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The Vow Series #4
Things Hoped For: A Vow Series Spin-Off
Can two women who only want to be loved, find a home in each other when the world around them is moving too fast for them to settle down?
Growing up in an intolerant town, Latrisha Martin was used to shrinking the most important parts of herself. She hid her loneliness within a busy life and kept the yearning in her heart tucked away from those closest to her. Just as the façade became too heavy to maintain, Trisha received wise words from a strange woman that helped redirect her life's journey. On a whim, she relocates to Houston, and while adjusting to a new normal, she finds that those desires she'd once hidden begin to manifest in ways she never imagined.
With her star attached to a rocket ship, Xenobia Cooper was quickly transforming from a locally known talent into a name known in households across the nation. Viewed as an overnight success to many, the only thing that the veteran of the Houston underground music scene hadn't prepared for was living a life without someone to come home to at the end of the day. A reckless tweet sent out in the middle of the night brings an influx of women with stars in their eyes, but they all lack the key component that Xeno is looking for. A chance encounter after her largest show to date and she's convinced that those things she'd hoped for are just within her grasp.
The Vow Series
To Buy a Vow - Book 1
To Build a Vow - Book 2
To Break a Vow - Book 3
Things Hoped For - Book 4
Growing up in an intolerant town, Latrisha Martin was used to shrinking the most important parts of herself. She hid her loneliness within a busy life and kept the yearning in her heart tucked away from those closest to her. Just as the façade became too heavy to maintain, Trisha received wise words from a strange woman that helped redirect her life's journey. On a whim, she relocates to Houston, and while adjusting to a new normal, she finds that those desires she'd once hidden begin to manifest in ways she never imagined.
With her star attached to a rocket ship, Xenobia Cooper was quickly transforming from a locally known talent into a name known in households across the nation. Viewed as an overnight success to many, the only thing that the veteran of the Houston underground music scene hadn't prepared for was living a life without someone to come home to at the end of the day. A reckless tweet sent out in the middle of the night brings an influx of women with stars in their eyes, but they all lack the key component that Xeno is looking for. A chance encounter after her largest show to date and she's convinced that those things she'd hoped for are just within her grasp.
The Vow Series
To Buy a Vow - Book 1
To Build a Vow - Book 2
To Break a Vow - Book 3
Things Hoped For - Book 4
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
5 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Chencia C. Higgins
32 books516 followersChencia C. Higgins is just a girl from Texas who has made it her mission to create stories in which sassy, southern Black women are loved out loud. Her Carina Adores debut, D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding, was a New York Times best romance of 2022. When she isn't hunkered down in her writing cave, Chencia can be found with her nose in a book, saving recipes on Pinterest for things she’ll never make, and dreaming about travelling even further south for the winter.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 25, 2020
2020 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: Protagonist smells “uniquely like themselves”
It’s insta-love, and I say that as a compliment. Charming f/f novella featuring a rapper and new-to-Houston massage therapist. I really liked Xeno’s grappling with her change in celebrity status, particular the mixed feelings of bitterness and pride. Trisha’s friend group (Jade and Lisa) was a highlight.
I didn’t love that Xeno kept posting pictures of Trisha on social media without Trisha’s permission (yes, her eyes were cropped out but still. In general, I’m not a fan of posting pictures without explicit permission. Trisha didn’t seem to have a problem with it).
It’s insta-love, and I say that as a compliment. Charming f/f novella featuring a rapper and new-to-Houston massage therapist. I really liked Xeno’s grappling with her change in celebrity status, particular the mixed feelings of bitterness and pride. Trisha’s friend group (Jade and Lisa) was a highlight.
I didn’t love that Xeno kept posting pictures of Trisha on social media without Trisha’s permission (yes, her eyes were cropped out but still. In general, I’m not a fan of posting pictures without explicit permission. Trisha didn’t seem to have a problem with it).
August 9, 2020
I really wanted to like this novella - huzzah for f/f romance between women of color, written by a woman of color! A sweet message underpins Trisha's story arc, the consent around sex is great, and it's cute watching these two ladies fall in love.
On the other hand there are some info dumpy sections and the conflict is ill defined. One character doubts the relationship for a chapter or so, but things come together easily enough. I'm delighted these two found each other, but the HEA doesn't quite feel earned.
I may have liked the book better if I had read it in series order, but it doesn't quite stand alone.
On the other hand there are some info dumpy sections and the conflict is ill defined. One character doubts the relationship for a chapter or so, but things come together easily enough. I'm delighted these two found each other, but the HEA doesn't quite feel earned.
I may have liked the book better if I had read it in series order, but it doesn't quite stand alone.
July 20, 2024
Sizzling after a slow burn start, at least as novellas go. Sweet roller skating first date, and then Xeno and Trisha begin making room for this new love in their lives.
July 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this one - it was low angst which is what I needed right now. Trisha and Xeno are in different places in their lives professionally but that didn't seem to hinder their relationship at all. I liked seeing how Xeno grappled with potential musical fame and enjoyed Trisha's friend group and adjusting to a new city. I haven't read the other books in this series, I just preordered based on the cover but now I'm going to go back and read the others since this one was so good and the third of this author's that I've enjoyed.
April 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this quick, relatively uncomplicated love story. It was exciting experiencing Xeno’s growing celebrity with her. And watching Trisha decide to let herself be in love. But I think the length of the story kept me from really getting invested. I kind of, but didn’t necessarily feel their romance. I think because of the length of the book, things were summarized that I would have loved to read. I wonder if I would have appreciated it more had I read the book in the context of the series.
Even with my complaints, I’d still recommend it because it was short, sweet, and queer black love.
I enjoyed this quick, relatively uncomplicated love story. It was exciting experiencing Xeno’s growing celebrity with her. And watching Trisha decide to let herself be in love. But I think the length of the story kept me from really getting invested. I kind of, but didn’t necessarily feel their romance. I think because of the length of the book, things were summarized that I would have loved to read. I wonder if I would have appreciated it more had I read the book in the context of the series.
Even with my complaints, I’d still recommend it because it was short, sweet, and queer black love.
February 3, 2022
YES.
Latrisha is a busy body who isn't used to being able to show off the important parts of herself. Trisha gets a palm reading from a psychic that inspires a move away from her suffocating home town. She hopes this will be her chance at finding the things she most wants. Xenobia, better known as Xeno, is a rapper well known in the Houston music scene. Xeno's career is soaring up after years of hard work but she's left wanting for that special someone in her corner.
A chance encounter, amazing banter, the CUTEST freak'n dates, and a friend group that keeps you laughing made this such a great read. I loved all of the characters involved. If you've read D'Vaughn & Kris Plan A Wedding, you'll know this author has a WAY with showcasing healthy development in relationships and this book was no exception. These characters get to know each other over two months and the love that jumps off the pages made me SQUEAL. Every. Single. Time. I loved it! The steamy scenes at the end were SO GOOD. This book is only 150 pages long but managed to give such a thorough experience to Xeno and Trisha. I want this to be a movie as well. I want to be able to consume it in all forms. AHHHHHH. I really loved this. I'll probably say that too many times. If you are looking for a shorter form, sapphic adult romance, this absolutely has to be on your list. You won't regret getting to know these characters.
CWs: sexual harassment & groping of an MC (p. 22-23), cannabis use, on page sexual content, brief mentions of: homophobia, death of a parent
Latrisha is a busy body who isn't used to being able to show off the important parts of herself. Trisha gets a palm reading from a psychic that inspires a move away from her suffocating home town. She hopes this will be her chance at finding the things she most wants. Xenobia, better known as Xeno, is a rapper well known in the Houston music scene. Xeno's career is soaring up after years of hard work but she's left wanting for that special someone in her corner.
A chance encounter, amazing banter, the CUTEST freak'n dates, and a friend group that keeps you laughing made this such a great read. I loved all of the characters involved. If you've read D'Vaughn & Kris Plan A Wedding, you'll know this author has a WAY with showcasing healthy development in relationships and this book was no exception. These characters get to know each other over two months and the love that jumps off the pages made me SQUEAL. Every. Single. Time. I loved it! The steamy scenes at the end were SO GOOD. This book is only 150 pages long but managed to give such a thorough experience to Xeno and Trisha. I want this to be a movie as well. I want to be able to consume it in all forms. AHHHHHH. I really loved this. I'll probably say that too many times. If you are looking for a shorter form, sapphic adult romance, this absolutely has to be on your list. You won't regret getting to know these characters.
CWs: sexual harassment & groping of an MC (p. 22-23), cannabis use, on page sexual content, brief mentions of: homophobia, death of a parent
August 14, 2020
Fantastic
Content notes:
I love this romance so much! Trisha decides to move to Texas after having had her palm read two years ago and deciding she’s ready to find the love she deserves. Xeno is a rapper in Houston and when a big name shouts her out, her popularity suddenly shoots through the roof. Trisha and Xeno meet after one of Xeno’s concerts, and while at first Trisha is hesitant to jump in with both feet, a slow romance develops between them. Not only is the romance super sweet and sexy and wonderful, I absolutely adore the friendship Trisha has with Lisa and Xeno’s relationship with her twin brother, Xavier. This whole book brought me so much joy, and I would love to see more of Xeno and Trisha as their relationship continues to develop and strengthen.
Content notes:
I love this romance so much! Trisha decides to move to Texas after having had her palm read two years ago and deciding she’s ready to find the love she deserves. Xeno is a rapper in Houston and when a big name shouts her out, her popularity suddenly shoots through the roof. Trisha and Xeno meet after one of Xeno’s concerts, and while at first Trisha is hesitant to jump in with both feet, a slow romance develops between them. Not only is the romance super sweet and sexy and wonderful, I absolutely adore the friendship Trisha has with Lisa and Xeno’s relationship with her twin brother, Xavier. This whole book brought me so much joy, and I would love to see more of Xeno and Trisha as their relationship continues to develop and strengthen.
July 28, 2020
Spoiler-free, author's pre-release thoughts video: https://youtu.be/sPXBuY5C6FY
Buy links:
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | More Retailers
Buy links:
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | More Retailers
November 1, 2020
After receiving a serendipitous job offer in Houston, massage therapist LaTrisha Martin packs up and moves south. She doesn’t want to admit it, but she’s looking for love and quickly finds it with Xeno, a popular Houston rapper on the cusp of going national. This is a perfectly paced, tender high feels romance with such an intense burn. At a little under 200 pages this is a short book that left me wanting more. I also think the way Higgins handled the rapping was so smart. Sometimes lyrics can be cheesy in book and in this she doesn’t try to write lyrics but instead tells us what Xeno is rapping about and how it makes LaTrisha feel.
This is book 4 series so it does feel like you’re crashing a party but it’s still enjoyable as a standalone!
This is book 4 series so it does feel like you’re crashing a party but it’s still enjoyable as a standalone!
July 29, 2020
LOOOONGGG awaited (seriously I waited so long for this book and then the release snuck up on me) f/f romance. I wish I could be deep and eloquent but I literally just finished this book and wanted to post up that I rilly rilly enjoyed this read. Might come back with more thoughts, there were a couple of passages that I had to back up and read again. ANYHOO DIS GOOD. I find so few F/F romances that I enjoy This is a keeper.
October 18, 2020
This was extremely adorable. It's an novella, so the trope of the day is instant connection, which means instant gratification on cuteness, which was exactly what I wanted right now. I haven't read the rest of the series, since they are M/F and I wanted to skip right to the F/F, but it was easy to get into, and Xeno and Trisha are adorable together. Definitely pick this up if you want some cute short romance.
Read
December 6, 2020This had kind of a category vibe, I think people who enjoy categories would like this a lot. For me it was a bit short, and the conflict was a bit light. It had some tie ins to other books in this series, I think, and those really didn’t make a ton of sense to me, as this was the first I’d read.
The heroines were great, and I thought it was especially cool to see someone who is almost but not quite a star. I feel like I don’t see that type of fame in romance, and that was fun.
The heroines were great, and I thought it was especially cool to see someone who is almost but not quite a star. I feel like I don’t see that type of fame in romance, and that was fun.
August 2, 2020
FIVE STARS!!!
This book exceeded my expectations from beginning to end. Xeno & Trisha's love story pulled me in from the 1st page. I read this book in a day and a half, but I was satisfied with the ending, no stone left unturned. Love is Love, Period! My first book from this author, but most definitely not my last!!!
This book exceeded my expectations from beginning to end. Xeno & Trisha's love story pulled me in from the 1st page. I read this book in a day and a half, but I was satisfied with the ending, no stone left unturned. Love is Love, Period! My first book from this author, but most definitely not my last!!!
August 17, 2020
Perfectly Sweet!
I really love this book. I'm black and from Texas and it was like coming home for me. You know that feeling when you are the only other black person in the room. Trisha and Xeno romance felt real even tho Xeno is a rising celebrity. It was just sweet with a dash of sexy. Honestly, it was too short and I wanted to hang out with Xeno and Trisha a little more.
I really love this book. I'm black and from Texas and it was like coming home for me. You know that feeling when you are the only other black person in the room. Trisha and Xeno romance felt real even tho Xeno is a rising celebrity. It was just sweet with a dash of sexy. Honestly, it was too short and I wanted to hang out with Xeno and Trisha a little more.
October 1, 2020
Sooo cute!
At the end I literally was like "awww thats so cute" 🥰 From the genuine, mutual attraction to the temperament of both ladies, their entire journey was beautiful and definitely one to hope for and believe in for yourself. Read this for visualization assistance if you’re ready to attract the love you’ve always hoped for 💖
At the end I literally was like "awww thats so cute" 🥰 From the genuine, mutual attraction to the temperament of both ladies, their entire journey was beautiful and definitely one to hope for and believe in for yourself. Read this for visualization assistance if you’re ready to attract the love you’ve always hoped for 💖
July 29, 2020
Love. Pure love.
I knew I was going to love this book from the moment I read the author’s introduction. This is an absolutely beautiful love story, complete with a meet cute and a thoroughly satisfying ending.
10/10 definitely recommend
I knew I was going to love this book from the moment I read the author’s introduction. This is an absolutely beautiful love story, complete with a meet cute and a thoroughly satisfying ending.
10/10 definitely recommend
July 30, 2020
Short, Juicy, Sweet
And so much love. You could actually feel the love through the pages and it felt good. Loved the storyline and how everything came together, characters were good too and Tricia held her own.
And so much love. You could actually feel the love through the pages and it felt good. Loved the storyline and how everything came together, characters were good too and Tricia held her own.
July 31, 2020
Super cute
Xeno and Trisha are so adorable. I’m glad Trisha recognized what she’d potentially miss out on if she didn’t let go of the fear. I enjoyed catching up on the other characters from Chencia’s book universe. Great story!
Xeno and Trisha are so adorable. I’m glad Trisha recognized what she’d potentially miss out on if she didn’t let go of the fear. I enjoyed catching up on the other characters from Chencia’s book universe. Great story!
January 3, 2021
A solid 3.5 stars for me! I adored the character development, plotting, and setting of her Werewolves of West Texas series, and this wasn't quite as strong imo, but still a solid contemporary f/f (which is rare in itself). Rounding up for that, the butch rep, and that COVER.
December 20, 2022
I loved loved loved this
This was such a sweet and engaging story. I really connected with Trisha's reserve and wariness. Xeno's confidence and open-heartedness and patience was a thing of beauty to read. Highly recommend!
This was such a sweet and engaging story. I really connected with Trisha's reserve and wariness. Xeno's confidence and open-heartedness and patience was a thing of beauty to read. Highly recommend!
February 20, 2023
Love it!
Great low angst novella celebrating Black love and joy as well as Black excellence. It has great relationships not only between the MCs, but also with secondary characters. Fun and sexy read, definitely recommend!
Great low angst novella celebrating Black love and joy as well as Black excellence. It has great relationships not only between the MCs, but also with secondary characters. Fun and sexy read, definitely recommend!
August 24, 2020
My face hurts
I smiled the entire time I was reading. I really felt like an onlooker watching a truly sweet love story.
I smiled the entire time I was reading. I really felt like an onlooker watching a truly sweet love story.
May 20, 2021
This is a quick, sweet read.
April 15, 2022
This is great!!
May 7, 2022
Excellent read
I've read several books by this author and I'm always
looking forward to the next one! I'm hoping she doesn't stop writing !!!
I've read several books by this author and I'm always
looking forward to the next one! I'm hoping she doesn't stop writing !!!
September 16, 2022
This is a spin-off novella, and there are some nice little bits to the romance. But overall, the story doesn't really hang together and the plot kind of lacks tension.
September 25, 2023
This book had solid, well-built characters, and a relationship that i cared about, which is all i can hope for in a novella! I enjoyed reading it and it made me want to visit Houston!
September 11, 2020
This was such an endearing story! Trisha and Xeno were so vulnerable but yet so open to one another. Their journey to love was so light, fluffy and simply beautiful.
I enjoyed this story so much and couldn't keep the smile on my face from leaving.
Take a chance on Xeno and Trisha and see what they got going on. ♡
I enjoyed this story so much and couldn't keep the smile on my face from leaving.
Take a chance on Xeno and Trisha and see what they got going on. ♡
November 30, 2020
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews