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Can I Stay?
“I can see we lost our way. Never felt like we were here to stay. But it doesn’t mean I didn’t feel anything at all.”— SIR Maintaining perfection used to be easy for Savannah Cheek. At twenty-four, she’s an award-winning equestrian, engaged to a rising attorney, and the daughter of a testy politician whose atypical views have seemingly begun to ruffle feathers. No stranger to living life under a scope, Savannah believes she’ll be faced with more restrictions when a military man is hired as her bodyguard. Nevertheless, the closeness may not only give a clearer view into her secrets but possibly provide a key to her sanctuary. Saadiq Views, the decorated vet, is having a difficult time remaining content. Adjusting to civilian life without the family he started with and now living with partial hearing, the young solider is in need of consistency. After receiving a referral to work on the Councilwoman’s estate, Views sees the opportunity as a healthy distraction from alcohol and a way to focus on anything but love. However, the beauty he’s enlisted to protect may require more coverage than expected and more tenderness than he knows how to provide. With energy thick enough to slice war wounds, and a blossoming connection rooted in intrusive gestures, will Savannah and Saadiq choose to stay?
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2020
96 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 7, 2020
Savannah Cheeks was the daughter of a councilwoman and a well known equestrian, but her life wasn't the best behind closed doors.
Saddiq Views was a army veteran who returned home to his wife and child gone, which caused him drink and be angry, but after a police stop that went wrong, his brother stepped in with a job opportunity.
Saddiq became the new bodyguard for Savannah when her family started receiving threats. While being around each other feelings started to grow, but all the issues Savannah had with herself and family Saddiq was there to help her realize her worth. Savannah family was the worst and I was finally glad when she stood up to them. Would I loved most about this story was Saddiq getting his happy ending. Savannah and Saddiq was such a beautiful couple that I rooted for and was so happy for them. This was an all night, I couldn't put it down and I want more!!!
Saddiq Views was a army veteran who returned home to his wife and child gone, which caused him drink and be angry, but after a police stop that went wrong, his brother stepped in with a job opportunity.
Saddiq became the new bodyguard for Savannah when her family started receiving threats. While being around each other feelings started to grow, but all the issues Savannah had with herself and family Saddiq was there to help her realize her worth. Savannah family was the worst and I was finally glad when she stood up to them. Would I loved most about this story was Saddiq getting his happy ending. Savannah and Saddiq was such a beautiful couple that I rooted for and was so happy for them. This was an all night, I couldn't put it down and I want more!!!
December 3, 2020
Good book
I liked the story of Savannah and Saadiq. I would like to read more about them and Mahalia. I need to read about how everyone got adjusted together.
I liked the story of Savannah and Saadiq. I would like to read more about them and Mahalia. I need to read about how everyone got adjusted together.
December 27, 2020
Good
What is with the dysfunctional families lately? Moms treating their daughter like a puppet isn't cool—that part of the story was a huge turn-off. I liked Saadiq and his attention to Savannah. He listened and observed things about the lady he was charged with keeping safe. Preston always came across as a fraud, and he was supposed Savannah's man. Some parts of the story needed more development and closing a few of the loopholes. Overall, the story was nice.
What is with the dysfunctional families lately? Moms treating their daughter like a puppet isn't cool—that part of the story was a huge turn-off. I liked Saadiq and his attention to Savannah. He listened and observed things about the lady he was charged with keeping safe. Preston always came across as a fraud, and he was supposed Savannah's man. Some parts of the story needed more development and closing a few of the loopholes. Overall, the story was nice.
January 9, 2021
I didn’t want it to end
I’m so glad I got around to reading your work. Save and Sadiq emotion captured my entire being. I felt every detail of the words written. The underlying love in just the little things and then the love that was shared between that became to big to over look. Something they couldn’t walk away from. Great love story, great work! I’ll be reading many more 💕
I’m so glad I got around to reading your work. Save and Sadiq emotion captured my entire being. I felt every detail of the words written. The underlying love in just the little things and then the love that was shared between that became to big to over look. Something they couldn’t walk away from. Great love story, great work! I’ll be reading many more 💕
December 5, 2020
Didn’t want it to end
Every time I say one of your books is my favorite, you come along and give me another favorite. I loved Saadiq! Preston needed to get punched in the face. So did Jalissa. I’m glad Savy finally went for what she wanted. I didn’t want this story to end. Hope we here more from them in the near future.
Every time I say one of your books is my favorite, you come along and give me another favorite. I loved Saadiq! Preston needed to get punched in the face. So did Jalissa. I’m glad Savy finally went for what she wanted. I didn’t want this story to end. Hope we here more from them in the near future.
December 9, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What an absolute beautiful love story! Saadiq and Savannah both had demons of their own but were able to fine love. I’m glad it ended the way it did.
What an absolute beautiful love story! Saadiq and Savannah both had demons of their own but were able to fine love. I’m glad it ended the way it did.
January 23, 2021
Loved loved loved this story. I wish it was more to the ending but the overall story line was great! Saadiq is definitely bae!!!😍😍😍
December 8, 2020
Stay
It took a minute for this story to flow but when it did, Saadiq didn’t think he would have to guard Savannah’s body and heart. Being spoiled and told what to do her whole life, Savannah embraced Saadiq presence and finally got some type of joy in her life. Very few errors but nothing to take away from the story.
It took a minute for this story to flow but when it did, Saadiq didn’t think he would have to guard Savannah’s body and heart. Being spoiled and told what to do her whole life, Savannah embraced Saadiq presence and finally got some type of joy in her life. Very few errors but nothing to take away from the story.
December 20, 2020
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars. An interesting plot with interesting characters buut it almost seemed surface level in its execution.
I will explain in more detail in a few days.
Edit: I absolutely loved the premise of this book. I love the whole “royal guard/security guard falling for the girl he is trying to protect” trope. I also loved how the male loved interest was a veteran and the female love interest is A WHOLE FREAKIN EQUESTRIAN LIKE DJEHUEHEHE YESSSS PLEASE 😩😩😩
Both of the protagonists often feel alone and secluded in their respective worlds: Saadiq being a veteran and Savannah dealing with her family.
This book has everything I wanted and could’ve been everything. However the payoff with the execution was subpar. The writing and the world established in this book often felt flat.
For example, Savannah is a talented equestrian. I love that! But we don’t really that. Sure we see her riding her horse in a competition. Or maybe she will briefly mention her horse in passing. But besides that, that’s it. We never see Savannah spend quality time with her horse. A sport like horseback riding requires a strong relationship between the horse and the rider. Savannah is rich, so of course she can pay someone to take care of her horse. But why not have Savannah herself clean up her horse after practice? Or why not have Savannah go to her horse, outside of practice hours, whenever her family members say rubbish? I feel like this added detail would have really rounded out Savannah and show her love for horseback riding.
The same thing can be said for Saadiq. I like that he was a veteran and it seemed as though he has an issue with drinking. I thought that this would open up a conversation about the treatment of veterans in this country and the different trials they go through to get back to their lives. However, that was not really the case. His story with his daughter was interesting buuut I often felt as though it was pushed to the background. We finally see his daughter it’s about three to four chapters before the end of the book.
Lastly in terms of the romance. When Saadiq and Savannah meet they start off on a rocky foot. That’s totally fine because the first impression isn’t always the reality. However, there wasn’t really a steady progression in their relationship. After their first real conversation, Savannah is already hung up on him 😩😩😩. Really? After one conversation?? I would have loved if Savannah and Saadiq developed a friendship first. And then from that, a romantic relationship would sprout.
Those are my thoughts. I still enjoyed this book but I think that with different creative directions it would have been THAT book for me.
The author gifted me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely pick up her other books as well.
Ps.: follow my insta pls @her.bookish.diaries
I will explain in more detail in a few days.
Edit: I absolutely loved the premise of this book. I love the whole “royal guard/security guard falling for the girl he is trying to protect” trope. I also loved how the male loved interest was a veteran and the female love interest is A WHOLE FREAKIN EQUESTRIAN LIKE DJEHUEHEHE YESSSS PLEASE 😩😩😩
Both of the protagonists often feel alone and secluded in their respective worlds: Saadiq being a veteran and Savannah dealing with her family.
This book has everything I wanted and could’ve been everything. However the payoff with the execution was subpar. The writing and the world established in this book often felt flat.
For example, Savannah is a talented equestrian. I love that! But we don’t really that. Sure we see her riding her horse in a competition. Or maybe she will briefly mention her horse in passing. But besides that, that’s it. We never see Savannah spend quality time with her horse. A sport like horseback riding requires a strong relationship between the horse and the rider. Savannah is rich, so of course she can pay someone to take care of her horse. But why not have Savannah herself clean up her horse after practice? Or why not have Savannah go to her horse, outside of practice hours, whenever her family members say rubbish? I feel like this added detail would have really rounded out Savannah and show her love for horseback riding.
The same thing can be said for Saadiq. I like that he was a veteran and it seemed as though he has an issue with drinking. I thought that this would open up a conversation about the treatment of veterans in this country and the different trials they go through to get back to their lives. However, that was not really the case. His story with his daughter was interesting buuut I often felt as though it was pushed to the background. We finally see his daughter it’s about three to four chapters before the end of the book.
Lastly in terms of the romance. When Saadiq and Savannah meet they start off on a rocky foot. That’s totally fine because the first impression isn’t always the reality. However, there wasn’t really a steady progression in their relationship. After their first real conversation, Savannah is already hung up on him 😩😩😩. Really? After one conversation?? I would have loved if Savannah and Saadiq developed a friendship first. And then from that, a romantic relationship would sprout.
Those are my thoughts. I still enjoyed this book but I think that with different creative directions it would have been THAT book for me.
The author gifted me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely pick up her other books as well.
Ps.: follow my insta pls @her.bookish.diaries
December 2, 2020
Loved 🔥
This was a sweet story, almost like a forbidden love story. Saadiq is struggling with adjusting to his life as a Civilian when an opportunity presents itself for him to work as a guard for Savannah- the daughter of a Councilwoman. From the first introduction I knew that these two would work, they were both stubborn and unapologetically themselves. I feel like Savannah had so much going for herself but her circle was the worst.. between her mother, the fiancé, and her assistant-friend she didn’t need enemies. Saadiq was really the only one with Savannah’s best interest at heart. I loved how he protected and showed her what love and support looked like. I loved that Saadiq was able to overcome so much; he was hurting and it was so obvious yet he didn’t let those things interfere with the way he cared for Savannah. The author did a really good job with this storyline, I couldn’t get enough of it. Even the plot twists were good- I was getting frustrated with the supporting characters but in a good way, it made me want Saadiq and Savannah together even more lol. Very good read for me, this story definitely pulled on my heart strings. ❤️
This was a sweet story, almost like a forbidden love story. Saadiq is struggling with adjusting to his life as a Civilian when an opportunity presents itself for him to work as a guard for Savannah- the daughter of a Councilwoman. From the first introduction I knew that these two would work, they were both stubborn and unapologetically themselves. I feel like Savannah had so much going for herself but her circle was the worst.. between her mother, the fiancé, and her assistant-friend she didn’t need enemies. Saadiq was really the only one with Savannah’s best interest at heart. I loved how he protected and showed her what love and support looked like. I loved that Saadiq was able to overcome so much; he was hurting and it was so obvious yet he didn’t let those things interfere with the way he cared for Savannah. The author did a really good job with this storyline, I couldn’t get enough of it. Even the plot twists were good- I was getting frustrated with the supporting characters but in a good way, it made me want Saadiq and Savannah together even more lol. Very good read for me, this story definitely pulled on my heart strings. ❤️
June 1, 2021
This book was a great example of the phrase “You never know what someone is going through.” On the outside looking in it seemed Savannah “Savy” Cheek had it all, but she was an uncertain mess. Savy put up with so much—no too much! It’s sad that the people who are supposed to be your biggest supporters are often enemy number one. Her mother constantly publicly humiliated her, while her father sat there and said nothing. Her pompous fiancé even took the insults to extreme lows.
Savy was stuck until her new bodyguard, Saadiq, showed up and showed her how she should be treated and showed her that it was okay to step out on faith and into the woman she truly was. Even with his own demons threatening to take him down at any moment, Saadiq was determined to be a better version of himself. The bonus was the many references to the late DMX when Savy was gearing up for a competition or stealing moments to enjoy life.
*** This book was published prior to DMX’s passing so this tells me she is a true fan***
Savy was stuck until her new bodyguard, Saadiq, showed up and showed her how she should be treated and showed her that it was okay to step out on faith and into the woman she truly was. Even with his own demons threatening to take him down at any moment, Saadiq was determined to be a better version of himself. The bonus was the many references to the late DMX when Savy was gearing up for a competition or stealing moments to enjoy life.
*** This book was published prior to DMX’s passing so this tells me she is a true fan***
December 6, 2020
You have done it again ma'am! Crafted a beautiful story of two people who were riddled with baggage, self-doubt and fear; who found security in each other. Saadiq, had the world on his shoulders, as he adjusted to civilian life and searched for his family. Taking on the job with the Cheek family was a welcome distraction. Savannah, poor thing. Living with a family that only cared about her for what she could offer them. She was miserable and trapped with no end in sight, until she met Saadiq. These two didn't look good on paper together, but they "fit". Saadiq, offered Savy solace when no one else took the time to listen to her wants and needs. Savy, gave him the time and attention he craved. Their story is one for the books, and I would love to see more of their journey! Did not want this to end. NOW, can we just throw Preston and Jalissa away? Them snakes man! Ughhh........ And her momma! 😆 Great read! 👍👍👍
January 26, 2021
This book was a slow burn, but it definitely had a good storyline. Savannah has been sheltered her entire life afraid to step out of the box and fly, enter Saddiq Views who makes her body warm and mind wander with possibilities. Saddiq is a tortured army Vet who returns from service only to find his world has been upturned in addition to a hearing deficit, he drowns his sorrows often in the bottle of a glass only numbing the demons, not exorcising them. Savannah becomes the balm to his spirit, while he becomes the nudge she needs to shift her from being comfortable existing to living. They each find a solace in the other person. The story had a bit of predictability, with a twist or two, but overall a good read. Thank you to the author for providing this book, will definitely be looking through her catalog for more reads!
July 3, 2025
Reservation
Foremost, I primarily selected this book because of the melanated cover model representation 🤭‼��…Yeah us, Mocha madness is still in full effect season 🎉👏🏿🤎👏🏾🤎👏🏽‼️ (Yup, I stated the obvious aloud). Meanwhile, I’m conflicted, curious & concerned with how the character Savannah was portrayed in this book. Whether she is/was twenty four or twelve she’s a person, not an object, chattel or a commodity 🥴⁉️ Dysfunctional tolerance, nope, absolutely unacceptable‼️ “Can I Stay” was a challenge to read & more so to complete. This book had elements that were cruel, disturbing & condescending ….& from her immediate family‼️WITAH⁉️…although the book got better, I’m not the resident fan advocate for “Can I Stay?”🤷🏾♀️🥴‼️
Foremost, I primarily selected this book because of the melanated cover model representation 🤭‼��…Yeah us, Mocha madness is still in full effect season 🎉👏🏿🤎👏🏾🤎👏🏽‼️ (Yup, I stated the obvious aloud). Meanwhile, I’m conflicted, curious & concerned with how the character Savannah was portrayed in this book. Whether she is/was twenty four or twelve she’s a person, not an object, chattel or a commodity 🥴⁉️ Dysfunctional tolerance, nope, absolutely unacceptable‼️ “Can I Stay” was a challenge to read & more so to complete. This book had elements that were cruel, disturbing & condescending ….& from her immediate family‼️WITAH⁉️…although the book got better, I’m not the resident fan advocate for “Can I Stay?”🤷🏾♀️🥴‼️
June 24, 2021
Unexpected love
I was wrapped up in this story and was not ready for it to end. Saadik was a beautifully complicated man struggling with his unexpected reality. He met Savannah recovering from his lowest point and was still quietly suffering with a situation he hated he didn't have more control over. Savy was settling for a life she didn't want. Almost everything she did was to please other people. Initially she was put off by the presence of Saadik, but grew to trust the gentle alpha. He seemed to be one of the few truly looking out for her. I enjoyed experiencing their bond and would love another story about their progression ....together.
I was wrapped up in this story and was not ready for it to end. Saadik was a beautifully complicated man struggling with his unexpected reality. He met Savannah recovering from his lowest point and was still quietly suffering with a situation he hated he didn't have more control over. Savy was settling for a life she didn't want. Almost everything she did was to please other people. Initially she was put off by the presence of Saadik, but grew to trust the gentle alpha. He seemed to be one of the few truly looking out for her. I enjoyed experiencing their bond and would love another story about their progression ....together.
February 2, 2021
I loved this
First from this author and I loved it. Loved the characters. Savannah is being threatened and her family has decided to hire a bodyguard. Saadig was having some problems, recently honorably discharged from the army. Drinking to much and not caring. His brother has a company where he help veterans. Saadig was hired to be Savannah's bodyguard. This book touch on body shaming, jealousy, status climbing, and so much more. Loved Savannah's friend Ruby, maybe hook her up with Eli.
First from this author and I loved it. Loved the characters. Savannah is being threatened and her family has decided to hire a bodyguard. Saadig was having some problems, recently honorably discharged from the army. Drinking to much and not caring. His brother has a company where he help veterans. Saadig was hired to be Savannah's bodyguard. This book touch on body shaming, jealousy, status climbing, and so much more. Loved Savannah's friend Ruby, maybe hook her up with Eli.
December 5, 2020
Loved it
Savannah and Saadiq what started out as business soon morphed into so much more. But of course not without some drama from Savanah's momma and the sideline crew. Sometimes people don't want you they just want the benefit of being associated with you and Savannah learned that in an unconventional way. I love how Saadiq nourished her and pushed her to be her best self. Saadiq also had some issues of his own but at his core he was a solid man and great dad. Good story
Savannah and Saadiq what started out as business soon morphed into so much more. But of course not without some drama from Savanah's momma and the sideline crew. Sometimes people don't want you they just want the benefit of being associated with you and Savannah learned that in an unconventional way. I love how Saadiq nourished her and pushed her to be her best self. Saadiq also had some issues of his own but at his core he was a solid man and great dad. Good story
April 11, 2021
The thug? and the princess?... The bodyguard?
That is not how they defined themselves, but you know what happens when the privileged look down their nose at the hired help. Saadiq and Savannah both had enough personal drama of their own to handle, but when they're too close for comfort, there's all kinds of fallout. I enjoyed Saadiq and Savannah's beginning and am now anxiously awaiting their possible future story?!
That is not how they defined themselves, but you know what happens when the privileged look down their nose at the hired help. Saadiq and Savannah both had enough personal drama of their own to handle, but when they're too close for comfort, there's all kinds of fallout. I enjoyed Saadiq and Savannah's beginning and am now anxiously awaiting their possible future story?!
December 8, 2020
Good job
Okay I liked this book. Saddiq no s of linked out in the end. Like how you gone do all this for her and then drop her like a bad habit. Jalissa was shady from the beginning. I knew Preston and her mom was some jerks. So glad Savannah stood up for herself. I would have liked to have an epilogue though. Overall good read
Okay I liked this book. Saddiq no s of linked out in the end. Like how you gone do all this for her and then drop her like a bad habit. Jalissa was shady from the beginning. I knew Preston and her mom was some jerks. So glad Savannah stood up for herself. I would have liked to have an epilogue though. Overall good read
December 13, 2020
Wow!
The book was going great until the end. The ending left me wanting more. Also, it bothered me that Saadiq never once told Savy that he loved her. She was great. She went out of her way to make sure that he knew that she loved him. She was loyal and genuine. Whereas, I felt like Saadiq needed to give more.
The book was going great until the end. The ending left me wanting more. Also, it bothered me that Saadiq never once told Savy that he loved her. She was great. She went out of her way to make sure that he knew that she loved him. She was loyal and genuine. Whereas, I felt like Saadiq needed to give more.
December 22, 2020
Can I stay...
There is a lot in this story....I enjoyed the brokenness and the growth of Saadiq and Savannah. When we learn to love ourselves more than we want to be accepted/validated by others we will have peace. I would have liked more fire during the intimacy to match the passion they had for each other. Good easy read.
There is a lot in this story....I enjoyed the brokenness and the growth of Saadiq and Savannah. When we learn to love ourselves more than we want to be accepted/validated by others we will have peace. I would have liked more fire during the intimacy to match the passion they had for each other. Good easy read.
September 16, 2021
Love It!!!
First I want to thank the author for writing about a dark skinned woman and having the picture to match!!! Also this is a story about a young woman that needed to know how to love herself and the man that helped her find her voice!!!! Wonderfully written from beginning to end!
First I want to thank the author for writing about a dark skinned woman and having the picture to match!!! Also this is a story about a young woman that needed to know how to love herself and the man that helped her find her voice!!!! Wonderfully written from beginning to end!
December 7, 2020
Saadiq 😍
Saadiq served up all the BDE !! Tucora Monique wrote this Book ! I honestly dnt know if I wanted to slap Savannah's mom or assistant more. I love how Saadiq didn't sugar coat anything for her buy had her back 1000 % and when I mattered she had his ! I can't wait to read what this author has next !!
Saadiq served up all the BDE !! Tucora Monique wrote this Book ! I honestly dnt know if I wanted to slap Savannah's mom or assistant more. I love how Saadiq didn't sugar coat anything for her buy had her back 1000 % and when I mattered she had his ! I can't wait to read what this author has next !!
December 24, 2020
Try it
This was a good book it took me about 2-3 days because i kept getting upset with parents and fiancé of savannah lol but everything about her relationship with saadiq made me want to keep reading, they both needed a happy ending lol
This was a good book it took me about 2-3 days because i kept getting upset with parents and fiancé of savannah lol but everything about her relationship with saadiq made me want to keep reading, they both needed a happy ending lol
December 26, 2020
Black Love
Can I Stay..... Hell yeah.... Saadiq and Savy were LIT..... I did not want this Story to end...... Passion, intentional Love, Words and Action..... I did not want to put my kindle down..... Watch who you have in your space tainting yo shit
Can I Stay..... Hell yeah.... Saadiq and Savy were LIT..... I did not want this Story to end...... Passion, intentional Love, Words and Action..... I did not want to put my kindle down..... Watch who you have in your space tainting yo shit
January 15, 2021
Good
This was a very good story. I knew Savannah was not being true to herself. I'm so glad that Saadiq showed her she was more than her family thought she was. They really needed each other and found love in the process!!!
This was a very good story. I knew Savannah was not being true to herself. I'm so glad that Saadiq showed her she was more than her family thought she was. They really needed each other and found love in the process!!!
January 18, 2021
Yes honey!!
Ugh! I loved Saadiq and Savannah! They were a young, breath of fresh air. They may have went through some things, but they were tailor made for each other. This book was GOOD!
Ugh! I loved Saadiq and Savannah! They were a young, breath of fresh air. They may have went through some things, but they were tailor made for each other. This book was GOOD!
January 19, 2021
Great story
Great story of finding your true self
Learning how to live your live for you and not your parents
Loved how the love story of the two main characters was revealed it was realistic and a made you a believer in happy endings again
Great story of finding your true self
Learning how to live your live for you and not your parents
Loved how the love story of the two main characters was revealed it was realistic and a made you a believer in happy endings again
January 25, 2021
ummm
the book was good but honestly i couldn’t get into Savannah.. it was like the very end of the book and they finally got “together”?? she never stood up for herself and etc , didn’t like it
the book was good but honestly i couldn’t get into Savannah.. it was like the very end of the book and they finally got “together”?? she never stood up for herself and etc , didn’t like it
February 19, 2021
The crown adjuster
I enjoyed this book! This was my first read about a black equestrian. It was refreshing to see the diversity, an equestrian and a veteran. I loved the way Saadiq loved Savanah. He never let her crown slip, even when it came to him!
I enjoyed this book! This was my first read about a black equestrian. It was refreshing to see the diversity, an equestrian and a veteran. I loved the way Saadiq loved Savanah. He never let her crown slip, even when it came to him!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews