What can you find in a back alley flooded by sirens and flashing lights? With confusion marring your every interaction, your adrenaline rushing, and every move of your muscles perceived as a crime? What can you find when your last name, your skin color, and your appearance makes you the person who always fits the description? In that alley, when chaos and pain surround you, in the midst of it, maybe you can find love.
I loved me some Sim!!! He and his brothers, and shoot his daddy for that matter, are everything. Protective, beautiful, financially stable, loyal, and all the things you want in a mate, partner and family. I can't wait to get into the rest of this series.
Overall this was a great read!! Everything Dandridge writes I love. This one kept me on edge. Great character development and the plot was all of that. This is a complete book, but it left room for so many possibilities. I can't wait for what's to come. Y'all just read the damn book.
Give me a Diallo man. They are woke, respectful, raised well, entrepreneurs and protect black women, what’s not to love. I love books that show us being our best selves despite the hurdles and injustices thrown our way. I also love histrorical tidbits that are intermixed with artistic expression and creativity. Top it all off with some black love and you have a great book. Mecca and Sim loved them.
I enjoyed this book. Mecca was working my nerves though. I just don't like when the author take forever to put the couple together. They wait till almost to the end of the book. Well, Sim knew what he wanted. Mecca was just slow.
NTMA and I am shooketh!! So many reality-based situations that truly hurts to know are someone's truth, but so eloquently describe to tie into an unforgettable love story. They both had compassion, kindness, and concern for others leading them to a love they've never known. The healing that came with truth being exposed was everything. This was so well written & I'm so glad I didn't miss out on this first story of the Dialo men!Well done!🎉🎊💛💚💜
Kasim and Mecca share a passing glance through a store window, and then Mecca intervenes when Kasim is harassed by the police moments later, leading to her own assault at their hands. And Kasim becomes her protector. And then... more.
So I love how Kasim held Mecca to him from the beginning. He knew they were meant to be, and not just because of the way she intervened on his behalf. He was more than sure of them, sure enough for the both of them and he needed to be because the way Mecca was in denial??!!! Sis, that is your man, you'd better claim him! I love the way he said he would show her, and he did. He won the race, slow and steady, and his reward was their passion that sprung off the pages! He reassured Mecca until she trusted their connection was real. And then he did whatever was necessary to make her world safe, to shield her and comfort her. My heart hurt for Mecca and her relationship with her father and stepmother. I loved that she was a thicker woman and it was appreciated and cherished, though I hate that she wasn't proud of it. And Kasim was all over it. His family was EVERYTHING. The Diallos are one of the best families I've read. Loyal, protective, and fierce in their love. Pushing through in spite of and making a way for others to do that too.
I have to confess, setting love in something so modern day wretched gave me a bit of pause, but the author was so earnest in her way of writing, so sure and graceful even though the subject matter could be heavy, it was well worth it. I love the juxtaposition of Kasim and Mecca's love against outside forces, the external conflict was real and frustrating but seeing their love triumph was worth the pages. Finding something pure and destined against the backdrop of stolen rights and abused privilege gave the book a hopeful quality. I loved that.
I don't usually tout the 48 Laws of Power or Black capitalism philosophies as useful problem solving for us, but in this setting it worked, and I liked that the Diallos were revolutionary in a way that made a difference in their world. Fantastic book.
This was an amazing story of black love built from the tragedy from a single night. Mecca and Kasim meet under the worst circumstances when an encounter with two cops with a grudge against Kasim and his family land her in the hurt, assaulted and in the hospital. This story mirrors so much that we are seeing in the world today with police brutality and racial unjust. In the midst of all this Dandridge weaves a very romantic tale of a long stepping up to protect and claim his queen. The Diallo family and their legacy made an amazing backdrop for this story. I totally loved Nichelle she was what Mecca needed especially with that father and stepmother of hers. I loved Kasim from the beginning and each of his brothers just WOW can't wait for each of their stories as well as who Michelle will be matched with ( I have my thoughts on which Diallo brother that will be🤔). Looking forward to finding out what happens with cops Rivers and Paulsen as well as the two cops who came and arrested Mecca at her shop. Who was the technical wizard that protected Mecca when all her personal info was leaked (have my ideas on who that is🤔). Great story Dandridge bring on book 2 sooner rather than later.
Dandridge has done it again. Going outside her norm plus the waiting game has paid off. Giving the climate of our country this book was needed. This series will definitely be fire🔥🔥. The mix of history, current events with black love makes this book even more powerful. Kasim is definitely book bae 2.0(his cover matches his description perfectly). He cared, loved and nurtured Mecca. His family was perfect and truly believed in helping each other. Mecca was able to rise up and become the queen that was in her since birth. They were in trouble but good trouble. Excited to read the next book in the series(hopefully Jani or Messiah with Nichelle). Great job by my favorite author.
The story had me on the edge of my seat for much of the story. A couple thrust into a situation together because the police in the town disliked the Diallo family. I was upset and emotionally drained by the content so much like today's headlines. Kasim planned to admire the beauty he saw in her storefront until the local police had other plans for his evening. Mecca was the beauty who caught his eye and would be the catalyst for the chaos that later ensued. There were light moments in this heavy story with best friend Nichelle and the twin Diallo brothers merriment. Momma Diallo also brought her Momma Bear side to this tale. I enjoyed this story immensely and will be ready for the next Diallo to fall prey to love.
How do you go from saying, Awwww, then begin shouting expletives in the first chapter? Within moments of Mecca and Sim visually connecting from a distance, chaos ensues in a well known form of injustice. What follows is a beautiful love story that is intertwined with the unfairness of black lives in the justice system. Kasim‘s siblings and Mecca‘s bestie are awesome secondary characters that beg us to pay attention to them as it is easy to see that they are not only integral to the story but most likely will have stories of their own. This is another great start to what looks like a new series based on justice and the legal system with a whole lot of love, chemistry and sexy added. Highly recommend.
I rate it a 5 because of how well it was written and how I love the characters. However, it just stopped with no cliffhanger, and no 2nd addition coming to readers near me. That made it incomplete even though the title somehow tells us we can love it in the chaos. I still want to know why happened with the corruption in the police department. What about the other brothers?
Lots to love about this book: Kasim, his parents and hilarious brothers, drama, intrigue...
“My name is Kasim Diallo—” “—Fuck. Even your name is sexy—” “NI.CHELLE.” She turned on me and glared, forgetting about him being in the room. “Lie to my face and tell me that your panties ain’t wet right now just off this man saying his fucking name.”
Sooo I’m officially a STAN. This book was everything. You will run the full gamut of emotions, but the HEA is so worth it. I can’t wait fir what’s next. I appreciate how the author gives us a book every month and each book is different but at its core celebrates black love.
Love the Diallo's this story was so relevant to the Times we are living in! The police made me so 😠! Love the generational wealth in the story can't wait to see which brother is next to call in love!
"Battles go to the strongest warriors. We the toughest out there.”
This is a sapiosexual read. It's intelligent, and it goes deep. Deep into conversations Black Americans have in their relationships, deep into the racial tapestry of our shared experiences, and deep into the biggest fear many Black Americans have.....how would you fair against the power and control of the police force.
"You got a living room full of fine ass, woke, not fake woke, but like really down for all Black people woke, Black kings in your living room."
Kasim, our MMC, comes from a generational mix of standing on ten toes, and the violence he gets from the local police force is based on ties from the Black Power movement. He isn't our Ancestors Wildest Dreams, but instead, he is our Ancestors might. He said "nah shorty my spirit been recognized you as wife I was waiting for you to catch up" 🥵
"That you met your future in the midst of chaos. The reason you felt so compelled to risk your neck was because you felt me the same way I felt you when I looked through the bakery glass... And when you stepped in on what was happening, that feeling only magnified....” #swoon
Mecca is a breath of fresh air as an FMC, sweet, smart, and caring of others. We see what happens when a Good Smartarian falls in love with her Jamaican Black Knight in Shining Armor. Seeing Mecca and Sim fall into a deep soul bond was the sweetest ride.
When I read a soul tie, soulmate, twin flame romance my reaction is always sis just make it paranormal romance with non-shifters. One I’m a cynical romantic lol two PNR is my favorite romance sub genre, but I still enjoyed the hell out of this. The police trauma was definitely triggering AF but it wasn’t trauma porn at all just not easy to read. I personally didn’t find the last incident necessary even though I get that it’s the setup for another book. I would have just preferred the doxxing being mentioned another way or someone mentioning to her online or something the home invasion was a lot!! I’m gonna keep it real if the twins don’t end up being my favorites, I will be very surprised. However, if Kyan does I won’t even bat an eye. It may not make sense to you but that’s my truth and I standing on it 🤷🏽♀️. The A-hole funny little bother side character will always be a favorite and top tier comedic relief. I think it’s important to note/mention/keep in mind that this is listed as women’s fiction. So while there is romance and it is centered it still isn’t the same vibe you get with a romance. The elements are there but to me it doesn’t feel or read the same. Overall a really enjoyable read.
Sim and Mecca! This book was intense out of the gate! My goodness! I felt like I was right there watching it happen and it evoked such emotion within me. Sim comes from a long line of people who fought for their freedom, rights, land, respect and name - Diallo. His family doesn’t play, is well respected in their towns community and vilified outside of the city. They are harassed and disrespected the police in the nearby city and the city officials. Sim is a business owner and has had to endure all sorts of things. Mecca is a business owner in the nearby city and is trying to do what she can to help the community. She has a big heart and is unfortunately at the wrong place at the wrong time for her but on the flip side it’s the right place and time for Sim when the police takes it too far. The chaos that ensues as a result of this incident is extreme but also no different from what is happening in this country today.
I don’t want to give the whole story away so I will just say this is a must read! Awesome!
This book is officially rated my number one book of the year. The author is quickly moving to one of my favorite authors. First, Kasim was written so beautifully in physical aspects. His mannerism and his swag added to his character. He was a man that stood on morals and respect prior to meeting the love of his life and that continued. Mecca needed someone to show her that she was worthy of love and she deserved happiness. He showed her that and helped build her self esteem. Their meeting was fate. Second, Mecca was the epitome of a Black Woman ! She didn’t know him from a man on the moon and she did what was right. By doing what was right, she caused an uproar in her own life and managed to get hurt in the process. Kasim and his family held her down though and showed her what real family is. I read this book through KU in one sitting. Immediately purchased it once I finished. Job well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this story and it broke my heart. Although this was a fictional book. Everything that happened...happens too dang often. I can speak on the south. Since I'm born and raised in Cali. But the fear of the police and brutality is still ever present. We just have more witnesses here, whether it's human or camera.
But I digress. To see the beautiful love story that blossoms out of a horrible situation is awe inspiring. I read Kyan's story first because it was the part of the last series. But to read how Mecca and Kasim fell in love, made it hard to stop reading.
They are two coins on the opposing end of the law, but it doesn't stop their hearts from wanting what they want. Meeting was by happenstance but staying... that's by choice. Avery learns what it really means when people have your back through the community in Renton. Ajani learns that feelings and emotions are for other people and things besides the law. When corruption and racism rear their ugly heads, it sets off an explosive missile, heading straight for the big wigs of Groveland who think they're untouchable. They're about to receive the Midas touch, and I'm here for it. I recommend this story and series. Love the Diallos.
An awesome read and it a book of history and it truly relates to the things happening in the world today, especially the injustices and men of color being preyed upon by those whom are supposed to protect! Kasim and Mecca relationship was so organic, I really enjoyed how Kasim was able to speak life into Mecca. Kasim has a strong family, where as Mecca daddy could kick rocks. Kasim and Mecca have truly been through some difficulties, but they overcame so many of the difficulties with their head held high. Loved the ending but want to see so much more of Mecca and Kasim.
My babies suffered so much but that transcendent love they had was beautiful. Kasim and Mecca chemistry jumped through time and space for sure. The way she . Went to bat for him though it put her in a place of harm was one of the strongest things ever. And the way Kasim and the other Diallos were in Her corner to protect her was just the sweetest thing ever. Loved her friend Nichelle and I have hope she gone end up with one of the bros, she is quite the character. I know Adam was the one to shut shit down so good looking out bro. this was a wonderful start to my journey into the Diallos 💜💜
The social injustice that brought Mecca and Kasim together was terrible but the love that formed from it was beautiful. I love how kasim loved her and did not play no games about her. I’m a sucker for a strong family dynamics in a book so him having four brother a sister and crazy parents was a a plus for me. This family literally owns their own black town that their ancestors fought for. It was just an all around good read for me. I enjoyed the love, the fight and the wins. I’m glad it’s a series
I love this book so much. All the feels and then some. I’m really interested in knowing who was looking out for Mecca. I think I know but hopefully we will find out. I loved the way the whole family adopted her. Kasim’s love is perfect and exactly what I pray for.
I was really enjoying the book at the beginning, but after a while it started to feel repetitious. Perfect title for their relationship cause it was filled with chaos. I wasn’t feeling how he always got his way with decisions. She said no and he convince her to say yes in almost every situation. This is a 3.5 star 🌟
Man that Sim is such a book bae that I am jealous of Mecca cause I want a Sim of my own. His family is so tight knit that they all banded around Mecca when that man broke in her home to try an rape her. That’s family love we should all strive to have for our loved ones. Great start for this series
Omg I’m so in love with Mecca and Sim. They are so good together. The trauma Mecca faced in this book was so realistic was detailed perfectly. I’m all into this series.
I was please to read the support Mecca gained with the Diallo family. Her father and his wife were ignorant, and I’m glad he got played by her.
This book was beautiful starting from the plot to the characters and their beautiful love. It educated me as a black woman to some of the tragic things the black community has to endure. I can’t wait to keep reading this story!