Love, in all its forms, is a foreign concept to Garryn Taylor. After being let down one too many times by nearly every person in her life, she’s sworn off the elusive emotion to focus solely on her career. When tasked with locating and obtaining a rare collection of artifacts for her most important, yet difficult client, she finds them in the possession of self-made millionaire CEO and music mogul, Verse Presley. To her surprise, he refuses to part with the valuable collection, sending her on an uncomfortable journey of going above and beyond to change his mind. Weeks of back and forth finally result in Verse requesting much more from her than just the millions being offered by her client. Through it all, Garryn fights to remain indifferent towards Verse and all his charming ways, while the multi-layered man works on breaking down each of her carefully constructed walls, giving her much more than she bargained for…
K. Lashaun is an adult contemporary author born and raised in the great state of Alabama. Her start in writing followed the typical blueprint for most authors - consuming an insane amount of books at an early age before turning that love of reading into a knack for story telling.
She enjoys crafting imperfect - unapologetically black - love stories.
Oh y’all were holding out big time!!!!!! How y’all just gone let Verse amazing as$ fly under the radar like this?!? I can’t even begin to describe how much I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!! I love when a book leaves me full yet wanting more at the same dxmned time!! “In the Moment” did exactly that! I meannnnnnnn how could you not love everything about Garryn and Verse!!
“You saw me at a time when I felt invisible. You made me feel important when I felt insignificant. I’ll love you forever for so many things, but most of all for showing me what unconditional truly means.” This was my absolute favorite quote in the book and perfectly described these two!
Garryn grew up without the thing humans need most and that’s love! Abandoned by her trash as$ mother and left more times than she can count to live with her father, who was also left broken at the hands of her mother, and an older brother Onyx she struggled with insecurities, feeling that she was unworthy of love because no one led by example. She poured her all into her love for art and was ok being closed off behind the wall she built to protect her heart. That is until Verse comes in and shakes $hit up! What started out as a mutual agreement to close a business deal quickly took them down a road of HEA.
My heart went out to Onyx and I would love an update from him. Even possibly finding his own HEA.
I need a back story on Gia and Israel because those two mf intrigued tf outta me 😩😩
And let’s not forget about my boo Keem!!! Somebody needs to conquer him because I know there’s a gentle giant behind his tough exterior!
Ummm get tuh writing these stories ma’am 🤣😅
There is soooooo much I want to say about this book but the words escape me. Just know you will not be disappointed! If you don’t plan to crack open another book this year, make the exception for this book. This was my first book by K. Lashaun and will not be my last. Very impressed!!
- I immediately picked up the second book in this series. Like IMMEDIATELY!! Already wanting to add it to my tbr because I don’t want to be out of this universe and I love this authors style of writing! This is my first book by K Lashaun and it was so good!! - It took me awhile to really get into it, but once I was about 150 pages in, I literally couldn’t put it down. I stayed up way past my bedtime just so I could finish it. The characters felt so real and the love that the fmc & mmc have for each other is so swoon worthy. - I actually covered my face with the book and squealed at the ending. Can’t wait to read more from this author!!
It took me forever and a day to finish this book but, it was worth every single minute of my time. In This Moment was so damn good! We find ourselves immersed in the world of art which, I absolutely loved. We don't see enough of us in this industry. Garryn is an art curator whose number one goal is to own SOTA (State of the Art), the company she currently works for. In order to obtain that goal, she has to convince Verse Presley to part with a rare artifact collection. On a mission, Garryn becomes the hugest pain in the butt for Verse. She literally and figuratively barges into his life and does some of the funniest shyt just to get a sit down with him. While Garryn’s antics initially annoyed him, Verse quickly finds himself attracted to her and wants to make her his ASAP. But, he has no idea how hard he’ll have to work for her affections. Garryn is emotionally scarred and rightfully so. Her mama is a gold digging slut, her daddy is emotionally unavailable, and her brother is fighting a severe case of PTSD after being injured in the military. That Alicia really did a number on Garryn. Her abandonment and emotional abuse causes a constant fear of rejection and makes Garryn think she's incapable of giving and receiving love. So, she gave a hard side eye to EVERYTHING Verse said and did. Trust did not come easy for Garryn. Verse had the patience of Job. He didn’t let Garryn’s rudeness or slick comments deter him at all. Another reviewer referred to him as a Compassionate Gangsta and I couldn't think of a better title. Her stubbornness was often frustrating but, watching Garryn finally give into her feelings for Verse was just the sweetest thing. While there’s a little bit of drama, I love that the main focus of the storyline is the romance between Garryn and Verse. I also loved Garryn’s emotional growth and self-awareness. When she finally figured out she would never get the acceptance and love she craved from her mama, she finally let that burden go and found her peace. In This Moment was a beautiful love story. The storyline was well-developed, the characters are lovable, and the sex was hot. K. Lashaun has quickly moved into my top five favorite authors. I hope the other books in this series are on Hakeem and Gia. I need the tea on Keem’s background and I need to know why Gia and Israel divorced and when they’re going to get back together. Because, they’re definitely getting back together.
3.75⭐️Rounded up! This was a good one. A bit of a slow burn to get to the actual relationship but not slow when it came to the spice😜 Verse and Garryn were a bit unconventional in the way their “relationship” started but eventually morphed into something beautiful. Verse was a MAN and took care of her. Not just materialistically, but took care of her mind. He reassured her when she needed it, allowed her to process it all without rushing her. Ugh… he was so good to her. I do wish that she would’ve have let her guard down a little earlier in the story because she was starting to turn into a slight b____ to him for a minute-but he shut that down IMMEDIATELY 🤣🤣 I didn’t know that this was a series and I’m definitely interested in going forward with it eventually.
(this one is featured in a reading vlog on my YouTube channel)
This was phenomenal! The depth, family trauma and toxicity, healing was just everything. We love an emotionally mature MMC (he did majorly mess up once, but I loved him). Read the book!
Okay yea, ate this up! I’m easily taken out of romance books because I get bored quick, & I typically shy away from spice heavy books. But this one got me lol the family trauma, the emotional depth of the characters, & VERSE himself turned this into a steady page turner for me. Definitely reading the next one soon.
Verse & Garryn had to really go through it. What I enjoyed most was the different plots and storylines going on within this story to set us up for additional future stories. Verse is a strong alpha male that just wants everyone he loves to win and he’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen. Garryn is a smart, strong independent lady that watch her mother do unthinkable things and left Garryn and her father for wealthy men. Garryn wanted another type of life. These two really fought hard to get to their HEA.
I'm amazed, because I absolutely adored this book and reading about the romance between Verse and Garryn. An amazing love story was told in In This Moment. How can I not give this five stars? The plot was well-developed, and the characters are endearing.
I loved this book so much! When I am able to feel the connection, the love, the chemistry in every damn interaction before love is even ready to be spoken about, but it's so damn clear I know I'm going to be in for an amazing journey to love.
Verse was THAT man! When women want the bad boy, that's not really what they want...it's Verse that they want. A man with the street edge, so his swag is authentic, but it's his past and there is no danger. His confidence is on 1k because he made it out the mud and built greatness. Humble enough to eat with you at a regular seafood joint despite his notoriety. Compassionate enough to be patient with you as you get over your own trauma. Fiercely protective of you, your spirit. He was literally the definition of I'm not a Killa, but don't push me, especially when it came to those he loved. A real rider for his hood, his family, his friends, and definitely his woman. This man was almost a billionaire, but it was the way he used it to look out for his artists, to give back to his community, to support his friends, to care for his family, and to ensure his woman's dreams came to fruition is what made me love his character the most. If you aren't clear he is Bookbae. Garryn, the woman that had this consuming man in knots couldn't understand what he wanted from her. She was a boss lady in her own right and poured her heart and soul into the art gallery she practically ran. She had so much love to give, but her family wasn't one that had healthy relationships with love. Her parents were an unloving pair (hot trash). Her brother was battling demons and they weren't quite the same as they once were as kids. Her entire life she waited for love to fully be reciprocated and that is what Verse gave her. Due to the unorthodox way they started their relationship, it took her awhile to really believe he truly wanted to be with her. Oh but when she opened up to him, I loved that for her. She deserved it. Keem with his quiet, loyal, menacing spirit played such a key role in their relationship and I believe him opening up to her helped Verse and Garryn get to their HEA. I hope he gets a story I would love to see those empty eyes light up. This book was definitely worth the read. All this black excellence and black love was everything!
Soooo...y'all think we gone get to see this wedding?
This was my first book from K. Lashaun but again it won’t be my last. To me the book started off slow with Garryn stalking Verse but it then picked up. I loved the way he was with her. He didn’t show the star life that he lead he became a different person and loved all over her.
This book was funny and it made me cry at certain points.
4.5 This is my first K.Lashaun book and I really enjoyed this book. I liked the FMC Garryn because she just wanted to make her own way in the Art industry and I love Verse for always taking care of the people he loves in his family. I love the fact that this love story was unconventional and the character development was on point. Garryn mother really pissed me off especially when she had lunch with her and Garryn told her she love her. The fact that Garryn mother did not say it back was trash on her part. I was happy that Verse and Garryn found eachother.
I played myself when I made the decision to hold off on reading this book. Don’t get me wrong, this is a long ass book but getting to know Garryn and Verse will definitely keep you emotionally invested from beginning to end. Garryn had me rooting for her freedom and peace thought-out this book. Growing up, she didn’t receive the love and support she needed from her parents ,so she became emotionally withdrawn and fiercely independent. Keeping people at arms length and fighting her battles alone was how she navigated. This changes when she meets successful music executive Verse Presley for and enters into a relationship of convenience based off of business deal. I admire Garryn’s love and dedication for her job but baby girl was stalking the the breaks off Verse and it had me cracking up. She definitely had the strong back woman going for her and it made me cringe multiple times while reading. Luckily, she was able to experience all things Verse. I loved him so much, he is the epitome of a compassionate gangsta in my book. He grew up in the hood, made some bad choices that led to him rehabilitating himself and becoming a millionaire music executive. He had a heart of gold and fiercely protects the people he loves and care for. Eventually, that privilege is extended to Garryn and she struggled to accept it. The character development in this book is astounding. We get to see Garryn navigate though her feelings of rejection and negative thoughts about men of great wealth. I’m glad that Verse was there to squash all of her misconceptions and show her he was there for the long haul. I hope K Lashaun gives us an update on the progress of her brother Onyx. My heart really went out to him. This story full length and FULLY developed with amazing character development. You won’t regret reading this.
Extraordinary!!!! This awesome story goes on the Read Again & Again Pile!!!!
First Miss K., your writing skills are incredible! As we use to tell my grandmother about her macaroni and cheese, her candied yams, and barbecue chicken, you put your foot in this bad boy!!!! But more than that, YOU MADE MY HEART SMILE!!!!!
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways?" I adore the love and respect that Garryn and Verse extended to one another, even when they didn't see eye to eye. I loved the fast moving plot, and the crazy conflicts between the well developed characters. The other reviewers can tell what the story is about. Garryn and Verse made me cheer for their relationship. Loved the way they supported one another and met each other's needs. I do have to admit, I wanted to slap the stew out of Garryn's sleazy mama.
Oh yes, this beautiful story goes on the Read Again and Again Pile!
First of all, “In This Moment” is the first story I’ve read of this writer and it has left me speechless. This is a story that gives me some many feels. It’s emotional, heart wrenching, but so beautiful. There is a romance that is developing in this story, but it has so much more than a love story. Garryn is a successful black art curator that has found much happiness and success while working for State of the Art. Beautiful, black, successful, but emotionally starved is how I would describe her. Garryn’s upbringing was less than ideal. Going through the most important years of your life without a positive maternal figure definitely impacted her into adulthood. She spends so much of her adult years trying prove to HERSELF that she is nothing like her mother. In comes the magnificent wealthy music executive Verse. Garryn has a long term asshole of a client that is hell bent on obtaining artifacts that Verse has in his possession. Problem is, Verse doesn’t make it easy. Verse and Garryn’s initial encounters were hilarious! She was so determined to get her job done, but Verse refused to put her out of her misery. I can’t even fathom the words to describe how amazing Verse was. Garryn had issues, deep rooted in her childhood and emotional neglect by her parents, but Verse held no judgment. Thanks to Garryn’s gold digger of a mother, Garryn has distorted views of wealthy men, but Verse is far from those misconceptions. He was extremely patient, kind, understanding, humble, generous,but unrelenting of his pursuit of her. Garryn had a journey of self awareness, forgiveness, and search of personal power throughout this story that had me in my feelings. Her older brother Onyx and his battles with post military PTSD had me so emotional. This story is a bit of a slow burn but you really appreciate the storyline and character development. The pace of the story is perfect. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in this story without feeling rushed. If you like quick romances and rushed storylines then this is not the book for you. This is definitely one of my favorite stories of 2021! I loved the characters! I loved the storyline! I loved everything about this book! Bravo this amazing writer! Looking forward to reading more of your work! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book was so enjoyable. Well written, and it had a very interesting and unique plot. I love seeing the FMC having a real job and being a boss at it. But omg it just draaaaaaaaaaaaags. So much unnecessary internal monologue. Some subplot lines that just bored me to death. Romance novels should simply be 250 pages Chile
In this moment, and did not disappoint. I loved everything about this book and how it flowed. Verse and Garryn's journey wasn't easy, but I loved reading how they got there.
Verse is a CEO Music Mogul and all around a Gem of a man. The way he took care of his family, friends, and community was commendable. I loved that even though he was rich and a big deal, he wasn't big headed, selfish, egotistical, or pompous. I loved how he was written differently than the typical Alpha Man. I loved everything about this man and how he was written.
Garryn was an Art Curstor, and can come off cold, distant, and bitchy. However when see how she was raised and discarded by her Mother, the way she is completely makes sense. The author did such a good job of how she wrote Garryn to where I was rooting for her happiness and win.
These two meet because Garryn was given a job to retrieve some artifacts for a client that Verse was in possession of. Garryn did not play about her job, and after basically stalking Verse lol, he makes her proposition she couldn't refuse. I loved how Verse made his intentions known fron the get go with G, and was so patient with her. He gave her the space to be vulnerable and she finally let those walls down with him. The things this man said to her had me emotional. I have so many quotes saved because I felt every single word he said to her. She needed a man like him, and his love and words really breathed life into her. I thought Garryn would annoy me because of how cold she was, but it was the complete opposite I loved her. I'm so happy that did what she needed to do to start putting herself first, so that she could receive the love that Verse was given. I do wish we got a couple more chapters of Garryn when she was at the place of letting Verse completely in, but hopefully I get to see more of them in the rest of the series.
Check CW/TW Spice🌶: 5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The way I love a strong protect my heart and feelings FMC and a MMC who will walk over ever hurtle, probably says a great deal about me and I’m ok with that. Garryn was so perfectly written because there is a fine line to work between I gotta protect me and I’m fighting just to fight (I don’t always like the second one). I wanted all the things for her and the way the author went about giving them to her was beautiful. Now honestly I could have used a little more crazy/possessiveness from Verse but at the same time I absolutely loved that he’s Alpha personality was written differently. One of the other things I loved loved about this book is that the big talks and emotions where typical either. But I would have liked the big feelings convo to have gone a little different. The friends and good family members dynamic had me in my feels, like I was rooting just as hard for Garryn and Verse as I was for her and Keem’s friendship, like it felt just as important. This is a new to me author although I’ve been waiting to read her work for a while and all the hype around book 3 in this series finally forced me to get my act together and I’m so glad I did. And I’m even more grateful that it didn’t disappoint. I’m so excited to read more.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Verse and Garryn. And wow, Verse was a true alpha. This was an incredible love story and had me hooked. I loved how we learnt of their connection to their family and friends. The love they shared was beautiful. It reminded me of the old school 90s R&B songs when men crooned out their heartfelt emotions! Highly recommended read!
In this reading world, there are some characters that goes on the do not like list. I'm go add Garryn to that list. She made me so angry. Like girl, seek therapy. Now Verse, oh how I liked him. He knew what he wanted and went for it. Good read
Verse, Verse, Verse. I WAS NOT ready for Mr. Verse Presley, yet after he stopped with the games, even I wanted all the smoke he was throwing Garryns' way😏. Geez that man had me hot and ready😜.
Garryn was a creative little sneaky one. I liked her boldness when it came to her business, yet hated that she didn't portray that same boldness and confidence in her personal life. She was so deserving of love, yet didn't quite know how that would look for her life, given all the pitfalls that was her story. The despicable woman that birthed her doesn't even deserve to be a part of this review, so I'll leave her where I was hoping Garryn would've very early on in her adult life, in the past. Her brother Onyx definitely needs his own HEA story. I can only imagine where his mind goes when he's all the way down, so I hope he gets the help he's seeking. Raye, Garryns' best friend, had me giggling; I loved her. Even with Garryn having the walls she had up, Raye was able to penetrate them and help her as best as she could.
Not gon lie, I thought I was going to have to put hands on Garryn with the way she was being with Verse. Here he was, being open with her and she was just coasting; moving at a snails pace. Yet, once she started to really fall, she let him be all she needed. Even in her final reluctance, she leaned in to Verse's love for her and he was right there, ready to catch her.
I have a few book baes and Verse Presley has surely been added to it. My goodness did this man give all the feels and emotions. His attentiveness and want to ensure Garryn was good had me swooning hard. Oh, and his crave for her, ALL of her had me clinching my legs together 😏. Aside from being a great business man, he was a great brother and friend. The way he loved and doted on his sister's Gia and Birdie was amazing to me. Even with the overdue tough love he had to give his youngest sister, his baby girl, he knew he'd fall back to giving her whatever he wanted. Even with Krystal and Remedy; not blood sisters, yet he moved as if they were. And let's not get me started on his relationship with Hakeem. Man, I just knew Keem was going to go upside somebody's head over Verse, yet here he is about to do it for Garryn. Everyone needs someone as loyal as Keem in their life. He also needs a story with his big sexy self.
I get that Verse had decades history with his ex, Eve, yet she almost destroyed him and didn't deserve his loyalty imo.
I loved that Verse took the time to understand Garryn. He noticed her built up walls and wanted to break those, then help to rebuild more of the strong side of her. Her trust in others wasn't there, like at all, yet he was willing to put in the work for her heart. The way he catered to her body was hot😏. I was so glad that she saw him for him, eventually and not for what he represented with his wealth.
I'm sorry, Channing needed to be put to sleep. He took things way too far, way too many times with Garryn for me. Oh, but once not only Verse, yet Hakeem peeped what was going on, it was a wrap for that loser.
I'm hoping we get more on all these characters in the next book. This was my first read by K. Lashaun yet it will not be my last.
Man, I LOVED, LOVED this book. Garryn stole my heart. She was filled with insecurities that was hidden by her bad boss bîțćh attitude and her job. Her mother left her broken and thinking she was unlovable or incapable of love. My heart was broken for Garryn because of her past. Then walks in Verse. This man was the epitome of patience. (Though their little deal or whatever you wanna call it seem a lot like prostitution to me if you ask me.) But man, once Verse decided he wanted her, nothing was going to change his mind or stood in his way. I loved the journey the author took me on to see Garryn slowly letting her walls down when it came to Verse. Her doubt and spektism were so understandable. Verse loved her sooo much, my goodness. He was borderline obsessed with her. He loved her so much so it was almost disgusting, but I loved every second. That's how I like my books. Filled with extreme love from page one to finish. This was so beautifully written. I need a story on her brother, Onyx. This man needs a love story. Shoot, even Hakeem needs one. I need to see someone breakdown this hard, tough guy thing he has going on. Please, definitely read this story. It was really good. Definitely top 5 this year. First time reading this author and definitely not my last.
I loved this book so much! I couldn't top smiling at the end.
Watching, Garryn open up and allow herself to be loved by Verse - a man who loves her so well- was so beautiful to see. She fought it so hard! Even I was shouting at my kindle like 'stop being so stubborn!' Verse was just so patient and so kind, and I think that's what made us all love him that much more! Our good sis Garryn deserved to be loved in such a way.
The spice was deffo spicing, but it wasn't overwhelming or overpowering because it was well balanced with such deep themes and good story telling - it had us so invested in the characters' journeys. Even Hakeem!
Ma'am, this is your masterpiece! I have read and enjoyed all of your books thus far, but this one..... was amazing! It tugged on my emotions, making me really feel all what the characters did. Garryn, had a rough go in her childhood, with a trash ass momma, and an emotionally absent father. All she had was her brother, who did his best to teach her all he could. When her mom did pop into her life, she filled her head with such negativity, that she had no idea how to love or navigate life. She came off as aloof, but was fiercely focused on her job and career. When tasked to find the artifacts, she became a dog with a bone, tracking down the owner, and becoming a stalker! I was like damn girl, I know you serious about you job, but following people into the locker room? 😂 Verse! He has my vote of man of the decade! This man has worked his way to the top from the hood, and has carried that "never going to struggle again" mentality throughout his career. He never forgot where he came from, and frequently reached back to rescue those heading down the wrong path, and took them under his wing. Meeting Garryn was amusing, but she intrigued him, and he was attracted to her. So, he allowed her crazy as she tried to talk him into selling. During their encounters, he was The most patient, understanding, kind, caring and giving man! He gave his all to those that he cared for. My heart broke over and over for Garryn, as she had to deal with those damn Frazier men and their ish! Her mother popping up, being available and supportive for her brother, and trying to navigate the growing and unfamiliar feelings she had for Verse. I commend her for staying sane and functional with all that she had going on. Her relationship with Verse was intense and complicated, but he never gave up on her. He knew that not only did she deserve all the love he had to give, but she needed it as well. Beautiful story! Bravo! 👍👍👍
MY RATING: 4* RELEASE DATE: 27 May 2021 CLIFFHANGER: No
Gosh this book made me appreciate a chocolate brother much much more! Verse is new book bae. I really enjoyed this story from this new-to-me author. Will definitely be reading a lot more black on black romance novels. Why haven’t I? is what I’ve been asking myself all week.
Anyway Verse is that perfect brother every woman wants - you know, a little bit thuggish but also suave AF! I loved how emotionally mature he was. How he wasn’t afraid of his feelings, of acknowledging them and acting on them, loved his patience, his selflessness and how he took care of his people.
Garryn is your strong sister-friend. With serious abandonment issues and very emotionally stunted, all she wants is love, but does not know how to receive it or let herself feel it. Until her job sets her onto Verse’s path. Fight as she might, homeboy is having none of it! and I was here for it. I really loved the flow of the story. I especially loved the lingo, the hood and street talk of it. I loved that the author didn’t try to polish the character’s vocab which meant when Verse slid back into his street lingo, that shit was smooth AF!
What I didn’t like though was the story was a bit too long and very little happened sometimes for a while. I really wish it had been shorter so that it kept me engaged because the quiet spells meant I lost track of the story and was tempted to jump (tempted being the operative word in that sentence). The end was a little bit rushed too. I would have loved to see a bit more of their HEA.
4.5/5⭐️5/5🥵 - Chile this was one of them ones! I been pushing this back on my tbr until I seen Tay review and I knew it was time to stop playing and get my life. And my life is what I got after reading!
- Garryn was Ms.Independent lol and not by choice. I loved that she was so headstrong and had so much self control. However I felt for her because having to be your own sounding board while carrying everyone else's problems is no easy task. Thats why I loveeeeee me so Verse! He truly wanted to just be there for Garryn in whatever way he could. I think I've said this before but a man that's willing to meet you where you're at and love you till you become the best version of yourself 😫😫😫😫I couldn't take that shit! A man who so openly talks about his feelings, knows how to get his hands dirty, and has DEEP pockets... oh I was hooked! Verse was that nigga to put it simply!
- Loved these characters so deeply im literally so sad it ended. My only problem was I wanted Garryn to open up sooner lol. I totally understand the hesitation but I felt like we never really got to see her 100% give herself to him. Would have loved a deep conversation between these two giving Verse is such an open book. Also im tripping or she was being stingy with Verse pov?🤣🤣Oh and when she called herself handling him in the car.... mhm thats a black king right there!
The dialogue felt like it was actually a conversation between me and my home girl. So many authors struggle to actually make the conversation between the character seem fluid, but this doesn't at all. My one gripe is when VP was talking to GIA and he had the thought about her code switching. I find myself codeswitching in conversation, but I doubt anyone ever thinks while they're code switching about the fact that they're doing it. I think that's me being more picky than anything else.
I love that we have a character who isn't perfect and it makes her all the more relatable.
I like the world that was established here in this first book, it hints enough at all the side characters to make me want to know who's story comes next. It better be Gia and Israel or I'm gonna start a riot.
I hardly ever buy the books I read on kindle, because I don't see myself going back to them, but this love story is one I'm gonna read over and over.