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My First, My Last
What if you found the love of your life at an age most believed was too young for you to know for sure?
Ayla Samuels and Hassani Franklin met at fourteen-years-old. They became fast friends and at a time in Ayla’s life when she needed a friend the most. The trust cultivated through their friendship influenced a decision that would alter their platonic relationship years later. That decision also becomes the catalyst behind a series of occurrences that push Ayla and Hassani to make choices out of fear instead of with hope.
Ayla Samuels has two loves - a love of math and photography. She didn’t think she had room to love anything or anyone else. Despite seeing her parents in love during her formative years, Ayla grew up viewing romantic love as a weakness. When she finds something special in her friend Hassani, she restricts the desires of her heart, believing if she gave into those feelings, she’d lose him or worse… herself.
Hassani Franklin, an academic track star, had always kept himself inundated in activities. His true loves were track and architecture, and girls of course. But when he meets Ayla Samuels, he feels something he never felt before with any other girl. And despite how hard he tries, his feelings for Ayla never subside years later. He suppresses those desires though at the insistence of someone he looks up to, believing that person is never wrong, especially in matters of the heart.
Hindsight is 20/20 and things are often clearer when we reflect on the past; a fact all too familiar to Ayla and Hassani. But will hindsight provide insight and move blocks unintentionally placed in Ayla and Hassani’s path by the people closest to them? Or will hindsight haunt a love destined but stunted, and that could have thrived if allowed to grow from the start?
Ayla Samuels and Hassani Franklin met at fourteen-years-old. They became fast friends and at a time in Ayla’s life when she needed a friend the most. The trust cultivated through their friendship influenced a decision that would alter their platonic relationship years later. That decision also becomes the catalyst behind a series of occurrences that push Ayla and Hassani to make choices out of fear instead of with hope.
Ayla Samuels has two loves - a love of math and photography. She didn’t think she had room to love anything or anyone else. Despite seeing her parents in love during her formative years, Ayla grew up viewing romantic love as a weakness. When she finds something special in her friend Hassani, she restricts the desires of her heart, believing if she gave into those feelings, she’d lose him or worse… herself.
Hassani Franklin, an academic track star, had always kept himself inundated in activities. His true loves were track and architecture, and girls of course. But when he meets Ayla Samuels, he feels something he never felt before with any other girl. And despite how hard he tries, his feelings for Ayla never subside years later. He suppresses those desires though at the insistence of someone he looks up to, believing that person is never wrong, especially in matters of the heart.
Hindsight is 20/20 and things are often clearer when we reflect on the past; a fact all too familiar to Ayla and Hassani. But will hindsight provide insight and move blocks unintentionally placed in Ayla and Hassani’s path by the people closest to them? Or will hindsight haunt a love destined but stunted, and that could have thrived if allowed to grow from the start?
- GenresFiction
286 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2021
982 people want to read
About the author
Brookelyn Mosley
63 books191 followersBrookelyn wrote her first short story when she was a sophomore in high school. Back then she discovered how using her experience as a teen living in Brooklyn to create romantic shorts was just as exciting to her as retail shopping and going on dates. After starting her first semester of college two years later, Brookelyn’s creative writing became more of a hobby and something to do to escape the stress of midterms and finals. Now in her 30s as a freelance writer, penning short stories and novellas is her everything. While her experience with writing has evolved for the better, her undying love for creating fiction remains unchanged. Brookelyn's focus is on creating contemporary women's fiction with characters based in urban settings. Her stories chronicles the emotional journeys and erotic experiences of women today through her characters and the scenarios they're thrown into.
The motivation behind her brand of writing has a lot to do with what she discovered storytelling provided for her - an escape. Her goal with her work is to create characters and urban worlds that offer a great escape for fiction readers looking for a break from the daily grind of adulting and who prefer to relax with good books and short stories. When she’s not freelancing, doing yoga, or showing her husband and toddler lots of love, she can be found sitting at her computer desk, with her legs folded, and a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine) at arm’s reach as she types or edits her latest short or novella.
The motivation behind her brand of writing has a lot to do with what she discovered storytelling provided for her - an escape. Her goal with her work is to create characters and urban worlds that offer a great escape for fiction readers looking for a break from the daily grind of adulting and who prefer to relax with good books and short stories. When she’s not freelancing, doing yoga, or showing her husband and toddler lots of love, she can be found sitting at her computer desk, with her legs folded, and a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine) at arm’s reach as she types or edits her latest short or novella.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 29, 2025
This was so so so so so good. Stayed up until 3am to finish. “My First, My Last” was THEE best friends to lovers story I’ve read this year. I wish I would’ve read it when it first came out 4 years ago 😩 There is a spin off to this titled “My Only” that was just released. I will be reading that to get more from this couple.
We get to see how Hassani & Ayla navigate through their friendship (which started when they were just 14 years old) and to watch them grow and blossom into adults while dealing with their feelings for each other.
They both frustrated the hell out of me. Ayla hanging on to her Aunts words 🙄 and Hassani listening to his Dad’s advice. I wish they would have opened up about their feelings towards each other sooner BUT they were just destined to be together. Kismet fate or whatever you call it lol
Marcus was no friend of Hassani. Broke the bro code!
Sienna was just a placeholder 🤷🏽♀️
We get to see how Hassani & Ayla navigate through their friendship (which started when they were just 14 years old) and to watch them grow and blossom into adults while dealing with their feelings for each other.
They both frustrated the hell out of me. Ayla hanging on to her Aunts words 🙄 and Hassani listening to his Dad’s advice. I wish they would have opened up about their feelings towards each other sooner BUT they were just destined to be together. Kismet fate or whatever you call it lol
Marcus was no friend of Hassani. Broke the bro code!
Sienna was just a placeholder 🤷🏽♀️
June 10, 2025
Excellent Read.
Brookelyn Mosley has done it again. My First, My Last is an emotionally rich, soul-stirring love story that swept me off my feet—and deep into my feelings. As expected, Mosley delivers not just a romance but an experience, crafted with her signature depth, nuance, and lyrical prose. She writes love stories that feel lived in, and Ayla and Hassani’s journey is no exception.
This book had me sobbing, catching my breath, and swooning in equal measure. I was wholly immersed from start to finish, deeply connected to characters who felt like reflections of myself. There’s something magical about reading a story where the characters resonate so strongly, it feels as though you're a part of their world. That’s exactly what happened here.
Ayla and Hassani’s relationship is a beautiful yet heartbreaking exploration of what happens when love is present, but fear and misguided advice become barriers to fulfillment. Their love was both everything and nothing all at once—together in spirit, apart in reality. But watching them untangle those emotional knots and ultimately free themselves from the chains of doubt, fear, and outside influence was a gift. I’m so grateful they found their way back to the love they both deserved.
On the flip side, I could have done without Sienna and Marcus. Ugh. Some characters just leave a bitter taste, and those two certainly did. But I guess every great story needs its antagonists, right?
One of my favorite things about Brookelyn’s writing is how quotable and soul-deep her lines are. I found myself saving so many passages, not just because of how beautifully they were written, but because of how much they made me feel. Her words sit with you, echo long after you've turned the page.
The way she wove the World Trade Center bombing into the storyline added a poignant layer of realism and grief. Ayla’s father’s death was gut-wrenching, and I absolutely loved how Hassani showed up for her in that time. That moment was tender, raw, and so necessary—it showed the true essence of who he was as a man.
And let’s talk about the Jamaican patois. It was written so well, so naturally. It gave the book an added cultural richness that made me smile with every line. Authentic, respectful, and effortlessly integrated.
Mosley masterfully explores the idea of young love being just as real—if not more so—than love discovered later in life. What if the love of your life shows up at fourteen? What if fear and others’ expectations keep you apart? And what if, despite the time and distance, that love never dies?
This story is layered. It's not just about love—it's about timing, choices, regrets, and redemption. Ayla and Hassani’s story asks you to consider: How many of us have missed out on something beautiful because we were too afraid to believe in it?
My First, My Last is not just a romance—it’s a full-body, heart-wide-open experience. Brookelyn Mosley continues to show why she is a force in Black romance. I didn’t want it to end, but I’m so grateful for every page.
Brookelyn Mosley has done it again. My First, My Last is an emotionally rich, soul-stirring love story that swept me off my feet—and deep into my feelings. As expected, Mosley delivers not just a romance but an experience, crafted with her signature depth, nuance, and lyrical prose. She writes love stories that feel lived in, and Ayla and Hassani’s journey is no exception.
This book had me sobbing, catching my breath, and swooning in equal measure. I was wholly immersed from start to finish, deeply connected to characters who felt like reflections of myself. There’s something magical about reading a story where the characters resonate so strongly, it feels as though you're a part of their world. That’s exactly what happened here.
Ayla and Hassani’s relationship is a beautiful yet heartbreaking exploration of what happens when love is present, but fear and misguided advice become barriers to fulfillment. Their love was both everything and nothing all at once—together in spirit, apart in reality. But watching them untangle those emotional knots and ultimately free themselves from the chains of doubt, fear, and outside influence was a gift. I’m so grateful they found their way back to the love they both deserved.
On the flip side, I could have done without Sienna and Marcus. Ugh. Some characters just leave a bitter taste, and those two certainly did. But I guess every great story needs its antagonists, right?
One of my favorite things about Brookelyn’s writing is how quotable and soul-deep her lines are. I found myself saving so many passages, not just because of how beautifully they were written, but because of how much they made me feel. Her words sit with you, echo long after you've turned the page.
The way she wove the World Trade Center bombing into the storyline added a poignant layer of realism and grief. Ayla’s father’s death was gut-wrenching, and I absolutely loved how Hassani showed up for her in that time. That moment was tender, raw, and so necessary—it showed the true essence of who he was as a man.
And let’s talk about the Jamaican patois. It was written so well, so naturally. It gave the book an added cultural richness that made me smile with every line. Authentic, respectful, and effortlessly integrated.
Mosley masterfully explores the idea of young love being just as real—if not more so—than love discovered later in life. What if the love of your life shows up at fourteen? What if fear and others’ expectations keep you apart? And what if, despite the time and distance, that love never dies?
This story is layered. It's not just about love—it's about timing, choices, regrets, and redemption. Ayla and Hassani’s story asks you to consider: How many of us have missed out on something beautiful because we were too afraid to believe in it?
My First, My Last is not just a romance—it’s a full-body, heart-wide-open experience. Brookelyn Mosley continues to show why she is a force in Black romance. I didn’t want it to end, but I’m so grateful for every page.
February 11, 2023
4.5 stars
My first read of February has me off to a great start. I was first introduced to Brookelyn Mosley last year and am just now getting a chance to read her work. I was NOT disappointed.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but I enjoyed this book so much and was intrigued. I loved the banter between these twooooo. Just too cute and funny. I enjoyed the fact that they were actually friends and the way Hassani cared for Ayla. I thought these two were going to stress me out because Ayla’s experiences caused her to view love as weakness so she wouldn’t let anyone in too deep, but they didn’t. I actually like the fact that she didn’t want to lose herself in any man and was even that way in high school. However…I am glad the story showed what that can result in when it’s done out of fear.
Overall, I’d say the story flowed well. It had depth, and I always love mature characters, even though that ending threw me for a whole loop.
****spoilers***
I understand Ayla wouldn’t let him in, but Hassani was wrong like his fiancé. He didn’t cheat physically but he did emotionally even as far as inviting his real love to wedding in hopes that she’d want him and he could leave the fiancé. And she turned out to be crazy. One, Marcus… be for real. Two, why would you even want to stay with a man you know doesn’t want you for real? That would have been a mess. Seemed too far fetched to me but I realize there are situations like that in real life. 🤷🏾♀️
But anyway lol I’d recommend
Visuals here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoiFuD5u8...
My first read of February has me off to a great start. I was first introduced to Brookelyn Mosley last year and am just now getting a chance to read her work. I was NOT disappointed.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but I enjoyed this book so much and was intrigued. I loved the banter between these twooooo. Just too cute and funny. I enjoyed the fact that they were actually friends and the way Hassani cared for Ayla. I thought these two were going to stress me out because Ayla’s experiences caused her to view love as weakness so she wouldn’t let anyone in too deep, but they didn’t. I actually like the fact that she didn’t want to lose herself in any man and was even that way in high school. However…I am glad the story showed what that can result in when it’s done out of fear.
Overall, I’d say the story flowed well. It had depth, and I always love mature characters, even though that ending threw me for a whole loop.
****spoilers***
I understand Ayla wouldn’t let him in, but Hassani was wrong like his fiancé. He didn’t cheat physically but he did emotionally even as far as inviting his real love to wedding in hopes that she’d want him and he could leave the fiancé. And she turned out to be crazy. One, Marcus… be for real. Two, why would you even want to stay with a man you know doesn’t want you for real? That would have been a mess. Seemed too far fetched to me but I realize there are situations like that in real life. 🤷🏾♀️
But anyway lol I’d recommend
Visuals here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoiFuD5u8...
July 13, 2022
Absolutely loved this beautiful love story. I cried, I laughed, I felt sad, I got happy. This book took me through all the various emotions. I loved Ayla and Hassani’s journey, it was so touching and real. This is definitely what true love is and although I am not a mushy person, after reading I couldn’t help but want that type of love as well for myself.
I would definitely recommend to those who want to read a beautiful coming of age love story.
I would definitely recommend to those who want to read a beautiful coming of age love story.
March 9, 2024
This book was super cute!! I’m more of an enemies to lovers than I am a friends to lovers girlie, so, I’m glad I was able to really enjoy this book. I’m not going to lie though, Ayla was driving me crazy because get it together girl.. the love of your life is right in front of you. Why are you fighting it?! You know this man better than anyone else. For that, this book is 4.5⭐️ because why did y’all play with each other for so long?!
November 2, 2021
Loved everything about this book..friends to lovers.
July 20, 2023
I loved Ayla and Hassani. I enjoyed their journey from young teens to adults. Despite the struggles they faced their bond remained strong. This was another great read from Brookelyn
October 5, 2024
This book was perfect to me! Key part of that phrase.. to me! Ayla and Hassani danced around each other for an annoyingly long time but I love a good ‘will they, won’t they’ moment!
Part I tried to break me. I almost needed to put the book down so I wouldn’t cry. Even at 14 Hassani was so gentle with Ayla. The I’m sorry in the window?!?! You just KNEW that was gonna be a good man! I lived for my man on prom night. His young behind said it’s big Hassani.. not the little one!
The push and pull through this story had me on the edge of my seat. Every time something happened to keep them apart I was hollering at the pages. That old dirty hussie Sienna had me thissss close to feeling bad for her. Marcus needed more damage done to his face. This book had several tropes I don’t typically like but to the very end something had me engaged and I absolutely loved it!
I will definitely be diving deeper into the catalog!
Part I tried to break me. I almost needed to put the book down so I wouldn’t cry. Even at 14 Hassani was so gentle with Ayla. The I’m sorry in the window?!?! You just KNEW that was gonna be a good man! I lived for my man on prom night. His young behind said it’s big Hassani.. not the little one!
The push and pull through this story had me on the edge of my seat. Every time something happened to keep them apart I was hollering at the pages. That old dirty hussie Sienna had me thissss close to feeling bad for her. Marcus needed more damage done to his face. This book had several tropes I don’t typically like but to the very end something had me engaged and I absolutely loved it!
I will definitely be diving deeper into the catalog!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews