All the Things I Should Have Known

by Tiffany L. Warren

They are forty-something, successful, financially set . . . and done with trying to find "perfect" husbands. So why can't Hahna, Twila, and Kimberly have men strictly for friendship, companionship—and especially mind-blowing sex? Their solution: be sugar mamas to gorgeous young studs who promise the best of having it all. But the ladies soon find that real lust and no strings is way more complicated than they thought . . .

All-business and all about the money, Hahna is drawn to Jovan, an aspiring writer. He's content with his work and Hahna, but her determination to make him appreciate the finest things in life could easily tear them apart. Cautious Kimberly is swept off her feet by handsome adrenaline-junkie Shawn—but an old flame from her past sparks an even more dangerous passion. And for Twila, a smokin'-hot Instagram model is fulfilling all her scandalous, insatiable dreams . . . until his high-maintenance demands and jealousy throw her life into chaos. Now Hahna, Kimberly, and Twila need to trust their instincts and their hearts to reclaim their joy—and the love they truly deserve.

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2020

About the author

Tiffany L. Warren began her writing career in 2003 when she signed with Walk Worthy Press to publish her debut, What a Sista Should Do. She has gone on to publish over thirty full-length novels (eleven under pen name Nikki Carter) with Hachette Book Group and Kensington Books (Dafina). Tiffany has also independently published seven novellas.

In addition to writing books, Tiffany has a love for theatre, especially musicals. She has used her songwriting talent to write and produce several stage plays: What a Sista Should Do, The Replacement Wife and Just Like Yo’ Daddy, which featured many familiar faces like the late Tommy Ford (Martin), Grammy winning Shirley Murdock, Terri J. Vaughn (The Steve Harvey Show) and Christian Keyes to name a few.

Tiffany’s latest venture has been in the film realm with book to film projects. Her 2015 release, The Favorite Son, is now a movie produced by Swirl Films streaming on BET+ and airing on BET, starring Rotimi and Grammy winning gospel superstar Jonathan McReynolds. Her second film project is a holiday adaptation of The Replacement Wife called Sound of Christmas starring R&B stars Ne-Yo and Serayah. Both her films ranked number one on the BET+ streaming platform at the time of their release being produced by MegaMind Media. Currently in production is a holiday sequel to Favorite Son called A Favorite Son Christmas.

Tiffany’s latest project is a historical fiction novel, about the first black prima donna Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. Published by William Morrow, the novel entitled A Swan’s Song hits shelves in Spring 2024. You can reach Tiffany on Facebook (@AuthorTiffanyLWarren), Twitter, Instagram, and Clubhouse (@tiffanylwarren), and online at www.tiffanylwarren.com.

Reviews

[Urban Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three 40-something friends are very successful in their careers and are enjoying what life has to offer them. The only thing that they're missing is a love of their own. Hahna owns her own data consulting firm that she’s built from the ground up. When she meets an aspiring author name Sam, she wonder if he is the man that she’s looking for. Kimberly is an attorney who has developed her own line of hair care products. Kimberly is caught off guard when she catches the eye of a young man name Shawn. Will she take the plunge? Twila is a successful cosmetic dentist. She becomes intrigued when this hot Instagram model Marcus walks into her office. Will she see what he has to offer?

All the Things That I Should Have Known by Tiffany L. Warren is a fun book about the dating adventures of professional women in their 40s. Readers will find that these characters are very relatable. You might find some characteristics of these women in people that you know. The story is full of humor and shocking moments that you won’t see coming. This is a perfect book club pick because it will spark a lively discussion. All the Things That I Should Have Known is a clear winner for Tiffany L. Warren.
Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on bookreferees.org

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Tiffany Warren. I'm such a big fan of her writing. I can really relate to her stories and feel like I know the characters personally.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a girls trip, three friends decide to give love a chance and date someone not on their list and let's just say some of their world will be turned upside down.

It was refreshing to read about women in the same age and category as myself. The author did an amazing job with the characters in this story. I saw myself in all three of the main character at one point in my life. The read hit home on several points and was a phenomenal read. I have yet to read a bad book by this author. This book is emotional and will have you in your feelings, depending on where you are at in life. The story all around was just an excellent read and although I had an ARC, I will definitely be purchasing a signed copy in the near future. Kudos and Great job

#Cillasbookmaniacs
#Harperscourtliteraryblog

[Aniya Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok this book was fine but for a romance book where they talk about sex allllll the time there was absolutely no smut 😭 and if there was it wasn’t memorable cuz i forgot about it. It really would’ve pushed this book to 4 stars cuz there was all that build yo and then fade to black 😭 . I also feel like the author should’ve maybe made this a series and had each book focus on one of the girls instead of one big book. It was hard to keep up with and the ending felt so rushed like I wish there was more info or another book or something. Besides that the book was def entertaining and fun def recommend

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with lots of life lessons! :)

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about 4 friends finding their way through love and life. Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[Michelle Lindo-Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

In ALL THE THINGS I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, three best friends make the decision to go all in for love and open their hearts to possibilities they might never have considered before. Sorors Kimberly, Hahna and Twila are successful in their careers but hope to find true love. The path isn't easy and the journey might be filled with obstacles each woman will learn something about new about herself. I enjoyed the snappy, witty dialogue that took me back to my own girlfriends and how we communicate and stand with each other. Book clubs will have a lot to talk about with this read.
Favorite line: "Sometimes our brain knows things, but our heart does something different."
Thank you, #Netgalley for this ARC.

[Dawn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word! This is very different from the author’s other books and I absolutely loved it. Love the fact that the main characters are mature, professional, sensible women. While they have insecurities about relationships, you can see their progress in conquering those insecurities. I hope to see more books like this from this author.

[LaChelle Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the sisterhood camaraderie between Hahna, Kimberly and Twila. These girlfriends/sorority sisters always had each other’s backs, especially in their times of need. When they’re on a girlfriends getaway, the ladies make a pact to break some their dating rules and open themselves up to someone who may be out of the norm for them. And this is when things get interesting. I’d love a sequel focused on Hahna and Sam because she was my favorite. Kimberly was my least favorite. I didn’t agree with her ideals on interracial dating. It seemed a bit archaic and silly for a grown woman in this day and age to think that way. And I would’ve like to have known more about Twila’s backstory with Phenom. I didn’t feel like I got all of the story. But overall, a fun read. My favorite quote in the story which I highlighted was “Sometimes we aren’t quite ready for what we need. That’s why we settle for what we want.” That’s a whole word! I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Warren’s books. I think Her Secret Life will be my next read.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off great but then...

I was pretty amped when it seemed this book was going to be a funny, engaging read. It started off that way but it kind of morphed into something else at the point the ladies returned from their vacation. After that point they more seemed like haughty, judgemental snobs. I'm all for women having their own and doing their thing and handling their business, but most 'grown' women I know don't have to proclaim the title so much or use it as justification for every little thing.

And I never felt the characters that much. Sam and Hahna's relationship seemed... hollow to me. Kimberly was rather quick to jump to conclusions. And Twila just irked me (though I did like the scene with Hahna's former employee). Plus, there were several things that felt unexplained or unfinished.

I do like how the friends had each other's backs. This was more of a 3.5 rating for me but since that wasn't possible, I rounded up.

[Nevada]

Friendships, Menships, employment and enjoyment

This is a light-hearted book about a couple of women who have long term friendships with each other. It takes you on a trip on how they navigate life. Ex. You and your girls get together and say, ok, ladies, you know in order to see new things you have to do different things, so we are going to do things differently for a minimum of a month. We will reconvene and chop it up on what has transpired in our life due to the changes.

I definitely liked it.

A cute light read, touching on some deep subjects delicately.
Trust issues, breaking the dating rules and requirements you have in your head, working through past relationship hurts, navigating a business with integrity, interracial relations, hair and all the hoopla around it.

I would recommend, although some items are predictable, it's a true-life situationship read.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Tiffany Warren and NetGalley for this great read.

Reading about a group of girlfriends over the age of 35 was very refreshing. Showing age doesn't remove the problem of looking for Mr. Right. A girlfriends trip to relax, forget, and possibly find love is just what life has ordered for best friends Kimberly, Twila, and Hahna. Each lady has her doubts about finding love, but are going for the goal. I enjoyed the relationship the ladies have with each other the way they clap back on each other. My favorite scene is the buzzing creature, reading it will have you in tears laughing so hard. Once again Tiffany has written a page-turner that will be discussed over and over again.

#cillasbookmaniacs

[Sandra (Book Loves) Atueyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

All the Things I Should Have Known by Tiffany L Warren is a interesting story. This is my first time reading from Tiffany. Tiffany Warren does a good job. It’s well written and it’s phenomenal page.

Hahna, Kim and Twila have a good connection with as sisterhood, and friendship. They have a different background and unique way. They always be there for one others. They understand to each other without drama, and judgmental.

I’ll not give too many information about this book because I want my reader friends to read this book. I’m looking forward to read more from this author.

Good read:
Book Nerd/ Book Lovers
Interesting
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends and sorority sisters Kimberly, Hahna and Twila embark upon a ladies getaway. They are successful in their careers, yet unsuccessful in love, so each one accepts a challenge to go out with the next guy who asks. That’s when it becomes interesting.

Twila is struggling with an incident of the past, and is very reserved in her choice of partners and willingness to commit. But does it backfire in her face?

Kimberly accepts an invitation from a much younger man, whose date leads to an unexpected reunion with someone from her past.

Hahna has built a data information company from the ground up, and knows how to appreciate the fruits of her labor. She just wishes that her boyfriend felt the same way.

I enjoyed this 💎💎💎💎💎read by @tiffanylwarren and look forward to the sequel.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read about three women- Hahna, Twila, and Kimberly- who decide they're going to be the ones driving their love lives. Playing sugar mamma, though, isn't as easy or rewarding as they think it's going to be. The men they pick look like they'll be fun but you know what, sometimes fun becomes work and costs more than you expect. What's really important to these women is their relationship with each other. There's great dialogue (some of which is just a hoot), good characters, and a quick read of a plot which will have you periodically shaking your head. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Things I Should Have Known was a very good read. Friends/sisters/sorors Hanah, Twila, and Kimberly throw caution to the wind after their annual girls trip by forgetting their usual dating standards and vow to each become sugar mama’s. All black, educated, successful, and wealthy women desiring real love before they get any older. Will they succeed and find love or live a life of lust? This book was well written. The characters were authentic and realistic. I liked the sisterhood and bond the women shared. One thing I didn’t care for was the narrator on the audio version. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a page-turner.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read about three friends from college. It was interesting as to their outlook on me and the pact they make to try her things when it comes to men. Each has their own and it is interesting to see how this interacts with their friendship. The men in the book are typical. In fact, some situations in this book is typical, but it is a good read. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

[Rosetta Mandisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Warren is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed this book as it is not a typical boy meets girl, blah, blah, blah...happily ever after. There were a lot of unexpected twists in this story line. I liked the fact that I couldn't figure out what was happening right away. What I thought was going to happen is not what occurred. I also loved the bond between the three main characters. We should all have sister friends like this. Great read! Looking forward to the next one.

[Lakecia Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Sisterhood is so important. With siblings or with the best of friends or with your sorors....sisterhood means being there through the ups and downs and being thick as thieves. Hahna, Kim, and Twila found success in support of each other. But no matter how successful they were, they couldn't find love. It was only when they made a pact to drop some of their needless ideas of must-haves in a man did they find love. With Twila, she learned to love herself.

[Ruth Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about 3 friends who are sorority sister all have different careers but have problems with dating, so the went on a vacation and plan to maybe one of their standard to find love, Hahna and Kimberly found love but Twila found a man who cheat and pass on clamadyia. Hahna was set up so she was in trouble with her digital company her soror was blackmailed and pass off into to saved herself.These 4 ladies went through love ,betrayal and mistrust but they all survive. Lovely read

[Deborah Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Fantastic read! The characters showed all of their fears, concerns and their vulnerability with the choices they made. Of the three, two came out finding love. Not that it was an easy acceptance of their pact. But all in all it shows their is always somebody waiting to enter your life for the good.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am leaving my review voluntarily.

It was hard to relate to some of these characters and the storyline behind them. However, I liked the idea of the friendships and the way each of them supported one another. I would have liked to see an epilogue to find out about the “happy ending.”

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Values of friendship

This storyline was awesome. From the wager they made as friends to the outcome at the end, it was a definite awesome read. I loved the humor and you will definitely see that in one of the characters in particular and may I say we all have that one friend lol. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It’s a true love story:)

[Shelley Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author but it won't be my last time. This book is about sisterhood and what happens when three friends from college make a pack about men and relationships. It's fun and funny with glimpses of I own life at college. The author makes you feel like you are right in the room with the characters.

[Anna Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiffany your books are always a great read.
I loved the characters, story line was great. These ladies was really good friends always there for each. Sometime you look for love and guess what, you find it. We all have ups and down, keep on pushing and you can make it. Work hard get your own money, but money is not every thing, it helps. Live and enjoy life, I do.

[Veronica Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would Definitely Recommend

I enjoyed this book and its characters immensely. Even though these 3 women were wealthy, business owners they still had a lot of the same struggles as every other black woman and handled them with class and resiliency. It is refreshing to see that these types of stories about black women are becoming commonplace. I also enjoyed this writer's storytelling style and look forward to reading more from her.

[Keela · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5. A fun read. I could relate to the characters and their search for love later in life and the friends who always have your back. My only problem was the ending, but maybe that will be resolved for me in the next book which I'm definitely reading. I'm not ready to let these characters go.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

first time reader - will binge

I came
Across the authors page on TikTok and since we have the same name decided to give her a try. I was surprised and in the best way! This book was everything! So real and raw but passionately written!

Can’t wait to get in on part 2 and see what else the girls have going on!

[Vanessa Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about 3 women who feel very familiar. The female characters were developed enough that I could fully visualize them. The men, not so much, but it wasn’t really about them. Chapter 56 was short but powerful.