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The Sun #2
The Endgame
Josiah Joseph is trouble—at least that’s what everyone says about him. Jade Taylor can’t help but to agree with their sentiments.He’s a hotheaded football player and one of her most lackluster students.She’s a young mother and a laser-focused teacher’s assistant, counting the days until graduation.After the two cross paths at a wild party, Jade makes a discovery about the volatile quarterback that sends her on a quest to understand who Josiah Joseph is and why he’s suddenly become enamored with her.Content This is a new adult contemporary romance that contains mature themes and subjects that may be disturbing to some readers.
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2021
382 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
February 11, 2021
Boys to Men
I definitely have to take a minute to wrap my mind around this book. There are times as readers that we question art. We question what the author was thinking when they wrote certain books, we wonder their experiences with the subject matter and how they managed to get it on the pages we read. I DID NOT QUESTION A THING in this book. It was so beautifully written that I would recommend this to my worse enemy. Rae Lyse showed how love can change you even when others question it. How a young man who many would feel is in his prime can chase a specific woman he knows would make him better instead of “enjoying life” in the fast lane is answered in this book. I laughed, cried, lusted and fell in love over and over again. The Endgame taught me that remorse isn’t the same as regret and how we can make mistakes that alter our life but joy comes in the morning. We should make sure that we guide others to make better choices while educating them and not chastising them along the way. This book was everything and I didn’t want it to end.
I definitely have to take a minute to wrap my mind around this book. There are times as readers that we question art. We question what the author was thinking when they wrote certain books, we wonder their experiences with the subject matter and how they managed to get it on the pages we read. I DID NOT QUESTION A THING in this book. It was so beautifully written that I would recommend this to my worse enemy. Rae Lyse showed how love can change you even when others question it. How a young man who many would feel is in his prime can chase a specific woman he knows would make him better instead of “enjoying life” in the fast lane is answered in this book. I laughed, cried, lusted and fell in love over and over again. The Endgame taught me that remorse isn’t the same as regret and how we can make mistakes that alter our life but joy comes in the morning. We should make sure that we guide others to make better choices while educating them and not chastising them along the way. This book was everything and I didn’t want it to end.
March 14, 2022
Although I am only on the second book of the series, I think Josiah has to be my favorite character of the series...I really enjoyed the first book with Dominic & Claudette.....Josiah was able to take in a lot of homespun wisdom that he learned from people…mainly His favorite cousin D and make it his own...also giving out wisdom to a young lady that was 2 years older than him....Josiah helped Jade (his Stink) out a lot....teaching her how to think outside the box and to get out of her head….Despite only being 19 years old, he was extremely mature and that was more than likely Jade’s attraction to him…...I'm hoping when the 3rd audiobook comes out...we will get a little more of Josiah....Although, I know the book will be about Mo...LOL....Benjamin Charles and Phoenix McKay did a wonderful job with this narration.
February 26, 2021
The Endgame, book two of The Sun series, is an immersive experience, just like the first book. While Saving Sunflower took us deep into the mind and life of a severely damaged aspiring rapper/part-time hustler trying to get on the right path, this time we're in the head of his younger cousin, a football quarterback named Josiah who's struggling to find his place in a strange land full of people who just want to use him for his athleticism. While he maneuvers around campus easily, mostly because he's charming, even if a little cocky, he's caught off guard when he witnesses Jade dancing at a party and is immediately captivated. She's actually his TA, though in many ways, he's more experienced than her. Mostly, she's just a young mother trying hard to prove her life isn't a wash just because she interrupted her college experience by having a baby early with an immature jerk. Lyse takes us deep inside of Josiah and Jade's heads as they scratch out a relationship and bond that's forged on a pretty shaky premise—Jade's helping Josiah out with his classes (we get to witness how athletes are ignored academically as school systems essentially pimp out their bodies) and he's helping her loosen up for a semester (she's completely wrapped up in her baby with basically no help from the father) via a no-strings affair. The chemistry is off the charts for these two immediately, and so the whole saying goodbye after a few weeks thing isn't gonna pan out for them, but witnessing them get to their finish line and come to their separate realizations about what they meant to one another was so satisfying. I think this book is a little more relationship-centric than the first in the series, which spends a lot of time delving into the protagonist's inner demons as he claws his way toward a brighter future. This book does the same, but with an equal focus on allowing Jade and Josiah to work their relationship out and grow together as a couple. Lyse is a writer who has a LOT to say about a lot of important things, and I absolutely love that about her work. She doesn't rush to any conclusions-- she reveals her characters slowly, layer by layer, secret by secret, until we know them inside and out. I've said it before, but she's so, so good at writing male characters, and this book only cements that observation. Her secondary characters are just as bright and vivid as the main characters—Jade's mom, Josiah's family, even baby Journey are all well-rounded and always believable. Overall, The End Game is insightful and emotional, layered, and well-thought-out. I'm picking up whatever Lyse writes next. She's def a new favorite for me.
May 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
“I love you. I can’t regret anything about you or us, because I see you just like God sees you. You could be on Mars and me and Jour would still find a way to be right there next to you, baby.”
Oh, Josiah 🥺 I loved him so much and just wanted to hug him. All that pain he’s been carrying around with him while trying to navigate being thrown into a new environment was tough to read at times. I’m so glad he found Jade & Jour Jour 🧸
“I love you. I can’t regret anything about you or us, because I see you just like God sees you. You could be on Mars and me and Jour would still find a way to be right there next to you, baby.”
Oh, Josiah 🥺 I loved him so much and just wanted to hug him. All that pain he’s been carrying around with him while trying to navigate being thrown into a new environment was tough to read at times. I’m so glad he found Jade & Jour Jour 🧸
August 15, 2024
I cried a couple times reading this book. Between Josiah & his shortcomings with school & what he went through in his childhood to Jade and her daddy issues & dealing with her sorry ass baby daddy. I loved seeing their relationship blossom and how Jo automatically became attached to Journey 🥰 their relationship was too cute.
We still get to see little tid bits of Claudette & Dominic’s relationship & little Evie 🩷
Jade momma Terry was getting on my last nerve!!!!!!! I wanted somebody to punch her in her mouth lol but I know she only wanted the best for Claudette but danggg!
4.5 ⭐️
We still get to see little tid bits of Claudette & Dominic’s relationship & little Evie 🩷
Jade momma Terry was getting on my last nerve!!!!!!! I wanted somebody to punch her in her mouth lol but I know she only wanted the best for Claudette but danggg!
4.5 ⭐️
September 24, 2024
Rae Lyse knows how to write a love story that’ll tear you apart then masterfully put you back together again.
Josiah & Jade’s book was a slow burn with a lot to unpack on both sides of the relationship. Jo did his best to take care of the people in his life but what he really needed was someone who would take care of him. Jade and Journey’s chaos quickly became his peace.
Seeing more of Dominic and Josiah’s bond in this book was a major plus for me. 🥹🖤
Josiah & Jade’s book was a slow burn with a lot to unpack on both sides of the relationship. Jo did his best to take care of the people in his life but what he really needed was someone who would take care of him. Jade and Journey’s chaos quickly became his peace.
Seeing more of Dominic and Josiah’s bond in this book was a major plus for me. 🥹🖤
February 26, 2021
I read the first part of this story, Saving Sunflower at the end of 2020, ending my reading year on the highest of highs. So I most certainly was NOT expecting to be blessed with a second installment so soon into 2021. But you want to know who's not complaining? ME! Because The Endgame is everything I could have asked for, and nothing I would have imagined actually receiving. I mean talk about a breathtakingly painful, poignant, and...beautiful story.
Thanks to the sacrifices of his older cousin Dominic, Josiah Joseph made it out of the jungle. He's escaped the hood as the star quarterback playing college football in Athens Georgia. But the echoes of his past and upbringing continue to haunt him...threatening to suck him back into the lifestyle Nic fought so hard to steer him away from. From entertaining countless girls-to family/set obligations and drama-to failing English 101 among several other classes—Josiah is on the verge of losing his grip on the delicate footing he's been able to gain in this new world when all he's trying to do is find some peace...and then he meets Jade.
Jade is in her final year of college, working as a teachers assistant in Josiah English 101 class. She's trying to figure out what she's going to do with the rest of her life, all while juggling the demanding job of being a single mother to a beautiful 2-year-old little girl named Journey—a mistake in judgement, turned miracle in living form. Jade and Josiah meet at a party during an encounter that ended in Josiah getting into a fight with the Mistake Jade made her Miracle with, changing the course of both of their lives. With Jade finally finding someone who cherishes her and Journey the way they deserve, and Jo finding his peace.
I juuuuuust. I still cannot believe this is only Rae Lyse's second book. I really just want to yell CAP at that reality, because the feelings, passion, and pain that's woven through every page of this book, seems UNREAL for a second release. Warm-up WHERE? New author WHO???
It's been quite some time since a book make me cry and there were several times throughout this book, as I was reading, where my eyes just started leaking. I hurt for Jo, I hurt for Jade, and I hurt for Journey, all while cheering for and rooting for them at the same time. I wanted to fight anyone who questioned their love for each other and I wanted to wrap them up in a protective cocoon away from the worlds prying eyes and unwanted judgements so they could just be happy together. I literally left this book feeling like Jade, Journey, and Josiah were the loves of MY life.
This was another installment with just fantastic character development, continued slayage of exposition and background, extraordinary moments of passion and intensity, and deep dives into family dynamics and interactions. The constant push and pull between Jade and Josiah in how far they were willing to admit they were IN IT with each other was the hardest and most painful part for me to read. While they were playing tug of war with each other, I was playing tug of war with my heart and my head. In my heart, I wanted so badly for them to throw caution to the wind and just say FUCK IT and be all in with eachother. But in my head, I knew that with Journey in the picture, the privilege of just saying YOLO went out the window. But IN MY HEART I knew the type of person Dominic was and the kind of man he raised Josiah to be, so the risk of Journey and Jade getting hurt by him was low....BUT IN MY HEAD, I knew that any risk wasn't one worth taking. BUT MY HEART BRO! MY GODDAMNED HEART.
This book put me THROUGH it. And I loved every second of it. I stayed up until 3:30 in the morning on a WORK day to finish it because I just needed to see if they were going to be okay. To see if they would make it through the storm, even if with a few bumps and bruises. And while I was satisfied with where we ended up, I LOVE that the story wasn't wrapped up in a pretty, clean-cut bow. There's still a question mark, there's still some uncertainty, and a bit of story left to play out. I don't know if Rae plans on adding more to this series or not, but I love that even if she doesn't, the end of this book leaves room for the reader to imagine and dream. And until I'm told otherwise, I'm going to imagine and dream that Nic, Clo, Evie, Jade, Journey, Josiah, Diane, George, and Terry are all living their best and happy lives.
I'm always so eternally grateful and thankful that these authors who have these amazing stories swimming in their heads, choose to write them down on paper and share them for us to consume and enjoy. So I'm imploring you..if you've made it through this review and you haven't read this book or Saving Sunflower yet–help me in thanking Rae Lyse, by doing so RIGHT NOW. You won't regret it. I PROMISE you.
Thanks to the sacrifices of his older cousin Dominic, Josiah Joseph made it out of the jungle. He's escaped the hood as the star quarterback playing college football in Athens Georgia. But the echoes of his past and upbringing continue to haunt him...threatening to suck him back into the lifestyle Nic fought so hard to steer him away from. From entertaining countless girls-to family/set obligations and drama-to failing English 101 among several other classes—Josiah is on the verge of losing his grip on the delicate footing he's been able to gain in this new world when all he's trying to do is find some peace...and then he meets Jade.
Jade is in her final year of college, working as a teachers assistant in Josiah English 101 class. She's trying to figure out what she's going to do with the rest of her life, all while juggling the demanding job of being a single mother to a beautiful 2-year-old little girl named Journey—a mistake in judgement, turned miracle in living form. Jade and Josiah meet at a party during an encounter that ended in Josiah getting into a fight with the Mistake Jade made her Miracle with, changing the course of both of their lives. With Jade finally finding someone who cherishes her and Journey the way they deserve, and Jo finding his peace.
I juuuuuust. I still cannot believe this is only Rae Lyse's second book. I really just want to yell CAP at that reality, because the feelings, passion, and pain that's woven through every page of this book, seems UNREAL for a second release. Warm-up WHERE? New author WHO???
It's been quite some time since a book make me cry and there were several times throughout this book, as I was reading, where my eyes just started leaking. I hurt for Jo, I hurt for Jade, and I hurt for Journey, all while cheering for and rooting for them at the same time. I wanted to fight anyone who questioned their love for each other and I wanted to wrap them up in a protective cocoon away from the worlds prying eyes and unwanted judgements so they could just be happy together. I literally left this book feeling like Jade, Journey, and Josiah were the loves of MY life.
This was another installment with just fantastic character development, continued slayage of exposition and background, extraordinary moments of passion and intensity, and deep dives into family dynamics and interactions. The constant push and pull between Jade and Josiah in how far they were willing to admit they were IN IT with each other was the hardest and most painful part for me to read. While they were playing tug of war with each other, I was playing tug of war with my heart and my head. In my heart, I wanted so badly for them to throw caution to the wind and just say FUCK IT and be all in with eachother. But in my head, I knew that with Journey in the picture, the privilege of just saying YOLO went out the window. But IN MY HEART I knew the type of person Dominic was and the kind of man he raised Josiah to be, so the risk of Journey and Jade getting hurt by him was low....BUT IN MY HEAD, I knew that any risk wasn't one worth taking. BUT MY HEART BRO! MY GODDAMNED HEART.
This book put me THROUGH it. And I loved every second of it. I stayed up until 3:30 in the morning on a WORK day to finish it because I just needed to see if they were going to be okay. To see if they would make it through the storm, even if with a few bumps and bruises. And while I was satisfied with where we ended up, I LOVE that the story wasn't wrapped up in a pretty, clean-cut bow. There's still a question mark, there's still some uncertainty, and a bit of story left to play out. I don't know if Rae plans on adding more to this series or not, but I love that even if she doesn't, the end of this book leaves room for the reader to imagine and dream. And until I'm told otherwise, I'm going to imagine and dream that Nic, Clo, Evie, Jade, Journey, Josiah, Diane, George, and Terry are all living their best and happy lives.
I'm always so eternally grateful and thankful that these authors who have these amazing stories swimming in their heads, choose to write them down on paper and share them for us to consume and enjoy. So I'm imploring you..if you've made it through this review and you haven't read this book or Saving Sunflower yet–help me in thanking Rae Lyse, by doing so RIGHT NOW. You won't regret it. I PROMISE you.
July 11, 2024
✨Book Review✨
Josiah Joseph is the star quarterback at his university. Known as a troubled young man around campus, Josiah is dealing with survivor's guilt, escaping the hood, and being at a fancy university, when so many of his peers didn’t make it out is weighing on him. His guilt is surfacing as anger, he finds himself not getting along with his coach, and he’s not applying himself in his classes. With his grades suffering, he needs a tutor to help him stay on track.
Jade Taylor is in the last semester of her senior year and is laser-focused. Being a teacher's assistant and a single mother keeps her schedule busy. All Jade wants to do is keep her head down and graduate at the end of the semester.
But one night at a party, Josiah and Jade cross paths; Jo comes to Jade's defense, and a night that started as a good time ends in some drama. That lands Josiah in the hot seat yet again.
Being the TA in Josiah‘s English class gives Jade insight into Josiah‘s academic abilities. Seeing how athletes are left to fend for themselves academically, Jade agrees to tutor Josiah. Sensing that he is not the only one needing a helping hand 😉, Josiah offers to be Jade’s relief and ensure she has the best last semester she can. The two agree that at the end of the semester, when Jade graduates, they will walk away from each other. But they will see just how difficult letting go is.
As with all Rae Lyse stories, this is not just a love story. These complex characters are facing some of life’s toughest challenges, all the while falling in love for the first time. The writing is impeccable. The character development is top-notch. The plot is 🔥. This is a must-read.
Some of my favorite parts:
1. Josiah and Journey’s relationship
2. Josiah’s maturity
3. Josiah’s growth by the end of the book
4. Just Josiah! I love him!
One last thing before I go Jade’s momma, Terry, was a hater; it’s like she wanted her daughter to be unhappy. Happy my girl Jade found someone who will make HER happy despite how anybody else feels.
Book: The Endgame
Author: Rae Lyse
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Josiah Joseph is the star quarterback at his university. Known as a troubled young man around campus, Josiah is dealing with survivor's guilt, escaping the hood, and being at a fancy university, when so many of his peers didn’t make it out is weighing on him. His guilt is surfacing as anger, he finds himself not getting along with his coach, and he’s not applying himself in his classes. With his grades suffering, he needs a tutor to help him stay on track.
Jade Taylor is in the last semester of her senior year and is laser-focused. Being a teacher's assistant and a single mother keeps her schedule busy. All Jade wants to do is keep her head down and graduate at the end of the semester.
But one night at a party, Josiah and Jade cross paths; Jo comes to Jade's defense, and a night that started as a good time ends in some drama. That lands Josiah in the hot seat yet again.
Being the TA in Josiah‘s English class gives Jade insight into Josiah‘s academic abilities. Seeing how athletes are left to fend for themselves academically, Jade agrees to tutor Josiah. Sensing that he is not the only one needing a helping hand 😉, Josiah offers to be Jade’s relief and ensure she has the best last semester she can. The two agree that at the end of the semester, when Jade graduates, they will walk away from each other. But they will see just how difficult letting go is.
As with all Rae Lyse stories, this is not just a love story. These complex characters are facing some of life’s toughest challenges, all the while falling in love for the first time. The writing is impeccable. The character development is top-notch. The plot is 🔥. This is a must-read.
Some of my favorite parts:
1. Josiah and Journey’s relationship
2. Josiah’s maturity
3. Josiah’s growth by the end of the book
4. Just Josiah! I love him!
One last thing before I go Jade’s momma, Terry, was a hater; it’s like she wanted her daughter to be unhappy. Happy my girl Jade found someone who will make HER happy despite how anybody else feels.
Book: The Endgame
Author: Rae Lyse
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
July 29, 2022
Ugh!!! Josiah has my heart!! I thought Dominic was a tortured soul…. Josiah has him beat! He really had the weight of the world in his shoulder! Jade and Journey were definitely his endgame! The three of them needed each other like they needed air to breathe! This was yet another realistic story especially when it spoke about how these schools treat young black athletes that come from impoverished neighborhoods. The way Rae develops these stories is truly heartfelt. She is definitely a storyteller like no other! I can’t wait to see how she develops Mo’s story!
March 15, 2021
The endgame was just the beginning. “Who’s gonna keep you safe Jo.” Is one of the quotes that stuck to me. This author did an incredible job of making us lose ourselves inside the pages of Josiah’s book. He was so flawed and layered but he was every bit the hero, alpha male and force of nature. He was so many people’s savior and protector and Jade and Journey became that for him.
This story was beautifully written, flowed perfectly and with so many hidden gems and passages that force you to think. One thing for sure Jade, Jour and Josiah were one another’s end but hopefully the beginning of the forever love they all deserved. Round of applause and I can’t wait for Mo’s story.
This story was beautifully written, flowed perfectly and with so many hidden gems and passages that force you to think. One thing for sure Jade, Jour and Josiah were one another’s end but hopefully the beginning of the forever love they all deserved. Round of applause and I can’t wait for Mo’s story.
March 11, 2021
I had to grab up book two after finishing book one. And I'm kinda pissed, ngl, that there isn't a whole five or ten books from this author waiting for me to immerse myself in.
Because reading this book, as well as book one, is an immersion. The layers. The complexities. Jesus wept. I weep that I can't write as good as Rae Lyse. These characters stay with you and will remain with me, for a very long time. A complete experience.
These are my two favorites of 2021. Rae Lyse is a new find but already my favorite author. I'm reading anything this author writes.
Just...damn.
Because reading this book, as well as book one, is an immersion. The layers. The complexities. Jesus wept. I weep that I can't write as good as Rae Lyse. These characters stay with you and will remain with me, for a very long time. A complete experience.
These are my two favorites of 2021. Rae Lyse is a new find but already my favorite author. I'm reading anything this author writes.
Just...damn.
April 29, 2024
The Endgame had me emotionally invested! Josiah had so many layers, and it felt good peeling away each layer as I read.
Seeing Jo spend time with Jade and Journey warmed my heart. They were so perfect together.
“I love you. I can’t regret anything about you or us, because I see you just like God sees you. You could be on Mars and me and Jour would still find a way to be right there next to you, baby.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seeing Jo spend time with Jade and Journey warmed my heart. They were so perfect together.
“I love you. I can’t regret anything about you or us, because I see you just like God sees you. You could be on Mars and me and Jour would still find a way to be right there next to you, baby.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 9, 2021
Feelings...
I’m a literal mess from this book! My feelings are all over the place for young black athletes lost in the system, young black single mothers barely making it, fatherless children trying to parent other fatherless children....whew! Rae Lyse brought every emotion I’m capable of feeling out in this book.
I’m a literal mess from this book! My feelings are all over the place for young black athletes lost in the system, young black single mothers barely making it, fatherless children trying to parent other fatherless children....whew! Rae Lyse brought every emotion I’m capable of feeling out in this book.
September 11, 2024
This book and everyone in it pissed me off
July 18, 2022
I can definitely see Josiah as The Sun
I waited almost a full week to write my review because I wanted to make sure I did this beautifully written book justice. I don't think I have the words to convey just how amazing everything about this story is. From the way Jade embraces her responsibilities to Josiah using everything Dominic taught him to be the best version of himself. I love the way light was shed on how universities use the talent of Black young men to bring money and prestige to their programs while ignoring their educational needs.There's just so much to this story that I adore. This book was worth the 10 hour binge of reading. More than 5 stars!!! Rae Lyse is a gem among authors and we are lucky to have her.
**audio** 7/17
Beautiful!
I can honestly say that Phoenix and Benjamin did a beautiful job portraying the emotions that this story is full of. it took a while for me to get into this older and more mature voice(in my opinion) of Josiah, however, when it was time for Josiah to emote true emotion in this story, Benjamin Charles did a magnificent job. Rae Lyse is a magician that weaves the most complex characters and storylines and I am really impressed and how each story just got better and better.
I waited almost a full week to write my review because I wanted to make sure I did this beautifully written book justice. I don't think I have the words to convey just how amazing everything about this story is. From the way Jade embraces her responsibilities to Josiah using everything Dominic taught him to be the best version of himself. I love the way light was shed on how universities use the talent of Black young men to bring money and prestige to their programs while ignoring their educational needs.There's just so much to this story that I adore. This book was worth the 10 hour binge of reading. More than 5 stars!!! Rae Lyse is a gem among authors and we are lucky to have her.
**audio** 7/17
Beautiful!
I can honestly say that Phoenix and Benjamin did a beautiful job portraying the emotions that this story is full of. it took a while for me to get into this older and more mature voice(in my opinion) of Josiah, however, when it was time for Josiah to emote true emotion in this story, Benjamin Charles did a magnificent job. Rae Lyse is a magician that weaves the most complex characters and storylines and I am really impressed and how each story just got better and better.
August 11, 2022
This one was interesting I never looked at college athletes like this. It’s crazy how they’re used for just their talent. Josiah maturity was attractive. The advice he learned from people close to him he actually listened. I loved when reading from his pov he would mention it. Jade had some inconsistency but I think that just shows her youth and trying to navigate her adult life and decisions. Second half felt slow idk I really kept reading for Josiah because I was fascinated with all his layers and mindset regardless of his shortcomings.
August 23, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book was so SO much better than Saving Sunflower and im glad because I was a little worried.
The Endgame follows: Jade who is a young single mother balancing college, working as a teacher’s assistant, and striving to be a good mom while rebuilding her relationship with her mother and planning for life after graduation. Josiah, a troubled college football star with a fifth-grade reading level, is defined by his heart and passion. He’s a determined young man who unapologetically shoulders the responsibility of caring for his family.The story between Jade and Josiah was much more than your average boy meet girl! It was levels to it!
Josiah. Josiah, that’s it! A man that came from the hood, didn’t grow up with much, but boy did he persevere! I didn’t want this story to end!
Jade! Man, Jade was literally so annoying. How is Jo acting more mature and level handed than you? She was too unsure and always overthinking crap. Like at first I got it but then it became aggravating.
A beautiful story from beginning to end! I was SAT! Although, I did feel like the ending was rushed! Amazing character development between the two main characters. Well done!
This book was so SO much better than Saving Sunflower and im glad because I was a little worried.
The Endgame follows: Jade who is a young single mother balancing college, working as a teacher’s assistant, and striving to be a good mom while rebuilding her relationship with her mother and planning for life after graduation. Josiah, a troubled college football star with a fifth-grade reading level, is defined by his heart and passion. He’s a determined young man who unapologetically shoulders the responsibility of caring for his family.The story between Jade and Josiah was much more than your average boy meet girl! It was levels to it!
Josiah. Josiah, that’s it! A man that came from the hood, didn’t grow up with much, but boy did he persevere! I didn’t want this story to end!
Jade! Man, Jade was literally so annoying. How is Jo acting more mature and level handed than you? She was too unsure and always overthinking crap. Like at first I got it but then it became aggravating.
A beautiful story from beginning to end! I was SAT! Although, I did feel like the ending was rushed! Amazing character development between the two main characters. Well done!
December 8, 2021
My Heart
Readers get a glimpse of Josiah in Saving Sunflower, but nothing compares to his presence in EndGame. Josiah is a young black man from the hood trying to defeat the odds. His life changes after meeting Jade, his tutor turned lover. Their whirlwind romance left me and my heart yearning for more.
Rae Lyse pens a story beautifully. My emotions were all over the place reading this book. I loved this story and I loved Josiah’s connection with Jade, but I loved his relationship with Journey more. Top tier read.
Readers get a glimpse of Josiah in Saving Sunflower, but nothing compares to his presence in EndGame. Josiah is a young black man from the hood trying to defeat the odds. His life changes after meeting Jade, his tutor turned lover. Their whirlwind romance left me and my heart yearning for more.
Rae Lyse pens a story beautifully. My emotions were all over the place reading this book. I loved this story and I loved Josiah’s connection with Jade, but I loved his relationship with Journey more. Top tier read.
June 21, 2025
This book felt like two stories in one. We had the love story with Josiah and Jade and then we had the story of the black student athlete and what goes on behind closed doors in some colleges.
Josiah came from a troubled background just like Dominic from book one in this series but he had a lot of pressure on him. His friends and family gave up a lot, some more than others for him to be the first person in the family to go to college and the endgame was for him to stay there. Once there, it was clear he did not get there based on his academics and no one seemed to care as long as he "did his job" on the field and took the football team to victory. When Jade offered to help him it started as just that, her helping him in his English class but it grew into so much more especially once he met her daughter.
I was annoyed with her mother basically getting in her head and making her second guess things with Josiah and trying to force her child's father on her when he truly didn't want to have anything to do with Journey, the daughter. I was also annoyed with Jade's movements after their trip back to his hometown. I was also disappointed in her that she didn't live up to what she said that she wouldn't let her decisions in the romantic department with him effect her ability to help him. It took an incident at his game for her to come to her senses and go to him but I am glad that she eventually did. I was also proud of Josiah in pushing through and using their time apart to really focus on his English assignment. I would have liked to know what happened in his other classes since that was brought up in the book but that is just my curious nature.
Overall, I thought it was a good book. Josiah and Jade made a good couple, he showed her some things about his world but she was able to see past the negative and see all of his good qualities. I was happy he was able to be himself around her mother and show her who he was for both her and Journey who he was also so good with. It was nice being able to see some more of Dominic and Claudette again too.
Josiah came from a troubled background just like Dominic from book one in this series but he had a lot of pressure on him. His friends and family gave up a lot, some more than others for him to be the first person in the family to go to college and the endgame was for him to stay there. Once there, it was clear he did not get there based on his academics and no one seemed to care as long as he "did his job" on the field and took the football team to victory. When Jade offered to help him it started as just that, her helping him in his English class but it grew into so much more especially once he met her daughter.
I was annoyed with her mother basically getting in her head and making her second guess things with Josiah and trying to force her child's father on her when he truly didn't want to have anything to do with Journey, the daughter. I was also annoyed with Jade's movements after their trip back to his hometown. I was also disappointed in her that she didn't live up to what she said that she wouldn't let her decisions in the romantic department with him effect her ability to help him. It took an incident at his game for her to come to her senses and go to him but I am glad that she eventually did. I was also proud of Josiah in pushing through and using their time apart to really focus on his English assignment. I would have liked to know what happened in his other classes since that was brought up in the book but that is just my curious nature.
Overall, I thought it was a good book. Josiah and Jade made a good couple, he showed her some things about his world but she was able to see past the negative and see all of his good qualities. I was happy he was able to be himself around her mother and show her who he was for both her and Journey who he was also so good with. It was nice being able to see some more of Dominic and Claudette again too.
June 30, 2021
Love JoJo!
There were so many layers to this story especially about Josiah. This story allowed us to go behind the "curtains" on whom we considered "thugs" and opened our hearts to their frailties, their vulnerabilities, their humanity. I really wish Josiah, Jade, and Journey the best in their future. I do wish Terry was more compassionate as a mother...she was wrecking my nerves. Bravo to this author in pouring her heart and soul into this work, this series.
There were so many layers to this story especially about Josiah. This story allowed us to go behind the "curtains" on whom we considered "thugs" and opened our hearts to their frailties, their vulnerabilities, their humanity. I really wish Josiah, Jade, and Journey the best in their future. I do wish Terry was more compassionate as a mother...she was wrecking my nerves. Bravo to this author in pouring her heart and soul into this work, this series.
August 11, 2021
Everything
This book was everything and then some! It was written very well and was able to get and hold your attention through out the whole book. I definitely recommend this read!!
This book was everything and then some! It was written very well and was able to get and hold your attention through out the whole book. I definitely recommend this read!!
March 16, 2021
Amazing!!!
This book is AMAZING!! Jo is everything! If you’re looking for a book about an ALPHA male this is the one!!! Read it! You won’t regret it. I guarantee that!
This book is AMAZING!! Jo is everything! If you’re looking for a book about an ALPHA male this is the one!!! Read it! You won’t regret it. I guarantee that!
February 14, 2021
Didn’t want it to end!! 💕😭
I need some time to decompress after this read. Listen, this book is the b-o-m-b!! It was the absolute truth for me!! Jade and Josiah were making my heart flutter. Josiah may have been younger than Jade but he was ALL man and I respect his hustle and heart!!❤️
One of the things that I loved the most was the way that Jade didn’t judge Josiah- whether it was his upbringing, his thuggish ways, his southern drawl, or his shortcomings in the classroom. These two were destined from the beginning and their chemistry was off the charts.
This storyline was well developed. There are some underlying issues including sports and the way that athletes are treated as a number and not as persons. Grief was a heavy topic, also. And I loved the theme of family. The author tackled some heavy topics but she did so with grace while portraying the importance of certain things.
The characters were everything! I wanted to hug Jade and Josiah for all that they had gone through. They could have easily given up on love and life but they didn’t. Love and football are two things that make me happy, in real life. Sis delivered with this book..! Tens across the board!❤️✨
I need some time to decompress after this read. Listen, this book is the b-o-m-b!! It was the absolute truth for me!! Jade and Josiah were making my heart flutter. Josiah may have been younger than Jade but he was ALL man and I respect his hustle and heart!!❤️
One of the things that I loved the most was the way that Jade didn’t judge Josiah- whether it was his upbringing, his thuggish ways, his southern drawl, or his shortcomings in the classroom. These two were destined from the beginning and their chemistry was off the charts.
This storyline was well developed. There are some underlying issues including sports and the way that athletes are treated as a number and not as persons. Grief was a heavy topic, also. And I loved the theme of family. The author tackled some heavy topics but she did so with grace while portraying the importance of certain things.
The characters were everything! I wanted to hug Jade and Josiah for all that they had gone through. They could have easily given up on love and life but they didn’t. Love and football are two things that make me happy, in real life. Sis delivered with this book..! Tens across the board!❤️✨
March 13, 2021
Everything...
This book was so good. The dimensions, character growth and life lessons that it entailed brought together a well written romance novel. Josiah was such a real man and seeing his character’s background story and struggles and life lessons gave the book life. Loved his dedication to jade and journey. Honestly I didn’t want the book to end. It’s easily one of my all time favorite books.
This book was so good. The dimensions, character growth and life lessons that it entailed brought together a well written romance novel. Josiah was such a real man and seeing his character’s background story and struggles and life lessons gave the book life. Loved his dedication to jade and journey. Honestly I didn’t want the book to end. It’s easily one of my all time favorite books.
December 30, 2022
I play around in my reviews a lot. I try to give them the personality that I had while reading them. I also give a lot of books 5 stars, some people may argue are undeserving of a perfect score. This is not one of those stories. I shed real tears to this book and it has been a very long time since I did that. This book was real and raw, while weaving a romance that was beautiful, we got to read more about the often forgotten part of what people and even myself idolize. I enjoyed reading about Josiah. I loved learning about his journey, but more than anything I loved how he progressed. There is a peace in seeing a character grow especially after rooting for his older cousin. I also love 2pac so seeing the references in both this book and the first in the series were some of my favorites. I pray the thugz mansion is just as beautiful as it should be.
I also love the emphasis on his real this story was. I think often when reading stories about millionaires or about the boss, the trauma that occurs from these actions is ignored. Yes, the heroine got a new bag or house but someone lost their life. I enjoyed this as honestly it brings me back to earth. I also enjoy seeing men be truly vulnerable. I pray peace for all.
I also love the emphasis on his real this story was. I think often when reading stories about millionaires or about the boss, the trauma that occurs from these actions is ignored. Yes, the heroine got a new bag or house but someone lost their life. I enjoyed this as honestly it brings me back to earth. I also enjoy seeing men be truly vulnerable. I pray peace for all.
October 22, 2022
Awww man… Josiah
Whew! Based on Dominic’s experience in book one I knew this would be rough. Especially since I knew Diane would be featured, since this was Jo’s story and that is his mom. From book 1, I wasn’t feeling her.
And each time this sweet man was described as broken, I thought of Diane and how she assisted in his brokenness. I just don’t like her.
While this story is about Jo and Jade’s relationship. It also about the impact unhealed people have on others. Terry is hurt and she couldn’t see past her hurt. Which is why she was constantly projecting her views on Jade. And Diane doesn’t know how to love and guide. She shamed and humiliated.
I loved this story and the writing. It was so layered. Even the smallest nuisances of someone living in that poverty mind space. I can’t wait to read more about these people, next up… Mo!
Oh and shout out to Jade for gathering the Coach together.
Whew! Based on Dominic’s experience in book one I knew this would be rough. Especially since I knew Diane would be featured, since this was Jo’s story and that is his mom. From book 1, I wasn’t feeling her.
And each time this sweet man was described as broken, I thought of Diane and how she assisted in his brokenness. I just don’t like her.
While this story is about Jo and Jade’s relationship. It also about the impact unhealed people have on others. Terry is hurt and she couldn’t see past her hurt. Which is why she was constantly projecting her views on Jade. And Diane doesn’t know how to love and guide. She shamed and humiliated.
I loved this story and the writing. It was so layered. Even the smallest nuisances of someone living in that poverty mind space. I can’t wait to read more about these people, next up… Mo!
Oh and shout out to Jade for gathering the Coach together.
June 2, 2022
Tho the author is pretty good with characterization, I guess I am in the minority on other attributes, the author’s poor execution of creating a extremely thoughtful young man kinda fell, because it was extremely noticeable that he too has a totally disregard for others. And a young lady that is smart focused and goal driven, yet totally clueless about mundane things, well this just did not work for Mi. A running theme in the book, depicting one thing and then depicting the totally opposite, like Worries&Concerns, then Careless&Carefree I was just confused lol and I felt that way in the first book, but not so much as this one. Overall good story tho
January 3, 2023
Must Read
I absolutely loved Jo and Jade’s story. If you loved Saving Sunflower, this book is for you.
Jade is a single mother trying to graduate from college and be the best mother she could be to get daughter, Journey.
Josiah , “Jo”, is the quarterback for their college football team. He’s trying to juggle football, school and taking care of his people back home all while dealing with past trauma and PTSD.
When Jade and Jo cross paths both of their lives change for the better. I really enjoyed this live story. It wasn’t easy? Nor was it perfect. Jo and Jade were made for each other.
I absolutely loved Jo and Jade’s story. If you loved Saving Sunflower, this book is for you.
Jade is a single mother trying to graduate from college and be the best mother she could be to get daughter, Journey.
Josiah , “Jo”, is the quarterback for their college football team. He’s trying to juggle football, school and taking care of his people back home all while dealing with past trauma and PTSD.
When Jade and Jo cross paths both of their lives change for the better. I really enjoyed this live story. It wasn’t easy? Nor was it perfect. Jo and Jade were made for each other.
May 24, 2022
I'ma just add Jo to my book baes list.
I knew I wouldn't be disappointed when I finally read this! I completely loved Jo! The way he stepped up and just loved on Journey so effortlessly was beautiful. I'm glad Jade finally came to her senses and whew Terry was a lot but I understood why but still... I just wanted to be like ma'am... He is not Brandon and you gonna have to let this mistake Jade made go. Anyway can't wait to get to the rest of the books in this series!
I knew I wouldn't be disappointed when I finally read this! I completely loved Jo! The way he stepped up and just loved on Journey so effortlessly was beautiful. I'm glad Jade finally came to her senses and whew Terry was a lot but I understood why but still... I just wanted to be like ma'am... He is not Brandon and you gonna have to let this mistake Jade made go. Anyway can't wait to get to the rest of the books in this series!
May 5, 2024
Whew
I thought Dominic was it. Josiah has taken his spot. This was just emotional. It was happy. It was draining. It was so good. I didn't even think that Josiah from book one was holding all of this in. Poor Jade. She had a mother that was just projecting what she went through on to Jade. Terry was horrible.
I thought Dominic was it. Josiah has taken his spot. This was just emotional. It was happy. It was draining. It was so good. I didn't even think that Josiah from book one was holding all of this in. Poor Jade. She had a mother that was just projecting what she went through on to Jade. Terry was horrible.
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