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ENVY
She’s an egocentric journalist, enkindled with envy for earthly possessions belonging to others. He’s knowingly kindhearted, kin to a journalism king, and has an immense respect and duty to kinship. In any other circumstance, they would never have crossed paths, but when they do, it becomes an enlightening tale of when opposites attract.
Mykal Jones
“I hated Desmond when we first met because he stole my hopes and dreams. He waltzed right into my life and jeopardized the fruits of my hard work. That shouldn't surprise me though, because this always happens to me. I should be used to coming out the loser in this game of life, especially when it involves matters of the heart. So, yeah, I hated him. With his perfect smile and his perfect existence. Desmond’s name alone is a golden ticket in print media and I can’t help but to hate him for that too. But what I hate most of all is that his heart is so pure he can have every and anything he wants because he deserves it. So what does he want with me?”
Desmond Ellis III
“I hated how Mykal and I met. She formed a negative first impression of me almost immediately where there need not have been. My intentions were never to be drawn to her or anyone, anyway. I was on a mission to carry out my father’s dream and to bring his vision to life, but I suppose God had a better plan to feed two birds with one seed. Because the way Mykal waltzed right into my life and stole my heart, took me completely off guard. And what’s worse is her stealing my heart and jeopardizing my plans is something she doesn’t realize she’s done. She is perfectly imperfect with raw potential and that makes her perfect for me. But how do I get her to see for herself that I’m perfect for her too?”
Many know envy as a sin of the heart, potent enough to cause unhappiness. It’s the most socially acceptable out of the seven deadly sins because envy is deeply rooted in human nature. If love is kind and also patient, can a virtuous love save an envious heart from self-destruction?
*This book contains sexually explicit content, parental illness, and instances of verbal abuse. If any of the previously mentioned are triggers for you, please browse my catalog to find another story that will fit the reading experience you desire.
**ENVY is a standalone and the fourth book in The Love is Cure, Vol. 1 - Vices & Virtues series. Seven books make up this series. GLUTTONY is next…
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2022
14 people are currently reading
45 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 19, 2024
🥹🥹
It was truly Desmond for me!!💗This story was the epitome of envy and Mykal was really stressing me out the entire time. I really couldn’t believe some of the choices she made when that good man was right there lol! I loved the realistic portrayal of being a caregiver and dealing with the highs and lows of Alzheimer’s disease. My heart went out to Desmond 🥺.
It was truly Desmond for me!!💗This story was the epitome of envy and Mykal was really stressing me out the entire time. I really couldn’t believe some of the choices she made when that good man was right there lol! I loved the realistic portrayal of being a caregiver and dealing with the highs and lows of Alzheimer’s disease. My heart went out to Desmond 🥺.
February 21, 2022
Opposites definitely attracts!
Mykal and Desmond were on opposite ends of the spectrum, but love conquers all. Although Mykal hated Desmond initially, he never gave up on her. This book was well written, flowed well, kept my attention and the character development of Mykal was totally awesome. She finally learned to accept her flaws, do the things that she wanted to do, and realized that there is room at the top for everyone. Great series so far and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. An absolute must read!
Mykal and Desmond were on opposite ends of the spectrum, but love conquers all. Although Mykal hated Desmond initially, he never gave up on her. This book was well written, flowed well, kept my attention and the character development of Mykal was totally awesome. She finally learned to accept her flaws, do the things that she wanted to do, and realized that there is room at the top for everyone. Great series so far and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. An absolute must read!
August 21, 2022
While I am glad, overall, to have read this series, the only books that I fully ENJOYED were the first two. I think the vices some of the characters embodied, particularly Mykal in Envy, were depicted TOO well, to the point where I found it hard to like or root for her throughout the story, even when she started to "reform" and redeem herself. By the time we got to the point where she realized her vices were holding her back and she should take a different approach to life, she'd already done too much damage for her shift in attitude to mean anything to me.
And unfortunately...likeing the characters i'm reading about plays a HUGE part in my enjoyment of a book. So while the story was well written, characters well fleshed out, all of the things...I just didn't like Mykal and so in turn I found it hard to truly enjoy this book.
And unfortunately...likeing the characters i'm reading about plays a HUGE part in my enjoyment of a book. So while the story was well written, characters well fleshed out, all of the things...I just didn't like Mykal and so in turn I found it hard to truly enjoy this book.
January 31, 2022
Hate is a strong word but…
I don’t think I’ve ever hated a heroine more that Mykal. Thank God for the NECESSARY growth because she was truly exhausting. I do love how Desmond lover her for who she was because BAY-BEE, she deserved to catch a few hands lol
Great story telling!
I don’t think I’ve ever hated a heroine more that Mykal. Thank God for the NECESSARY growth because she was truly exhausting. I do love how Desmond lover her for who she was because BAY-BEE, she deserved to catch a few hands lol
Great story telling!
January 28, 2022
Just a fresh take
Mykal and Desmond were so interesting. I personally find envy to be so interesting. This was so well written that it was easy to make the connections from Mykal's insecurity to her pain. So many stellar scenes that I would never disclose for fear of ruining the experience. This is an fresh take on enemies to lovers. Nice steam, (sexual chemistry) good pacing and even better dialogue. This entire series is excellent. this is a good read!
Mykal and Desmond were so interesting. I personally find envy to be so interesting. This was so well written that it was easy to make the connections from Mykal's insecurity to her pain. So many stellar scenes that I would never disclose for fear of ruining the experience. This is an fresh take on enemies to lovers. Nice steam, (sexual chemistry) good pacing and even better dialogue. This entire series is excellent. this is a good read!
February 1, 2022
Love > Envy
Envy (The Love is Cure, Vol. 1 Vices & Virtues book 4) by Brookelyn Mosley is about journalists Mykal Jones and Desmond Ellis III. Mykal and Desmond work for “For The Culture” lifestyle magazine. Mykal makes Desmond enemy number one when he receives the promotion she was vying for. Despite making Desmond her enemy she can’t help but be attracted to him. It also doesn’t help that Desmond doesn’t hide his attraction for her! These two are a very seductive pair! But what I can appreciate about them is their natural friendship. Desmond sees Mykal for exactly who she is. He sees her hard work, her misguided hate and envy but also her potential! I mean Mykal is a real work in progress. I found myself yelling at her like “GIRL WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”. She gave me second hand embarrassment 🥴 Mykal’s dad is a real piece of work! Just miserable 😩 Her need for his love and affirmation is the root of her vice. Whereas Desmond and his father have a beautiful relationship 🥺 It really touched my heart. Desmond is like a naughty saint, he’s out here having fun but treating people well. The ending is great, it didn’t leave me with any questions. This is a great addition to the series.
P.s. I can’t forget Asha, she’s an amazing friend. She always calls Mykal in, like a real friend should!
CW ~ parent with Alzheimer’s, verbal abuse from a parent
Envy (The Love is Cure, Vol. 1 Vices & Virtues book 4) by Brookelyn Mosley is about journalists Mykal Jones and Desmond Ellis III. Mykal and Desmond work for “For The Culture” lifestyle magazine. Mykal makes Desmond enemy number one when he receives the promotion she was vying for. Despite making Desmond her enemy she can’t help but be attracted to him. It also doesn’t help that Desmond doesn’t hide his attraction for her! These two are a very seductive pair! But what I can appreciate about them is their natural friendship. Desmond sees Mykal for exactly who she is. He sees her hard work, her misguided hate and envy but also her potential! I mean Mykal is a real work in progress. I found myself yelling at her like “GIRL WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”. She gave me second hand embarrassment 🥴 Mykal’s dad is a real piece of work! Just miserable 😩 Her need for his love and affirmation is the root of her vice. Whereas Desmond and his father have a beautiful relationship 🥺 It really touched my heart. Desmond is like a naughty saint, he’s out here having fun but treating people well. The ending is great, it didn’t leave me with any questions. This is a great addition to the series.
P.s. I can’t forget Asha, she’s an amazing friend. She always calls Mykal in, like a real friend should!
CW ~ parent with Alzheimer’s, verbal abuse from a parent
January 25, 2023
I hated Mykal just like she hated Desmond. I took a while for me to get on the Mykal train but I’m a fan now. Desmond on the other hand I loved from the very beginning. I get that she worked hard but there’s also this great sense of entitlement. From my point of view she acts as if something is owed to her and I don’t like that. Her character really gave the word envy new meaning. Desmond’s character is level headed I love that. As I read further along in the book I understood why Mykal was the way she was she sought validation and love from her father. However he clearly resented her for not being a boy. He treated her so poorly and he never believed in her dreams and aspirations. This in turn made Mykal envious and bullheaded. Envy fits perfectly for her. She carried out the meaning of the title seamlessly. I feel for her character. One of my favourite supporting character even with his medical problems was Desmond Ellis II. How thirsty Mykal was for Pryce was downright disgusting. That wasn’t ok. I like how Pryce stood his ground though. That’s why I love him so much and I don’t feel sorry for Mykal she needed that reality check she was out of pocket. But at the same time I understood her reasoning for every single thing she did. Hurt people hurt people. And Mykal was definitely in pain. The way her her father treated her from she was a child straight into adulthood lead her down a part where she sought validation from
the men in her life. Desmond being ready and willing to go above and beyond to make his father’s dream come true was so beautiful. He’s admirable. Seeing my good sis Leelah is action gave me so much life. She handled Mykal real good and I was so proud. Leelah gave her dust. I was so conflicted reading the book cause I understand Mykal’s reasoning. I understood everything she did. I felt her pain but she made it so hard to get on board with her character. Desmond is a real black king. He didn’t flinch when he saw her break and he helped rather than brushing it off. Mental health is something that isn’t taken seriously so seeing him being there for her was so refreshing. Their love was so wholesome. I loved how she found herself ended up liking her character in the end and I was very happy when she stood off to her father. That was the icing on the cake. Their relationship didn’t start out the most conventional but it was nothing short of beautiful. Easily five stars. Kudos Brookelyn.
the men in her life. Desmond being ready and willing to go above and beyond to make his father’s dream come true was so beautiful. He’s admirable. Seeing my good sis Leelah is action gave me so much life. She handled Mykal real good and I was so proud. Leelah gave her dust. I was so conflicted reading the book cause I understand Mykal’s reasoning. I understood everything she did. I felt her pain but she made it so hard to get on board with her character. Desmond is a real black king. He didn’t flinch when he saw her break and he helped rather than brushing it off. Mental health is something that isn’t taken seriously so seeing him being there for her was so refreshing. Their love was so wholesome. I loved how she found herself ended up liking her character in the end and I was very happy when she stood off to her father. That was the icing on the cake. Their relationship didn’t start out the most conventional but it was nothing short of beautiful. Easily five stars. Kudos Brookelyn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
Title: Envy
Author: Brookelyn Mosley
Publisher: 85 Media LLC
Series: The Love Is Cure, Vol 1 Vices & Virtues Series Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Envy" by Brookelyn Mosley
My Assessment:
'Envy' was a good read about how two people, Mykal and Desmond, came together in quite an intriguing way; these two finally ended up. Since they more or less go from enemies to lovers. But how could that happen when Mykal hated Desmond... so it seems. It all starts when one receives a promotion that she should have received it. Will these two be able to work together? With Mykal having so many issues, you will have to pick up this good read to see how it will work out for her as she deals with several severe problems that one will pick up from the read. It was good that Desmond was there to help Mykal get the help she needed. For Desmond having a parent with Alzheimer's, he also had quite a challenging issue. It was a good read how this author presents help for those dealing with one who finds themselves by getting help. Will Mykal finally get the life she wanted and find someone to love her? You will need to pick up"Envy.'
Author: Brookelyn Mosley
Publisher: 85 Media LLC
Series: The Love Is Cure, Vol 1 Vices & Virtues Series Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Envy" by Brookelyn Mosley
My Assessment:
'Envy' was a good read about how two people, Mykal and Desmond, came together in quite an intriguing way; these two finally ended up. Since they more or less go from enemies to lovers. But how could that happen when Mykal hated Desmond... so it seems. It all starts when one receives a promotion that she should have received it. Will these two be able to work together? With Mykal having so many issues, you will have to pick up this good read to see how it will work out for her as she deals with several severe problems that one will pick up from the read. It was good that Desmond was there to help Mykal get the help she needed. For Desmond having a parent with Alzheimer's, he also had quite a challenging issue. It was a good read how this author presents help for those dealing with one who finds themselves by getting help. Will Mykal finally get the life she wanted and find someone to love her? You will need to pick up"Envy.'
March 14, 2023
Mykal and Desmond
Out of the series thus book was a hard read because Mykal wore me out. Talk about 1-800-GETACLUE...whew! Her pursuit of Pryce was insane but when you meet her father you begin to understand her insanity. The author definitely had a work cut out for her because Mykal was a handful. Enters Desmond a sweetheart with his own challenges and when he saw Mykal's potential we begin to feel the needed shift for this story. This wasn't my favorite in the series but I will applaud the author for another exceptional work because my emotions were invested in this story which speaks of her talents and gifts.
Out of the series thus book was a hard read because Mykal wore me out. Talk about 1-800-GETACLUE...whew! Her pursuit of Pryce was insane but when you meet her father you begin to understand her insanity. The author definitely had a work cut out for her because Mykal was a handful. Enters Desmond a sweetheart with his own challenges and when he saw Mykal's potential we begin to feel the needed shift for this story. This wasn't my favorite in the series but I will applaud the author for another exceptional work because my emotions were invested in this story which speaks of her talents and gifts.
August 6, 2023
Delayed read but right on time
I absolutely love Brookelyn Mosley, and this book proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt! I started this book when it was released but got busy and didn't finish it. Went back to it today, and I know why I didn't read it then... because I needed it NOW. Amir and Melodee will forever be my faves, but Desmond and Mykal are a very close second. This book had so many relatable moments, I had to take a few minutes to regroup. More than just a romance novel, this read was therapeutic. The way this story aligned with my own journey to self-discovery...I'm glad I waited to finish. Thank you Brookelyn for this story...I really needed it.
I absolutely love Brookelyn Mosley, and this book proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt! I started this book when it was released but got busy and didn't finish it. Went back to it today, and I know why I didn't read it then... because I needed it NOW. Amir and Melodee will forever be my faves, but Desmond and Mykal are a very close second. This book had so many relatable moments, I had to take a few minutes to regroup. More than just a romance novel, this read was therapeutic. The way this story aligned with my own journey to self-discovery...I'm glad I waited to finish. Thank you Brookelyn for this story...I really needed it.
March 15, 2022
Wow, what a great read
Whew this was a book that was hard to put down. It revolves around Mykal and Desmond but really it is about Mykal finding and loving herself. She was not very likeable at first but as the book progressed, you understood why she was the way she was. And while I enjoyed this book, what was great were the lessons and tidbits that were dropped by the author along the way. The author wrote an excellent book and if you want to be entertained and inspired, read this book! Loved it!
Whew this was a book that was hard to put down. It revolves around Mykal and Desmond but really it is about Mykal finding and loving herself. She was not very likeable at first but as the book progressed, you understood why she was the way she was. And while I enjoyed this book, what was great were the lessons and tidbits that were dropped by the author along the way. The author wrote an excellent book and if you want to be entertained and inspired, read this book! Loved it!
February 12, 2022
Eye opening!
Once Mykal was able to open her eyes to the obvious greatness in front of her, she was able to become her best self. And she was able to be what Desmond needed from her as well! But boy did she have her moments! If audacity was a person! Glad she finally got it together. And as usual, I am always in awe of the male leads in any of Brooklyn's stories! Can't wait for whatever comes next!
Once Mykal was able to open her eyes to the obvious greatness in front of her, she was able to become her best self. And she was able to be what Desmond needed from her as well! But boy did she have her moments! If audacity was a person! Glad she finally got it together. And as usual, I am always in awe of the male leads in any of Brooklyn's stories! Can't wait for whatever comes next!
September 9, 2025
Chile Desmond really saved this book for me because that damn Mykal was driving me insane my heart truly hurt for her… Usually we don’t come across too many trash daddies but her father is on my list because hunny he’s the worst… Thank the lawd for therapy I’m a huge advocate and I was so happy that Desmond saw the potential and a need and press go for him to get his woman… I can’t wait for more from these two
February 7, 2022
Growth
Finding one's self and love is so amazing! It's one thing to be one way and l try to hold onto others ideas of you and its another to outgrow those ideas.
I love that Mykal was able to find her true self and love in the midst of it because I was screaming what is wrong with her?
Awesome book!
Finding one's self and love is so amazing! It's one thing to be one way and l try to hold onto others ideas of you and its another to outgrow those ideas.
I love that Mykal was able to find her true self and love in the midst of it because I was screaming what is wrong with her?
Awesome book!
February 17, 2023
This book has to be my favorite so far of the series. Mykal was all over the place, but I enjoyed reading her growth, and I loved Desmond- 🥺🥺 this book taught me a lot about envy, and I don’t think mykal was a bad person- it was great seeing her development. Only thing I wish we could see more of her development, but overall I really enjoyed this book. Can’t wait to read again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2023
whoo child
Mikal need to grow the “eff” up. But I was so glad that Des took time to read her and see what she needed. They were totally opposite of each other, which makes a good team. I did get upset at the Oakland scene. I think she owe Pryce and his wife an apology.
He father was so hard on her. She never could please him.
Mikal need to grow the “eff” up. But I was so glad that Des took time to read her and see what she needed. They were totally opposite of each other, which makes a good team. I did get upset at the Oakland scene. I think she owe Pryce and his wife an apology.
He father was so hard on her. She never could please him.
May 7, 2024
phenomenal 👏🏽 👏🏽
Def one of my favorites from this series! Mykal and Desmond were polar opposites in some respects but there was this undeniable attraction that kept drawing them together. Pool Mykal, her dad was a piece of work, he would have been cussed out! The moment with Pryce was so raw, I felt that burn. She was really on something to go to those lengths 😬 like wow!
Def one of my favorites from this series! Mykal and Desmond were polar opposites in some respects but there was this undeniable attraction that kept drawing them together. Pool Mykal, her dad was a piece of work, he would have been cussed out! The moment with Pryce was so raw, I felt that burn. She was really on something to go to those lengths 😬 like wow!
May 11, 2022
envy
Oh my this book was packed with so much. I went from liking to disliking to failing in love with characters. There’s some really serious issues mentioned and touched that i appreciate. Loving this series.
Oh my this book was packed with so much. I went from liking to disliking to failing in love with characters. There’s some really serious issues mentioned and touched that i appreciate. Loving this series.
June 6, 2022
Let Go & Receive Your Blessing
Mykal was tore up from the floor up. Real love from a nice package like Desmond. Helped in so many ways. Love this couples Chemistry. So glad Mykal got therapy too.
Mykal was tore up from the floor up. Real love from a nice package like Desmond. Helped in so many ways. Love this couples Chemistry. So glad Mykal got therapy too.
January 30, 2023
The title was correct... I did not like Mykal until nearly the end of the story. I understood her better. Desmond was a little better. I wanted them to get on the same page sooner. Her father was evil. The ending was perfect. Mykal redeemed herself with me. 3.5 stars...
April 15, 2023
Mykal was one of the most frustrating heroines. Despite her behavior Desmond saw something in Mykal. I loved Desmond and his care of his father as well as preservation of father's legacy. Mykal's growth made it easier to accept Desmond and her relationship.
April 23, 2022
Much like Pride the female character is such an unlikable character the first part of the book is an uncomfortable read but I liked the turn around by the end.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews