Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Essence of You #1

Essence of You

Rate this book
Jasmine Green has always been unlucky in love. When she is dumped unceremoniously by text three years ago, she decides to only focus on friends, work, and law school and not necessarily in that order. But that suddenly changes while on her first girls' trip to Essence Festival when she literally bumps into Montana Keyes, a handsome, charming, and wealthy professional basketball player. There is instant chemistry between them and they enjoy a no-strings attached, passion-filled weekend.

While she is content to leave their weekend as a pleasant memory, Montana wants more and promises a future. And although she finds herself irrevocably drawn to him, she decides not to risk her heart on a man who has left a trail of broken hearts. As time passes Jasmine is unable to forget Montana and when they meet again she is surprised to discover he still feels the same. She now must make a choice to remain in her comfortable world or explore a new one full of passion and romance where the stakes are higher than she has ever known. Will she trust Montana, and more importantly herself enough to take a chance on love?

(Revised and previously published)

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2018

162 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Tiye Love

41 books201 followers
I want my readers to escape their realities and embark on a journey of self-exploration and love when they delve into my books. I have loved reading fiction, thrillers, and romance for years. Although my original (and still) writing interest was YA and self-help books, I received a surprise text one Valentine's Day, and wrote the very first chapter of a romance novel that day. And I became forever inspired to write contemporary and new adult romance - with a twist.

Please take a ride with me, Tiye Love and hold on to your hearts! I invite you to check out my website and join my newsletter at www.tiyelovebooks.com, and follow me on FB @Tiye Love Books, and/or on my IG @tiye28always...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
99 (55%)
4 stars
55 (30%)
3 stars
17 (9%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Tamela.
Author 1 book9 followers
August 24, 2019
A one night stand ain’t never killed anybody, right…love them and leave them is the understood pact…because ain’t nothing wrong with a little bump and grind, right. What happens when it’s time to part ways and the pull of the negative and positive ions evoke a powerful surge of energy that sounds like Beyonce singing ‘Before I Let Go.’ Could Father Fate have divine purpose when he intervenes and connects the beaten path with a chance meeting while business is being conducted? Is it even possible that love can blossom when fear and distrust rules one and lies and deceit shadows the other….can truth and trust join hands and form an unbreakable bond?

Jasmine Green is a walking billboard eliciting hymns of heartbreak and disenchantment as she secretly yearns for love, but the depressing lull of yesteryears overpower the simplest emotions…faith..hope…love. Montana Keyes, NBA superstar, renowned playboy, is enjoying the lap of luxury, romancing the most beautiful women that adore him…or maybe they worship all that he has amassed and all that is attached to his brand. Yet no one seems to notate the sadness that is of the essence of him.

When a man has become accustomed to getting all of his heart’s desire without any attachments, what happens when he is introduced to that ole devil called huck-a-buck…when he finally has to do what man was created to do…hunt his prey. Lady Love has whispered in her ear, showed her visions of how she could be cherished, but the stronger voice continues to supersede the element of submission that all things are possible, that she is a good thing, that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. When you are used to being the “Olivia Pope” to your family, how do you relax in the pursuit of happiness by the most charming predator…when you constantly hear the resonating ‘ribbits’ of the frogs from your past?

Essence of You is a mesmeric love tale reeking of life in all of its foolish gold brimming with possibilities on every end. EOY has a lyrical vein of realism saturated with questions, insecurities, sordid pasts, yet continues to reign with the thread of hope. It has your average moniker of friends and relationships, such as life, and the author does well with intertwining the secondary characters and their storylines amidst the purpose of this romantic love song of two. This was an enjoyable read, although I must say the indecisiveness of the main character irked me to no end, but there was enough in the development of the storyline to prod me to follow through to an inconclusive yet enjoyable end. 3.68
Profile Image for Mary.
921 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2019
A Long Ride

Loved Montana and Jas's story. A weekend at the Essence Festival in New Orleans ended with a whole lot of drama. One year later a lot more drama, infidelity and secrets. Jas finally got her HEA.
1,213 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2019
This is a long ass book 900 pages so I have a lot to decompress. This gonna be long

First thing first this is my first time reading anything by this author. I like her. Her style reminds me of a few of my fave authors so I’ll definitely be checking out her other books

Now on to the story specifics...

So far the only flaw with Montana is when he got mad and just left Jas in the restaurant. Otherwise he super sweet and attentive and very intune with Jas’s body in New Orleans

Jas style was 100% me. Every time she described it, I felt like she was talking about me. I’m also a Samsung head and refuse to be an iPhone snob. Natural, love reading. Not big into fashion love jeans and t shirt or sweats but clean up well. I really relate.

Carrie was trash. I hope Everette finds out and leaves he.

Wow Zena was way out of line. Calling Jas a bitch when she is the one that set her up. What a selfish heifer. She is lucky Jas is so forgiving. I’d say fuck yo wedding.

The wedding fiasco: Montana thought it was cool to be dancing inappropriately with someone who “is like his sister “ and obviously has a crush on him but mad that Jas is dancing with someone who was like a brother. Wasn’t feeling that at all. And Jas talking herself out of being mad made no sense. If she thinks she shouldn’t have tripped over shoshanna then he shouldn’t have tripped about Red.

OMG that wedding fight. All I can say is my initial assessment of Carrie was right, she’s trash. Probably had Darryl’s baby passing it off as Everette’s.

I swear both Jas and Montana have been annoying me off and on. Get it together people

Mac Black still has me cracking up

Pepper is a rude heifer. Sometimes Jas comebacks were lame but I peeped how Montana switched up from calling her his friend to girlfriend. Sending oh girl a message.

Montana’s speech in the car was 😭

Oh now when I learned what truly happened on Halloween 😭😭

I loved Deja giving Montana the talk. He was so sweet with their mom. ❤️

Poor Everette. I hurt for him all over again. And just when I was feeling sorry for trash Carrie she stoop to another low. Refusing to own up to her trash ass behavior with her parents.

Man I was so nervous as Jas confirmed Montana lied about pepper after hearing them argue about their past relationship. He lied to her, unprompted, for no reason on more than one occasion about pepper. I can’t just give His ass a pass for that. I don’t care how much he was defending Jas to her.

Can’t lie, during this intense moment and pepper called him a son of a bitch, I laughed when he said whoa, better not let my mother hear you say that. 😂

Wow at first I was cool on Montana’s moms bc she seemed standoffish to Jas but I really like that heart to heart she had with her and didn’t automatically act like her son was without sin.

I’m extremely disappointed that Montana only owned up to the pepper situation after her knew Jas overheard them. He was gonna just keep lying. That coupled with what his mother said, I was yelling for Jas to leave. He had to mess up Christmas with his lying ways.

Wow. I’m sorry that lie was unforgivable. He told her he didn’t sleep with anyone since he slept with her. He said it on more than one occasion and convinced her to have unprotected sex with that being a qualifier. I agree she still willing took the risk but I’m mad that he jeopardize her health by lying. “That night after you confessed your feelings for me, I wanted you badly and I didn't want to wear a condom, so I lied.” I’m sorry if this isn’t fuck boy status I don’t know what is. I’m very disappointed in Montana.

Instead of Montana telling Jas about his fam, she ended up telling him about why she stopped singing. Wonder how that happened?

I’ve said wow a lot but that meet up in Chicago with Montana’s family was eye opening. I still want to believe that his mom was looking out for Jas. But if she was really trying to sabotage bc of jealousy, then that’s a new low. Cali on the other hand is super cool and I really like her.

I really like Tariq. And was cracking up when he was teasing Montana

I appreciate that Montana’s mother was trying to make things up to Jas.

JC, Montana is wishy washy af and annoying the hell out of me.

The trip to the record store the best.💕 Having it live for the family was a nice touch

I would definitely reread this entire book from Montana’s POV. I’m glad we got a lot of the major arcs in his voice.

I thought we wouldn’t get anything about the wedding. Glad we got a little something something. What the hell is wrong with zena? She’s trying to compare her discomfort with Montana’s. For his wedding. If she doesn’t sit her ass down somewhere. Wow she said some mean ass shit. Fuck her being in the wedding, she shouldn’t even get an invitation.

The ending left me hanging and with a few unresolved issues regarding the wedding and friendships but all and all I loved this story. Even though it was long I didn’t want to put the book down.

4.5 rounding down for the ending
701 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2024
Jasmine, Girl Ordinaire Meets Montana, NBA Player Extraordinaire

CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!

This is the love story of Jasmine and Montana. Jasmine Green is a paralegal in her last year of law school. Her life revolves around her mother and younger sister. She meets her cousin, Carrie and her best friend Zena in New Orleans for a jazz festival. Montana is an NBA basketball player extraordinaire. He's in New Orleans on business and to meet up with his best friend, Tariz and another basketball player, Darryl. They both live in New York city.

Jasmine meets Montana in the lobby of their hotel lobby and there's an immediate attraction. Jasmine doesn't have any idea who Montana is doesn't have any idea who Montana is. She later finds out who is but doesn't think anything will come of their meeting. They keep running into each other and finally meet at the elevator and ends up in his penthouse and spends the night together. Zena meets Tariz and they fall in love and marry a year later in Jamaica.
Carrie, even though she's married, hooks up with Darryl which comes back to haunt everyone in Jamaica.

Jasmine doesn't know her father and because of betrayals by former boyfriends, she's full of insecurities and very distrustful. After a run in with his former girlfriend, she returns to New York. Jasmine has no idea that Carrie continued to see Darryl after returning to New York.

Jasmine and Montana meet again in Jamaica. They finally resolve their differences and again spend the night together. All hell breaks loose at the reception when Darryl confronts Everette, Carrie 's husband. Montana and Jasmine intervenes and takes different sides. Jasmine blames Montana, who is extremely angry. Even though they make peace before returning to New York, Jasmine doesn't see Montana for several months.

They finally meet in New York and acknowledge their love for each other. He meets her mother and sister and seemingly all is well. Or is it? Will she or won't she? Will he or won't he? Montana is secure in the knowledge that she will whenever he wants her.

The book sort of ended with a HFN. However, a couple of Epilogues from Montana's POV muddles everything. I've already bought the other books in the series, so we'll see what happens.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,056 reviews20 followers
May 28, 2020
I Don't Know

I'm on the fence with this book but I'm going to try to press my way with the next book. Jasmine and Montana are to old to be immature and playing the games that they're playing. One minute Jasmine ready to be with Montana and the next minute she doesn't because of her own insecurities and past. I don't see myself reading the last book if they keep on with this back n forth. I'm glad things with Tarik and Zena are going good. It's sad to say but Carrie got what she deserved for cheating on Everette repeatedly with Darryl. I felt bad the way that Everette found out. I shall see what happens next.
Profile Image for CaroMommie.
668 reviews8 followers
December 21, 2020
This entire series is 🔥! From start to finish I was engrossed and nervous, shocked, entertained, happy, sad, thrilled and happy as all get out.

It’s a page turner with the pacing as smooth as silk. I loved these characters and their antics. Clear out a block of time and get ready for the ride of your life!

This is a connecting trilogy, meaning the first two books have cliffhangers, but the third...the third brings it home, lock stock and barrel 🙂.

I definitely recommend this book and the two after it.
1 review
June 19, 2023
Love, love, LOVE this series! This is the second series I have from this author, and I was not disappointed. Each book shows us how these characters grow in love - and fight for their love. Jas is written from such a real point of view - I know women like her. Montana is a flawed man, but the love of a good woman makes him want to be a better man. The supporting characters helped build this story.

Currently looking for more series from this author; I am not a one book kind of reader :)
325 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2020
Attraction, Chemistry, Love

Jasmine and Montana had chemistry from the time they met. Jaz has trust issues but Montana wants to try to have an exclusive relationship with her. They have me on this roller coaster with them and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Kudos to Tiye Love for pulling me into another of her emotional stories. I’m onto Essence of Me to see where their story continues....
Profile Image for Tonia Sample.
31 reviews
August 26, 2021
I have questions

It took me 2 weeks to read this book. I don’t do well with flip flopping. Jasmine wore my last nerve. I don’t care for this type of read. I’m nervous about the next installment. I’m unsure if I will make it through the angst. I really liked the chemistry but Jas was doing too much flip flopping. Montana had his moments but Jas was too insecure and jumped to too many conclusions for my reading tolerance.
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,598 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2025
Montana and Jasmine, Loves Emotional Ride

This book was definitely an emotional roller coaster ride and I feel like the repetition of Jasmine and Montana going back and forth was beyond exhausting!!!…
I’m hoping the next books o this series is not all the back and forth!!!…I love that Tariq was able to find his love on their trip and settled down!!!…
Darrell know he was so wrong for his behavior at the wedding!!!…
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,662 reviews17 followers
March 7, 2025
Trackstars

I was pulled in from the jump and love the chemistry between Montana and Jasmine. However, as I read, I learned that they're both trackstars because they both run from love and each other. But they can't stay away from each other. Their chemistry and connection is too potent and too high. They're finally running the same path and I hope that they can continue to enjoy what they're building.
Profile Image for Ondria  Bacon.
554 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2024
whew

Although there is a lot of uncertainty in this, I was fully committed to reading to the end. I am in an all out search for the happiness Jas is looking for and the commitment Montana is trying to find. He is such a hard man to understand but intriguing also. I loved reading this. Ready to see what is next in their lives.

Happy Reading‼️
605 reviews
February 24, 2024
Whew!

I really don’t know what to write. I honestly really enjoyed the book but there is so much drama.

I would hope young ladies reading this book and are hung up on a man who doesn’t know how to treat her well would open her eyes and find the strength to walk away.

I know the reality of thirsty women will seek out men with money at any cost but love yourself more 😏
8 reviews
Read
March 22, 2024
No Sleep!!

O M G!!!
I sooo lover the book! So much that I çould not put it down til 5:00am.. It was really a thought provoking book. Iþ took me back to my college days! The love so shined thŕu for both JASMINE and MONTANA!! So many ups and downs! What a HELL of a ride! Twisting and turning!! I loved this book!! About to read bòk 2!! Thanks Much!! ;)
Profile Image for Shawnda   Booklover Hamilton.
21 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2020
My review for The Essence of you !! 5 stars!!

Essence of you was a great read thru and thru. The storyline was well develop, and made it easy to fall in love with the story. This book took me through every emotions that I could display or feel in one sitting. When I tell that I laughed, cried, fuss, and cussed this book caused me to do that and more.

The characters in this book were so real to me. Montana Keyes, was your normal guy that you either love or hate him there is no gray area with him. His views and thoughts on love and marriage was definitely different outlook, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see if his views change throughout the series, and if him and Jasmine on and off love affair will last.

Jasmine Green, is a very insecurity woman that is in search for love but when love comes in the form of Montana Keyes NBA player for the New York knicks, she takes herself and Montana on a roller coaster ride of their lifetime. Their love story made me feel like the were my friends, and I was pulling for their love, and their happiness. Essence of you will leave you want more, and ready to continue this trilogy to see what the end is going to be. #TeamJasmine #MontanaKeyes
104 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2021
Montana loves Jasmine

Montana and Jasmine have great chemistry. The just needed to get past their relationships or non relationships and realize that they belong together. Can't wait for part 2.
16 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2019
Love this story!

Theses characters will frustrate you yet make you continue to root for them all at once. Loved their love story
121 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2019
Nice story

Some of the drama between the two was a little over the top but I really enjoyed spend time with this book
Profile Image for Kay Shanee.
Author 68 books498 followers
May 1, 2019
Wooow

I can’t express how pleased I am that I stumbled across your books. This was an amazing read and I pray you continue their story.
Profile Image for Felicia Green.
53 reviews
September 29, 2022
Jasmine…

Oh Jasmine took me on whirlwind of emotions… I wanted to reach through this book and shake her 😂😂😂😂. I really enjoyed reading this book. Awesome job
Profile Image for Michelle ReadAcholic  F.
1,251 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2024
wow

This was a lot and Jasmine really was broken. Montana is something else though. They really have a complicated situation. Then the cousin she really showed out in New Orleans.
787 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2025
Jazz

Jazz goes to Essence Fest and she picks up more than what she bargained for! It was a great weekend but all fantasies eventually come to an end or so they? A great read.
Profile Image for Gen.
487 reviews
July 19, 2020
This was a solid 3 to 3.5. I quite enjoyed this book...but Jas was a bit annoying to me. It's clear that she needs sessions on someone's couch. There is a feeling of her being raped in the past (it's not explicitly mentioned...but some inferences lead me to assume this), then she was in an emotionally abusive relationship, she has body issues (weight and food were heavily discussed in the beginnings of the book) and then her mom's illness.

I really feel for Montana because he wants her, but she has so many hangups that affects their relationship that she won't even broach with him. I feel like sometime during that 14 month period, she should have been seeing a counselor at the very least if a psychologist wasn't in her budget or covered by insurance.

A lot of the storyline is this push and pull and while I want to see how this ends, it's also frustrating. Either have the woman deal with her issues in a proactive way or let her leave this man alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Adwoa.
112 reviews25 followers
July 25, 2023
This review is for all three books in this series.
There are authors who know how to include drama in their storylines in a way that makes actual sense. It contributes to the plot and makes the overall reading experience exciting. Then this author who loves drama, loves to extend the same issue and who absolutely sucks at including drama in a way that makes sense. This entire series didn’t need 3 books. The first book could and should have been enough. Except for some reason this author figured that it makes the most sense to write 3 long stories that somehow said the same thing. Cheating and insecurity was the theme in all the books.
There was just one teenager and the two parents but somehow the rest of the characters who were older behaved worse than the teenager. The tantrums, lies, deceit etc was a reoccurring theme because none of them have apparently heard of communication. I barely read high school/young adult books for this exact reason; unnecessary drama but somehow this book with the main characters who were thirty and above rivaled every single young adult book I’ve read in my life.
The exhaustion that comes with reading a book that has drama just for the sake of drama is out of this world.
I regret reading this. In case I didn’t communicate it well enough, I hated all three books. I just continued reading because I couldn’t believe that grown ups could be this dumb.
Profile Image for Malaika.
870 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2020
Wow!

So much to digest in 900 pages. Montana and Jasmine had the typical ups and downs of relationships. His stature in the NBA put it on a whole different level though. It was like relationship drama on steroids. A lot of their stuff was because of other people. Once they focused on each other, they were able to just be. Now Carrie, cousin or not, would be cut off. She was selfish even after what Everette did because of her. I’m not sure after all those pages why a sequel is needed. Their story could have been completed here, but I will check it out.

*Side note: I almost took off a star for the non word conversate being used. It’s converse and even spellcheck catches that so you have to try hard to keep that in there.
159 reviews
July 15, 2019
Another Good Read

Another good read from this author. One more book and I have completed your entire catalog. Out of all of the female characters in your books, Jasmine is my least favorite. I know she has issues, but I swear her thinking and some of her actions were beyond immature. There were plenty of times I had to put my kindle down because she aggravated me so. Lol. Signs of a good writer. But I'm about to check out part two now and hopefully Jasmine won't work my nerves too much this go around.
Profile Image for Kissa R..
127 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2019
Can't get enough I'm Hooked

This book has drawn me in like Tiye28 reading cult!! Montana & Jasmine has emotionally whipped me and I loved every bit of it. Because of this book I have read all of her books and Can Not wait for the sequels and next new book. She is so Good at character development and the chemistry of every couples in the books then their supporting characters are just so good!!! Like I said I can't get enough I AM Hooked!!
Profile Image for Katheryn.
219 reviews
July 9, 2019
Back and forth

This book was well written. Jasmine was behaving like a 14 year old and although she’d been hurt in the past, she was too immature. I couldn’t understand why her friends and even her family all felt the need to change or comment on her appearance. It was just a little unrealistic to me, but I did like Montana and his pursuit of Jas seemed genuine. I’m rounding my 3.5 stars up because it was definitely well written.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,029 reviews115 followers
July 1, 2019
PopOscillation

Oscillation, that's what the story felt like. A rapid back and forth repeatedly. I liked the story a lot. It just had the fan-effect much to my chagrin. The author tells a great story with a nice plot and appealing characters with Less talking.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.