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Never Should've Let You Go #1

Never Should've Let You Go: A Hood Love Story

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“Tryna love two sho’ ain’t easy to do.” Music producer Zion Brown felt every word of that lyric. When his girlfriend discovered she was pregnant, Zion was determined to step up and do the right thing by her. Then... there was Nahla Sullivan. She’d been his best friend until friendship wasn’t enough. They’d crossed the line once, bringing unexpected complications. To save their relationship, Zion and Nahla agreed to keep it “just friends.” But when he reveals his wedding plans, Nahla starts planning as well. She’s not about to lose her first love without a fight. Suddenly, Zion is feeling like he never should’ve let her go... Wraith Ford knew women. He could spot a manipulator and gold digger in an instant. Zanaida Brooks had all the signs—flawless face and body, a lavish life, and a string of wealthy ex-boyfriends. She was just the type of chick he curved on the regular... except, he couldn’t leave the bossed-up beauty alone. Falling for her was too easy and Zanaida was falling right along with him. Still, she wondered, if Wraith couldn’t get over what he thought was her past, how could they have a future?

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2018

923 people are currently reading
370 people want to read

About the author

Elle Kayson

46 books1,355 followers
Published Author.

Exasperated Mother.

Southern Cook.

Angsty, Beautiful, Clueless Mess.

That's me, in short. I've been writing since elementary school and won my first prize in seventh grade. I am a romantic at heart and love a happy ending! Join me on this writing (and reading) journey--you won't be disappointed!

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5 stars
973 (78%)
4 stars
202 (16%)
3 stars
51 (4%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
Profile Image for Delonya.
697 reviews20 followers
May 11, 2019
Final Rating 4.75 Stars
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews31 followers
May 14, 2024
Hunni

All the flashbacks were a lot. Poor Nahla , she just want her bff. Zion is the same. So much going on.
Profile Image for J-maa.
98 reviews
March 23, 2025
Elle Kayson and I go together real bad at this point. I can’t wait to get into part 2😫
Profile Image for Pam Smith.
143 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2018
Ohhhh I loved this book!!!

No you didn't end this book like this!!! I'm over here going through it not being able to finish this book right away. I loved all the characters in this book especially Zion and Nahla I hope in the next book you put them together where they belong and Wraith and Zanaida I loved them too I hope they are going to become a couple as well I really like Zanaida her willing to tell it like it is and Wraith is just the same way they are made for each other HURRY with the book please!!!!! I love reading your books they are always a page turner always entertaining.
371 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2022
Lessons in jealousy

This juvenile tale of adults not acknowledging their feelings and playing immature games did nothing but remind me of high school. All I could do was shake my head. The storyline is nothing but a sad commentary on a group of adults who are stuck in their traumatic childhoods and not one even considered therapy. Not one has a friend mature enough to give them a blueprint on adulthood or a map to living in the land of the present. Heal that suffocating pain so clear, nontoxic air can enter.
Profile Image for Aniya Walton.
207 reviews
October 1, 2018
Amazing

I loveee it!! From beginning to end it was good. I wish Zion and nahlij would stop playing and just be with each other especially after finding out his son that past and I’m glad she showed up at the end ! Wraith and zani is my favorite but wraith don’t know how to talk to women because of his mother and I hope they get zani uncle. Will we learn anything about Xavier and his girl and about young with nadia
907 reviews
June 17, 2022
Zion needs to get it together. He and Lexi two peas in a pod in loving different people. I feel there’s much more to him and LaLa situation with her mom and I kind of figure out what it is.

Wraith Lordt be a fence with this man because he got a mouth of him and he and Zanaida are a hot mess!

It was good seeing crazy Tre LOL 😂.
Profile Image for Tracy donald-rose.
42 reviews
July 1, 2018
Excellent

I'd what's going on but where is pt2??? I mean you can't leave us readers hanging here, I'm dieing here
729 reviews16 followers
October 15, 2019
Hum, heart pounding and all, man this was good!!!

My second read from MS. Kayson, and even though it started out slow, albeit a tad boring even, it was still heart pounding, a little laughter and relatable.
Nahla man, if she was not scared and all, this would have taken a different route but, ok...a nice young lady, bright, vibrant, beautiful and down right the whole package, but is still trying to make her live life flourish.
Zion, intelligent, bright handsome, the leader of his pack, hood, ga gangster but still a teddy bear, need to man up, grow some "cohones" and be a man.
Wraith, wow... I don't care how damaged you will say you are, you needed to grow more and fast because you are truly a despicable man. Why would you treat her as such? If you think all woman is like that, than why talk to her? I was rooting for you, but you make it difficult.
Zanaida, ok, now, I am all for some down time, some self loathing, but as of right now, you truly get on my nerves because if you keep feeling sorry for yourself, every one will (take it from me doing this all of my Iife)... Grow up as well!
Young, Nadia, Xay man unfortunately MS. Kayson hasn't given you too much exposure, but for the little bit, well you are good, specially You g and Nadia.
Lexie, you deserved that Karma's visit to you and for you to loose everything, Zion, Ian, etc.. And you are left with your worst nightmare... All I am saying for now as I want to read this finale to make a full review...
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,015 reviews19 followers
July 7, 2018
Oh My Gosh!!!

I can't wait for the next book to come out!!! Zion and Nahla fell in love at first sight in junior high school. I was totally blowed in the end to find out they produced a son on her prom night and first time that passed away. Her mom was so shady to make Zion believe that Nahla aborted his baby. I want to punch Wraith in the face for how he keeps talking to and treating Zanaida knowing she was abused. I love how previous book characters are related and intertwined with this book. Like Bones and Wraith brothers and Shamar, Tremell Kinsley's wife, and Nahla cousins. I was like wow about Young and Nadia being caught kissing. I almost passed out when Tre sat down to tell Lexi a story about her cheating on Zion and possibly pregnant by another man. Nahla received a text and goes to shut down Zion and Lexi's wedding. I think it was Shamar who texted her to tell her what Lexi had going on.
Profile Image for NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula.
259 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2025
Book 10 of Shelf September
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5)
Listen, this one had my heart and my side-eye in equal measure.

Ms. Kayson pulls you into messy, beautiful lives that feel like they’re happening on my block...juicy, complicated, and impossible to ignore. The drama hits hard: secrets from prom night, close-knit family ties showing up in the most explosive ways, and betrayals that made me clutch my phone like it owed me an explanation.

Zion is the soft center underneath that streetwise swagger- he’ll make you sigh and shake your head in one chapter. Nahla is luminous but haunted, and her past is handled with real emotional weight. Wraith and Zanaida’s storyline is raw and uncomfortable in the way that makes you want better for them both- especially Wraith, who needs a reality check and quick. LaLa and Zion’s chemistry is the steady ship in the storm; I was rooting for them the whole way. Side characters- Bones, Shamar, Young, Nadia...weave in perfectly, giving this book that shared-universe richness I adore.

Tre’s boldness had me convinced he’d drop the truth and when it lands, whew, the room changed tempo. Lexi got what felt like instant karma and the fallout? Chef’s kiss chaotic.

Dont fight me but i felt the pacing dipped in spots, and a few reveals felt telegraphed too soon, which keeps this from a full five stars. Still, the dialogue snaps, the emotions land, and the twists hit with real heat. If you want urban romance with vibes that are emotional, messy, and deeply human. Yup, this one’s worth your time. Fun, fierce, and full of heart.
Profile Image for Tierra.
399 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2018
BFF or Die

I loooovve her writing. The book had me laughing so much and made with both Nahla and Zion. The funniest part was how Wraith trifling mama came up with his name. I wouldn't tell anyone my real name either. The book is like a romantic comedy. Nahla is about her business and she don't play no games about the love she has for her best friend. Zani character stood out to me. She has her secrets but she a really strong person. Wraith was rude and disrespectful but could take being ignored. With his mean tail. I always enjoy Elle's book because I know she is going to give me a good laugh. That ending though caught me offff guard, Nahla is not the one to be soft.
99 reviews
February 17, 2025
That cliffhanger though!

Honestly I can’t wait to start this next book just on how this book ended!! I’m not sure if it’s because we were introduced to Nahla first, but I was rooting for her and Zion from the jump! Then after finding out the dilemma Lexi was involved in, I’m curious to find out how she’s gonna get out her jam, especially if Ian gets out 😳. On a separate note, I love how Elle Kayson incorporates characters from other book series- it’s like a continued storyline for them and I love it. I plan on reading her entire catalog. Spice level was 4/5. I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for huanna prentice.
216 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2018
Omfgggg

Elle you out did ya self AGAIN!!!!!!! I fully enjoyed this book and I can't wait for part 2!!! I really thought that Tre was gonna break it up because he warned that heffa Lexi....I wouldn't be surprised if Mouse didn't already spill the tea about her trifling ass!!! Ima need Wraith to get his shit all the way together!!!!... His overtly assuming behind is irking my entire soul!!!.... I wanna slap slob out of Lala's mother she is the pitts man!!! Hurry with part 2.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 as usual💃👌
939 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2018
Great read

This was such s good read! I hope Nahla gets her man because her and Zion are good for each other. I was going that the Kinsey men would come I and stop the wedding! Now to Wraith and Zanaida they need to stop playing with each other and become a couple. Why didn't Wraith know that reality tv is not reality! He needs to stop worrying about the outside world and get his woman. You write so well and you've woven past families in your book which is clever. I can't wait til the next book drops! Please don't make us wait long!
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
399 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2024
Elle don’t miss

If you loved smoke in demons dream or demons dream in general, if you loved the Kinsey brothers series then you will definitely love this book. Nahla’s character is similar to smokes character in demons dream & I loved it. The fact baby girl wasn’t backing down & was determined to get hers. This book had spice, single dad, friends to lovers, drama, plot twists, possessive MMCs. It was soo good. The writing of this was really good too. I usually don’t like when there’s flashbacks in a story but this one was done extremely well. It flowed smoothly.
268 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2024
Drama with Flavor

Love me some Nahuatl and Zeni,Zion and Wraith,not so much. These “ so call thugs,can only be tough when it has nothing to do with their feelings. So disappointed in these “thugs” who had to grow up in the hood,but afraid to show any real feelings for fear of someone clowning them. Aren’t they supposed to protect their women? Bringing babies into the mix with “placeholders”,simply because they’re sacred to express themselves. Tre and “mouse” cracked me up every time 😄 Five ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ,no errors good story line.
94 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2018
Ready

Now listen!! I'm gonna need part e like NOW!! I love LaLa and Zion. I wish Zion would follow his heart instead of trying to marry Lexi because she's "pregnant" with a child that might not be his but he don't know that YET. Zani, is so misjudged that it's crazy. I like her and wraith together but he's too busy believing everything he hear instead of asking Zani himself that it's pissing me off smh. I can't wait for part 2 because that ending though...
Profile Image for Shannon Jones.
583 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2018
That Ending!!!!!!!!!

Elle how could you leave us hanging like that???? I cannot believe they didn't just go ahead and give in to their feelings. Zion and Nahla have this undeniable chemistry. I can't believe he ran off acting out because he in his feelings. Young and Nadia!!!!!!!! Yes I would love to hear there story. Wraith should be ashamed of himself. After Zai bared her truth to him he still acting like a butt. Come on with part 2 Ms. Kayson.
Profile Image for P AI AG.
64 reviews
January 11, 2024
He tried to be an honorable man and take care of his own blindly, but so many times I had the feeling like if we just communicated. If we just said what needed to be said, we wouldn't be here! No we got to assume. We have to think for someone else. We have to make up a story in our head instead of just communicated . People we need the vasectomy (it can be reversed). We need condoms. We need a moon chart I don't know get something
553 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2024
Hidden Feelings

I’m glad Naha is started letting Zion know what she really felt for him. However, all these hidden feelings and secrets are ridiculous. Lexi is a selfish snake. I hope Tre blows her spot up or Ian gets out. Wraith needs to apologize to zanaida. S needs to own up to his feelings. Nahla’s mom is dirty as ever for lying to her and a. Let’s see what happens in Part 2.
Profile Image for Siobhan Graham.
783 reviews9 followers
June 6, 2018
Siobhan

What an ending? Now Zion know he didn’t want to marry Lexi sneaking ass and i can’t with Tre and his stories he made Lexi feel like shit. I’m mad at Zani she need to tell Wraith how she feel and wraith is so guarded he need to chill. I hope that Zion and nhala get it together they both love each other can’t wait for part 2
Profile Image for Carol.
2,052 reviews15 followers
June 9, 2018
Review

Ooooo weeee! It’s on now. Lexi better watch out because her fairytale might be coming to an end. It serves her right for her treachery and deviousness. Nahla is ready to stake her claim to Zion.
Wraith needs to come to his senses before he miss out on a good thing with Zanaida. He must not have heard don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
Part 2 where are you 👀
Profile Image for Chimere Farris.
283 reviews
June 11, 2018
🔥🔥🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾👍🏾

Omg why u do us like that that cliffhanger was definitely the. Sh.......Nahla and Zion need to get is together and so do Zanaida and Wraith. I think Nahla is pregnant again. N Zion is gonna kill Lexi once he find out she played him but her thirsty Ass deserves it. Cant wait for part 2
Profile Image for Shamika.
88 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2018
As always

Straight fire from start to finish. This story was fast paced, but no so fast where you get lost in the characters. I love the mix of Tavion, Tre, and Ty. I'm excited to see what happens next. I wanna see Mouse and Lala grow closer, Wraith to find the truth about Nai and determine if I like Young and Nadia
Profile Image for C.
130 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2018
So Good

What a read!!!! Zion and La La..... These two are just perfect for one another. I wish they would get it together. I enjoyed every chapter of this book. And the characters were so true to life. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to read more. That ending...... I'm so anxious for book 2
920 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2018
Waiting on part 2

Okay the story was taking a minute to pick but once it did I couldn’t stop. Everybody has demons and secrets. When done start coming out to Zion about Nails had been through heartbreaking. I like Wraith a lot but he keep giving Naida a hard time. I love when Tre pops up and if Lexi don’t be truthful he will be forced to tell a story 😳.
Profile Image for Faith.
588 reviews
August 19, 2018
Great Read

Loved it! The author quickly draws you in the characters lives - relationships, careers & friendships. Good storyline with enough relationship drama and humor to keep your attention all the way to the end. Excitedly waiting on part 2. I need to know how the song called love triangle plays out.
Profile Image for Marissa.
Author 22 books21 followers
December 3, 2018
Mysteriously beautiful

This intriguing storyline and well organized character development is promised to have you on an emotional roller coaster. One moment you love the characters, the next you will hate them. I’m so excited to find out what happens in the next installment. I recommend this five star read to all who enjoy reading good love stories.
Profile Image for ashley.
884 reviews17 followers
October 6, 2022
3.5

It's so much missed communication and real words that need to be addressed and all the characters are in need of true communication and understanding...they love but are scared... it's an interesting read and a friendship love twist... I will be reading book 2...oh and I love the bond the characters have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews

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