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Nobody

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This book contains mature content.

Blurb:

Kane Westbrook has fallen from grace... Born from a wealthy, Christian family and living his life in Texas, the handsome, 6’5” former college football star and accomplished automotive engineer endured an unthinkable catastrophe, one that changed his life forever. He now isolates himself from the outside world, creating a cocoon of a false sense of comfort.

Jessica Franco is as level headed and calm as they come. She’s worked for years at the United States Postal Service, owns her own home and shares her space with a dear friend who can’t seem to get her own life together. Despite having a rather difficult childhood and being viewed as the ‘not so pretty one’ of her family and friends, she has not only survived, but thrived. Able to often see the silver lining in other’s misfortunes, she covertly rarely can see them for herself. Everyone loves Jessica, and though she appears well adjusted and centered, there are secrets and abundant pain she possesses deep inside, the kind of emotions that tear her apart in more ways than one. Suffering from always being the bride’s maid and never the bride, Jessica’s life begs the question, “Is beauty really only skin deep?”

Kane and Jessica meet in the most simplest of ways but their complicated lives intertwine. A bond of understanding and intrigue is formed that neither expected, yet, it’s too amazing to release. Fate came knocking, and they answered. The unexpected package of love was Signed. Sealed and Delivered.

Will Kane be able to escape the prison of his own mind and follow his heart to make a life with Jessica? Will Jessica be able to open herself up like the flower she is, be vulnerable enough to accept Kane’s love and most of all, believe that she is deserving to receive it?

Read, “Nobody,” to find out!

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2019

117 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Tiana Laveen

98 books510 followers



Tiana 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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5 stars
220 (64%)
4 stars
81 (23%)
3 stars
31 (9%)
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9 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for SassafrasfromAmazon.
1,170 reviews74 followers
March 15, 2024
5.0⭐️ Wow! I didn’t know I’d read such an incredible, phenomenal book so soon in the year. Yet, here I am in total awe. I am familiar with Ms. Laveen’s books, their grittiness, their eroticism, their realism and authenticity. I’m not certain about what I expected from this book, but it surpassed all expectations. This book tackles some really weighty subjects that aren’t often written about or even meaningfully discussed. I applaud this author for undertaking such a monumental task so beautifully.

Despite giving us the unvarnished truth about colorism, mental illness, racism, religious hypocrisy and our perceptions of beauty, this book still manages to be filled with laugh-out-loud humorous moments. The sex was 🔥🔥🔥, and I couldn’t help falling in love with Jessica and Kane. Ms. Laveen didn’t skimp on the development of all those zany, colorful secondary characters either.

Aside from some editing issues e.g., dropped or missing words, mostly at beginning of the book, this book hit all the right notes. Simply put, the book is stupendous.

NB: I’m aware that my review lacks specificity regarding the book’s synopsis. Sorry. Couldn’t do it justice (hey I know my limitations)😆. These are my impressions about the book, not a rehashing of the plot. I’ll leave that in other capable hands. Also be mindful that there are triggers.
308 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2019
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

I have read many of TLs books and this one is the best one so far. I'm Jessica. I'm the dark child people loved to hurt. The little girl who was told she was fat, black, nappy but happy. The 13 yr old who was told to thank God that she was smart bc no one would ever marry her. Never love her. Never want to take care of her. I was the woman who learned to protect herself by leaning how smile and laugh at her pain. Walking around wearing a fan mask. I loved this book for so many reasons. I laughed. I cried. I laughed and then cried some more. I cheered for Jessica and wished that every woman who was ever made to feel less than bc of her dark skin had a Kane. This is a must read for anyone who has ever felt like a nobody. I loved this book. Keep writing TL. Keep writing.
39 reviews2 followers
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December 7, 2019
When nobodies find their somebody....

Jessica is a giver. Whether it be family or friends, she is always pouring into other people, sometimes to the detriemnt of herself. And when she meets Kane, she meets someone who also needs her help, but she also finds a kindred spirit and someone who believes in reciprocity. Kane is smitten with he from the moment he lays eyes on her. He loves her energy, her zest for life and her love of chess.
He pours back into her, filling her to overflowing with love even as he is battling his own demons. He becomes her mirror, letting her see the beauty that was always there but she had difficulty seeing due to a record that has been playing in repeat in her head because of hurt and trauma.
Kane and Jessica's love story is one of overcoming hurts, physical, emotional and psychological. The lovers stories parallel each others closely. While Kane's has closed himself off physically, Jessica has done so mentally. Both as defense mechanisms. Jessica, in a sense, is every woman. She nurtures, she encourages, but when it comes time to accept a helping hand or praise, she brushes it off, not wanting to impose or seem too proud. Kane is trying to deal with fears from an accident and things left unsaid to a dear friend. To watch the pair emerge from their respective shells is beautiful. The metamorphosis. The growth. The acceptance. This story is real and raw, surely to leave you doing a lot of self reflection. What are you holding on to that is impeding your progress, keeping you from becoming your best self?


Profile Image for Sim Gee.
152 reviews14 followers
December 7, 2019
Must read

I couldn’t put it down. Kane and Jessica called to me. Their stories came to life and drew me in. My heart broke for them, and felt immense pride as they navigated their journey with strength, compassion and humour. It’s so poignant but that sadness is fleeting in the face of the triumph of love. This is a must read!!
Profile Image for Cleo.
417 reviews
December 9, 2019
King Kane!

There is far too many parts to this story that I love! This is just my second book by this author and let me say wow, whew, emotionally drained and refilled. The racial lines drawn and the falling in love with someone while finding and falling in love with yourself. A swelling love story that makes you really see these characters the way Ms Laveen meant us to! This a book for girlfriends to dig into. And I do hope Melissa gets her story. Well done and. Laveen!!
Profile Image for Khanique McDaniel.
1,199 reviews36 followers
October 5, 2021
Tiana Laveen is a poet and an advocate. Once you pick up one of her novels, you will know that.

Unfortunately, that style of writing might not work for many people. I am one of those people.

I understand the need to use your platform to give a voice to those who have none and to educate those who are unaware. Especially as it relates to race.

If this were years ago, before I found myself, I would have probably received this book better. But I am in a space right now where this book didn't have the intended effect on me as a black woman.

Did I enjoy it? Mostly. But what's the rush? I felt like it was insta everything. I found myself asking some of the same questions Jessica did. Is this a date? Is she convenient because you are a shut-in?

Most importantly, why now?

I believe in change and fighting your demons but usually, there is a catalyst. Especially something that is mental and not a bad day, month or year. A genuine phobia that has you by the balls for two years requires more than a pretty smile and a chess pendant.

So much of the interaction that would endear them to each other and us was done off-page. So I found myself reconciling a first date escalating to a joint therapy session. I can't fathom that deep a connection in four days. But then, insta-love novels have never been my forte.

On top of that, I feel like I know Jessica's friends and Kane's family. Mostly Jessica friends. But I don't feel like I really know the main characters. I know the thing they struggled with when they met but I wanna connect with them as individuals and as a couple. I also want to really hash out the race issues. Uncle Black Lion had some points.

There is almost too much going on in this novel. Sexual assault, agoraphobia, racism, death, self-esteem issues, etc. Which could work but then some issues got lost and some never made it to the party. Like the romance.

It is very obvious that this book means a lot to the author and I am not tearing it down. I did enjoy it for the most part. I certainly laughed. But I also feel like it alienates a good chunk of readers and it's probably the ones you want to educate on the perils of interracial relationships and the struggles of the black woman.

Balance is important and I don't think this book had it.
Profile Image for Peace.
725 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2021
This book was so emotional. The storyline was profound. The characters were complex. And the writing was outstanding.

I highly recommend. It will move you on so many different levels, make you think, make you cry, and bring you joy.

Oh, and the music playlist is fire!
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
December 25, 2019
Think Book

This book had a lot of things that made you think. I'm glad to read a book where everyone's not beautiful. It's a refreshing change!!!
Profile Image for Tosin King.
84 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2020
Great book

I need to create a playlist of the songs in this book. I love this story, some parts made me literally laugh out loud and other parts made me sad.
Profile Image for Pamelon.
929 reviews17 followers
December 18, 2019
KANE & JESSICA AWESOME READ!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Ohhhhh, how I loved "NOBODY". This book was outstanding. Kane, Jessica and the other cast of outrageously funny characters just did it for me!!! I felt as if I was in the room witnessing it all. When you spoke of masks it just rang so true. It made me think of people being "color struck". Thinking that anyone darker than a paper bag was unacceptable or useless. I loved how Kane and Jessica found their truth and lifted each other, regardless of what others thought. Familiar strangers are the worst kinds. Thank you for always showing up and showing out with your books! Love Alicia!!You rock! ❤
Profile Image for A.
416 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2019
I struggle....

The story covers some heavy topics. However, each topic is addressed tastefully. I love Jessicas spirit. She was truly beautiful on the inside. I couldn’t determine if she was truly ugly or only considered ugly because of the tone of her skin. Colorism at its finest.
I would have liked to know if Kane’s mother changed. I would have also like to have known how Jessica’s mom dealt with Jessicas revelation.

Their faith was on full display. I like that.
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,161 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2020
They both had masks to shed

Jessica Franco, a mail carrier never expected what she found when she took on a new route. She was blown away by the man she saw at his front door. It had been a long time since she'd seen a man that made her tongue-tied at the sight of him. It was obvious to her that Kane Westbrook was a lonely man and in need of dire help.

Kane never felt so comfortable in a woman's presence as he had Jessica's. Her skin was darker than he'd ever seen. There was not one pimple, wrinkle, blemish, smile line or crease. She was ageless, to him she was beautiful. She made it easy for him to open up to, to talk to, to confess his sins to. She had that magic touch that made everyone relax in her presence. She had that Black Girl Magic.

But Jessica wore a mask for everyone else so they could be somebody at her own peril because she was nobody. She was tired of being overlooked and passed by, of being invisible, tired of being told she had to settle, tired of being picked last. She was harassed all of her life because of her looks. She felt like she needed and wanted true love. She'd been told that there was someone for everyone but felt as though her man resided on the moon and she had no way of getting there, until Kane. He was smart, educated and funny and he took her breath away. She became his air he breathed that helped him to shed the mask he was hiding behind that even professionals couldn't do. She gave him a reason to drop that mask he felt comfortable in hiding behind. She'd stolen his soul and sucked it right out its shell. They helped each other to heal and drop the mask and allow their true selves to be revealed. They took that hard journey together.

Tiana wrote a beautifully well-written story with complicated characters that were well developed. They went from fragile beings hiding behind protective masks to shed them into becoming complete and whole because they gave each other the true love and supportive safety to do so. This story ran the gambit of situations from grief, resulting in agoraphobia, child abuse resulting in hiding one's inner self, covert racism and colorism to name a few. I couldn't put this book down and did not want it to end. I was so proud of Kane for developing into the man he did because of his love for Jessica. He stood his ground where she was concerned. I also loved how supportive Jessica's best friends had her back. Melissa and Alicia were her ride our die BFFs that were funny as hell. I just loved the comic relief throughout the book that was needed considering the serious and heartbreaking topics that were within. That serious heart to heart conversation that Jessica and Melissa had got me all choked up. But the talk that Kane had with his mother brought me to tears. Now that was true love and I feel so happy that Kane and Jessica were able to get their much needed and deserved HEA.
Profile Image for Michele Hallahan.
260 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2019
Beautiful

This story was absolutely beautiful. From the connection between two complete strangers, to the unbreakable bonds of friendship. I felt Jessica's pain like it was my own. I hurt for her like she was my best friend and needed my comfort. I was so happy to see that she had true, genuine, loving people in her life, even if they didn't realize how deep her pain went. I was even happier when someone, even though he was dealing with his own debilitating issues, stopped long enough to notice the magic that surrounded her like an invisible cloak. This story touches on some very sensitive topics, some of which will bring tears to your eyes. That's not the focal point of this book though, healing, love and laughter is, and we get loads of it. It was romantic and sexy, the chemistry between Jess and Kane is perfect. They start out as friends, but that quickly changed once Kane realized the gift that landed in his lap. It was laugh out loud funny at times. Her two best friends, and her mom were a great comic relief for Jess' life. They were borderline crazy, and I loved them as much as I did Jess and Kane. I love this authors characters. They are down to earth, slightly flawed and usually imperfect, but that's what makes them relatable and enjoyable. This was touching, sexy and hilarious and I loved it from start to finish.
Profile Image for Sierra J.
24 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2020
Stunning

For those of you who hasn’t read any of Tiana Laveen’s books before she is the type of writer who likes to paint a picture. She is an painter and the way she paints her picture is through words and music. The music she mentions in her books help creates the scene she’s trying to paint for us. This is why she suggests we go back and reread the scenes w the music. Even though Tiana’s stories are IR she DOES NOT bash black men in the process. Possible readers please do not believe any reviews that mention such.
Now for my review: Initially I didn’t know how I felt about Nobody once I was done due to the fact it wasn’t like any of her work that I have read before. This read was more TOPIC = PRIMARY, ROMACNE = SECONDARY. Once I processed everything I freaking love this book!! It freaked me out that I was reading a book that talked about colorism during this time in May 2020 when everything race related was happening. Can both light and dark skinned people experience colorism? Get ready to be in your feels, think, think some more and fall in love with Jessica and Kane. Nobody hits home, what happens when the nobodies get seen.
Profile Image for Michelle.
289 reviews
June 26, 2020
Seen and Loved

Kane and Jessica had an amazing story. Their love began as friendship and grew like a well tended garden. They had too do some rooting out of fears, traumas, and preconceived notions of how things should be or how things were.

My heart broke for Kane and as I leaned about him I wished for his recovery and healing. I was the was h began to make small strides in recouping his hone, life and joy. He took baby steps until he could talk long strides. He did it all with best friend helping him every step of the way.

Jessica reminded me of myself further she was always there helping others and not asking for much, if anything, in return. She saw Kane struggling and decided to become his friend and help him get his act together. As they became friends their love grew and seeped into those wounded places and began healing them.

Their journey to happily ever after was an awesome ride and Tiana Laveen told it well. The flow was awesome and the weaving of their back stories kept the reader also run their world. Job well done!!
6 reviews
January 18, 2020
LHenry

This is a great read. The characters are true, the scenarios relatable, and overall, just a great book. Things were unclear though, like why the bad English, from both main characters? The physical description of Jessica, was she ugly because of her skin tone or was she just ugly? I get that the reader can draw their own conclusions, but why introduce that so late in the book? I know I'm not a writer, but it was obviously not necessary and for me just a method to layer the story more. That unfortunately was not needed. As the reader, I thought there were other things that could have been used in place of that.
Overall, this is a 5-star book,but because of the things mentioned above, I had to give it 4 stars. I will read again in year or so, and I will always read this author's books and stories. Her talent is hard to match. Customers, you'll enjoy it so read it.
471 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2019
One of my Favorite Couples

Jessica and Jane's story was very uplifting. I love the way Me Laveen handled the issues that still plague the Black Community, that's Colorism. The other tragic issue of abuse was also handled well. Jessica is such a strong and beautiful woman, and like many of us, she excelled despite false narratives and phony constraints others try and place in you.
I was surprised by the level of trust Kane developed with his Jessica. You could tell that that trust and growing love is what helped him out of his malaise.
I also loved Jessica's friends, Melissa and Alicia. Those two were a mess, but perfect for Jessica.
Again, love this book. I'll now look for other offerings by this Author.
Profile Image for MichelleVeiga.
230 reviews
April 21, 2020
Checkmate!

Oh my where shall I begin? Jessica is a mail truck driver/delivery person. She has seen a lot on her routes but nothing prepared her for meeting her 6'5 future King. Kane has had life deal him a crappy hand. This big beautiful man has a little problem. No worries Jessica sees something in Kane that will trigger a love between them for the ages. They also realize they share a love of the game of chess. I'm so glad the author touched on the issue of " dark skin beauty ". Jessica doesn't see it but Kane sees her beauty inside & out. This is a beautiful love story with scorching hot sexual chemistry. Enjoy! 😍
334 reviews
January 11, 2020
Oh my. What to say?

Please don't let the title fool you because it caused me to delay reading it. It was one of the best books I have read in a while. The characters were so broken that they sabotaged their happiness and life to just be able to live. This is truly a love story. Like Jesus did for us. He sacrificed himselflf for us. Jessica did that for her friends. Sacrificed her happiness for others, she was slowly dying. Kane was just there until death pretty much came for him. So glad that two souls found healing and happiness. They could help others.
115 reviews
May 15, 2020
Beautiful and gripping love story

This is a beautiful story of two people that are fighting their own demons and find each other. It has a great storyline, characters that are so real, and the author takes you on an emotional journey. I was sad, angry, happy, and I laughed so hard in parts. Kane and Jessica are such a beautiful couple, and their love story is touching and beautiful to read.
This is another great story from one of the best authors out there. You will not be disappointed with this amazing story.
772 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2019
Hiding in plain sight

This story dealt with so much pain, so much need and so much love. somehow this became a reminder for people to stop hiding and stop running from life. There are so many people today who struggle with mental illness because they try to fit the mold or become what they are not. Isolation, fear and guilt is leaving so many people depressed and mentally low. I'm so happy this couple worked out their issues, if only real life could be like this for the many!
Profile Image for Denice Williams.
4 reviews
December 13, 2019
Yassss!

I have enjoyed many of Tiana Laveen books but this just may be my favorite thus far! Jessica and Kane where perfectly imperfect and such good people. I loved their passion, their struggles, their love, and even Jessica's crazy friends and family. I don't usually leave reviews, but once in a while I'm moved to. Thank you for giving me this little gem. It hit all my feels, in the best way.
Profile Image for Kaygee.
338 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2019
Jessica Met Kane...

This book was wonderful. From the moment Jessica met Kane the story was enthralling. He was damaged, and she helped pick up his broken pieces. It was humorous, it was intense, it was a damn good read. There was racial, skin tone, beauty issues all up in this book. But it all worked out. I didn't get bored at all reading this book, I finished it in one day, I couldn't put it down.
5 reviews
February 9, 2020
Good morning wow this is one of the best books that i have read in ages ,it spoke to me on so many different level ,its what life is about so what i will do is to recommend it and this book will speak for itself .Well written,


Yes i did ok some time we go on our way ,on any given day we dont know who we might meet whose life we might impact.be kind to onother human being love this book
165 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2020
Poetry

Tiana is such a gifted writer. Her words flow onto the pages and are a joy to behold. This beautiful love story is about Kane, a man struggling with mental and emotional demons, and Jessica, who had her own struggles but reached out to Kane to form a human connection. Read this book to weave through their authentic friendship, how their love blossomed, and how they abandoned the masks that were stifling them from being their best selves.
92 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2019
What can I say?

Ms. Laveen is simply wonderful. I am truly a big fan. Her stories romance you, educate you, make laugh and cry. This here "Nobody" dealt with so many topics from self loatheing, misplaced quilt to discoverying self worth and to learn to love. Highly recommend to read all her books. Ms. Laveen continue doing what you do. Great job!
8 reviews
December 27, 2019
Emotional indeed!

I absolutely love every bit of “Nobody”. I didn’t want it to end, and the topics that came up were very real and emotional, it’s something that a lot of women of color hell even some men of color go through on a daily basis. The love in this book was real. Thank you for yet another awesome read Mrs.Tiana Laveen you never disappoint.
Profile Image for Latasha No Drama.
33 reviews
December 30, 2019
Somebody!!!!

I absolutely loved this novel. The pain Kane and Jessica went through truly touched my soul and I was soo glad they had each other to lean on for help and support. I related to Jessica’s childhood soo much because I went through the exact same thing. It felt like Ms. Laveen wrote Jessica childhood based on my experience. This novel is a MUST READ!!!!
3 reviews
January 2, 2020
Hits home in so many ways.

The author is an excellent story teller. I was caught up in the love story and just as in awe as the characters. Her story is a story that needs to be talked about. His was insight into another world. Great job author. Can't wait to see what else you got out there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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