumbo! You will defintely not be disappointed! Their love made the story click, they were more alike than different, and I loved the fact that they respected their mother and grandmother, Train a child..... this was true in this story! Respect and Love for each other and for others and you win!
This author has never disappointed me in any of her books! Another 10+! It was great, every page, every word was a great read! Tony and Cassidy love was the mixing of their Gumbo! You will defintely not be disappointed! Their love made the story click, they were more alike than different, and I loved the fact that they respected their mother and grandmother, Train a child..... this was true in this story! Respect and Love for each other and for others and you win!
May 19, 2019
Gumbo
My roots are in Louisiana, I love me some Gumbo! I loved your Gumbo, the perfect ingredients! Tony and Cass had a love that was meant to be! No obstacle no matter the size was going to stop them from their everlasting love. Loved how you spanned their story through the years, never forgetting where they came from and the family and good friends that helped mold them. They've come to the end of the road happy and in love!
My roots are in Louisiana, I love me some Gumbo! I loved your Gumbo, the perfect ingredients! Tony and Cass had a love that was meant to be! No obstacle no matter the size was going to stop them from their everlasting love. Loved how you spanned their story through the years, never forgetting where they came from and the family and good friends that helped mold them. They've come to the end of the road happy and in love!
May 17, 2019
Outstanding
Once again Ms. Laveen gave us a book for the ages. She is definitely one if the authors I click on to purchase immediately no hesitation.
Gumbo was a really great coming of age story and a book that tackles grief, drug use, friendship both good and bad and sommuch more. The characters all of them where not perfect but totally human. The book though long was worth it.
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo..
Once again Ms. Laveen gave us a book for the ages. She is definitely one if the authors I click on to purchase immediately no hesitation.
Gumbo was a really great coming of age story and a book that tackles grief, drug use, friendship both good and bad and sommuch more. The characters all of them where not perfect but totally human. The book though long was worth it.
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo..
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