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Unconditional
Charli is everything Damian ever wanted.
Captivated from the moment they met, he allowed her to set the tone for their summer fling.
But when the summer was over and he wanted more, he soon found out that maybe his feelings were one-sided.
That was two years ago and he’s still stuck on Charli. He needs to move on.
A lot has changed since they last saw each other, but Damian can't shake the what-ifs.
And the moment they cross paths again he knows his heart still belongs to the elusive woman who stole it the first time he laid eyes on her. Who's to say they won't get it right this time around?
Captivated from the moment they met, he allowed her to set the tone for their summer fling.
But when the summer was over and he wanted more, he soon found out that maybe his feelings were one-sided.
That was two years ago and he’s still stuck on Charli. He needs to move on.
A lot has changed since they last saw each other, but Damian can't shake the what-ifs.
And the moment they cross paths again he knows his heart still belongs to the elusive woman who stole it the first time he laid eyes on her. Who's to say they won't get it right this time around?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
275 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
June 29, 2022
When I first saw this gorgeous cover I added this book to my TBR. Now that I’ve actually read it, be still my heart. Damian was truly captivated by Charli from the moment they met and quiet as its kept Charli was captivated as well. The timing was not right in the beginning because Charli did not feel like she was worth of love, worthy of Damian because of family trauma. I absolutely love that she spent their time apart healing herself and molding herself into the woman she wanted to be. & Mr. Damian— that is a man right there😍. I love a “can I feed you?” man. I loved his Haitian pride and his desire to give back to his community, his people. Damian knew Charli was his one and everyone around him knew too. He paid close attention to Charli, he wanted to provide whatever she needed and keep her smiling and I love that for her. I was ready to push her to that man lol because she was trying to play it cool, like she wasn’t as down bad as he was. 🤣
May 16, 2022
This book is an easy 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only thing keeping me from giving a full five stars was a tiny bit of rambling and one minor timeline inconsistency. Other than that, this was a freaking fantastic book.
Let me give you a glimpse of the journey this book took me on:
• BIPOC main characters - CHECK
• Cultural representation - CHECK
• A beautiful socialite overcoming generational trauma - CHECK
• THERAPY - CHECK CHECK CHECK
• A man who shows his woman how much he loves her - CHECK
• Steam, but also substance - CHECK
Y’all, this book was sweet and steamy. I was so invested in this couple, not only in their relationship but in their growth as individuals. I was so thrilled to read this book because it has a racial and cultural representation that is sorely missing in romance. I loved seeing Damian sharing his culture with Charli, and I enjoyed seeing her fascination with it.
All in all, I loved this book, I loved this author, and I can’t wait to read her other books!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Let me give you a glimpse of the journey this book took me on:
• BIPOC main characters - CHECK
• Cultural representation - CHECK
• A beautiful socialite overcoming generational trauma - CHECK
• THERAPY - CHECK CHECK CHECK
• A man who shows his woman how much he loves her - CHECK
• Steam, but also substance - CHECK
Y’all, this book was sweet and steamy. I was so invested in this couple, not only in their relationship but in their growth as individuals. I was so thrilled to read this book because it has a racial and cultural representation that is sorely missing in romance. I loved seeing Damian sharing his culture with Charli, and I enjoyed seeing her fascination with it.
All in all, I loved this book, I loved this author, and I can’t wait to read her other books!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2024
2.5 stars 🫶🏾 I appreciate that this was a quick read! Unfortunately, the grammatical errors were distracting & weighed heavily on my rating. The writing style wasn’t my favorite - the story felt like a draft that needed another review. There was a lack of character development & the plot didn’t keep my attention as much as I hoped. I think the story has good bones, but it wasn’t as captivating as I wanted it to be!
August 6, 2022
This book filled me up with warmth. Wow what a story. The attentiveness, the kindness, the tension and yearning not to mention how sexy both of the main characters were. I can't wait to catch up on Devyn's story when it comes out, that's my girl! This is the first time i read a book with a Haitian love interest, i was blushing so hard because i am Haitian too and i definitely understood where Dame was coming from, what he felt he needed to do to help his community. I was worried at first but the way the project was weaved into the story was very well done. Charli was so cool, alluring, an interesting character to read from. Both MC's were so mature in the way they handled things despite them not being perfect, they were willing to assess their feelings and foul thoughts individually and together when it was needed, i loved that very much. I also enjoyed the themes around family in this book, how welcoming Dame's family was, the party, the food, the kremas! The griyo! Also knew deeply the pain of complicated relationships with parents. Shout out to Charli's grandma and their little gossip sessions! Im probably gonna buy a paperback of this book if it's available because this one goes down as the best romance of 2022 so far for me. Also this author is really good , really good at crafting a slow burn, two people getting to know each other, the author is very good with jumping timelines too, it was done so seamlessly. 5/5 stars!
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May 10, 2025I DNF’d this book because I’m honestly tired of romance stories where the couple pretends they don’t like each other, even though it’s obvious they do. This whole “we’re chasing each other but not really” dynamic just didn’t work for me. The misunderstandings felt silly and pointless, and I couldn’t buy into the drama.
A huge chunk of the book is just them running in circles, acting like love-struck teens instead of grown adults. Like, come on—you clearly love each other and are compatible. Why are you doing all this back-and-forth? It got so frustrating I had to put it down. I need my characters to act their age and communicate.
A huge chunk of the book is just them running in circles, acting like love-struck teens instead of grown adults. Like, come on—you clearly love each other and are compatible. Why are you doing all this back-and-forth? It got so frustrating I had to put it down. I need my characters to act their age and communicate.
February 15, 2025
Maybe it’s the writing style, but I did not like the flip-flop between past and present. I really didn’t feel like they had an actual love connection, and I was annoyed most of the book.
September 10, 2025
3.5🌟🎧
A cute second chance story and I loved how Damian was Haitian American and spoke on the struggles about being a child of immigrants.
A cute second chance story and I loved how Damian was Haitian American and spoke on the struggles about being a child of immigrants.
August 8, 2022
Not my cup of tea
It novel felt on going with no point. Not my type of action or steam at all. Pretty boring for me.
It novel felt on going with no point. Not my type of action or steam at all. Pretty boring for me.
December 17, 2023
Things I loved about this book:
*Charli and Damian
*How Damian still held a torch for Charli and was determined to win her heart
*Damian's family and the look into their Haitian culture
*Charli's self reflection and open talks of therapy
Note: this is a 2nd chance slow burn. We don't get to 🍑🍑 until about 72-74%. If you're used to Shon's fast and dirty novellas, this is not that.
*Charli and Damian
*How Damian still held a torch for Charli and was determined to win her heart
*Damian's family and the look into their Haitian culture
*Charli's self reflection and open talks of therapy
Note: this is a 2nd chance slow burn. We don't get to 🍑🍑 until about 72-74%. If you're used to Shon's fast and dirty novellas, this is not that.
May 23, 2025
3.75 ⭐️🎧
May 14, 2022
Unconditional. A love story.
The story is exactly how it sells in the name. A simple love story, between a man and a woman who love each other unconditionally. I was invested with the story from page one. You might think page one is a little too early to be invested in a book but I instantly felt the connection. The prologue on its own gives readers something to immediately latch on to. And it did not break till I flipped over the last page. It had me emotionally invested, feeling every single moment, and feeling it strongly.
I am not ashamed to say I finished the book in less than 24 hours!
The story made me care for the characters and believe what they are saying, feel what they are feeling. The author sold their pain to me well enough that I could feel it.
The story is written in both the main character's POVs, which helped me understand them and their feelings for one another so much better.
To me, the plot felt crystal from head-on. It gave me what it sold. It delivered exactly what I went in expecting, without steering the audience with unwanted loopholes. I felt this story had so much to offer in such a subtle way. It was beautiful, sexy, funny and heartbreaking. It's powerful, compelling and emotionally charged with a unique storyline that was truly unlike any other I've read.
The characters in this book felt so real. At first, I was not convinced of the reason why Damian and Charlotte are not together already but as I got to know them, I was able to put myself in their shoes. Especially Charlotte. Being 26, and not knowing where you are going, that hit home. To feel that insecurity and self-doubt that makes you question everything and everyone. Even though the storyline was straightforward and forthcoming, it is the character depth and the writing that sold me. The ability of the author to bring forward a steadfast woman and break every stereotype was something I loved watching unfold.
The voice of the book is usually what makes or breaks a book. The plot can be simply exceptional but if it isn’t told with the right tone and emotions, it can lose its entire meaning. But a great storyteller will spin a world of magic with just a word as a premise. And I feel the style of writing or the voice of this book is personally my favourite part of the story. The command of the language and the formation of sentences were highly sophisticated. The dialogues were spot on and hit me right where they were intended to. The ability to express the right emotions with actions and appearance rather than straight out spelling them out in dialogues helped me as a reader to visualize and experience the story along with the writer.
That said, let me come to my most favourite part of the book.
The chemistry!!
The scorching chemistry between our MCs stole the show. Even though it kept me waiting a while, I was happy it did. The slow burn only made the anticipation double up. The anticipation created around until the final moment kept me on the hook the entire time. But that just made my heart grow fonder for Damian. And damn was it worth the wait.
If you are picking up this book, get ready for a feel-good perfect summer read. Packed with self-healing and motivating characters, that would instantly up your mood while inspiring you to go get what you want.
The story is exactly how it sells in the name. A simple love story, between a man and a woman who love each other unconditionally. I was invested with the story from page one. You might think page one is a little too early to be invested in a book but I instantly felt the connection. The prologue on its own gives readers something to immediately latch on to. And it did not break till I flipped over the last page. It had me emotionally invested, feeling every single moment, and feeling it strongly.
I am not ashamed to say I finished the book in less than 24 hours!
The story made me care for the characters and believe what they are saying, feel what they are feeling. The author sold their pain to me well enough that I could feel it.
The story is written in both the main character's POVs, which helped me understand them and their feelings for one another so much better.
To me, the plot felt crystal from head-on. It gave me what it sold. It delivered exactly what I went in expecting, without steering the audience with unwanted loopholes. I felt this story had so much to offer in such a subtle way. It was beautiful, sexy, funny and heartbreaking. It's powerful, compelling and emotionally charged with a unique storyline that was truly unlike any other I've read.
The characters in this book felt so real. At first, I was not convinced of the reason why Damian and Charlotte are not together already but as I got to know them, I was able to put myself in their shoes. Especially Charlotte. Being 26, and not knowing where you are going, that hit home. To feel that insecurity and self-doubt that makes you question everything and everyone. Even though the storyline was straightforward and forthcoming, it is the character depth and the writing that sold me. The ability of the author to bring forward a steadfast woman and break every stereotype was something I loved watching unfold.
The voice of the book is usually what makes or breaks a book. The plot can be simply exceptional but if it isn’t told with the right tone and emotions, it can lose its entire meaning. But a great storyteller will spin a world of magic with just a word as a premise. And I feel the style of writing or the voice of this book is personally my favourite part of the story. The command of the language and the formation of sentences were highly sophisticated. The dialogues were spot on and hit me right where they were intended to. The ability to express the right emotions with actions and appearance rather than straight out spelling them out in dialogues helped me as a reader to visualize and experience the story along with the writer.
That said, let me come to my most favourite part of the book.
The chemistry!!
The scorching chemistry between our MCs stole the show. Even though it kept me waiting a while, I was happy it did. The slow burn only made the anticipation double up. The anticipation created around until the final moment kept me on the hook the entire time. But that just made my heart grow fonder for Damian. And damn was it worth the wait.
If you are picking up this book, get ready for a feel-good perfect summer read. Packed with self-healing and motivating characters, that would instantly up your mood while inspiring you to go get what you want.
May 22, 2022
3.75 stars for this Debut
I liked this debut novel; I was not totally invested. The story was an age-old take on lovers from different sides of the track. Charlotte 'Charli' Kennedy was a socialite, and Damian St Fleur was the opposite. The pair met had a fling, and things went south. The reconnection for them was annoying at times and at others; it was cute. The chemistry was even sensible. I know - it's an odd way to describe a romantic love story session, but that fits my feeling about the narrative.
Overall, the story was cutesy good and a worthwhile read.
I liked this debut novel; I was not totally invested. The story was an age-old take on lovers from different sides of the track. Charlotte 'Charli' Kennedy was a socialite, and Damian St Fleur was the opposite. The pair met had a fling, and things went south. The reconnection for them was annoying at times and at others; it was cute. The chemistry was even sensible. I know - it's an odd way to describe a romantic love story session, but that fits my feeling about the narrative.
Overall, the story was cutesy good and a worthwhile read.
May 19, 2022
"If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, they're yours; if they don't they never were."
"Unconditional: A Love Story" is a sweet story of the love reconnection between Charli and Damian. Two years prior to the book's timeframe, these two lovebirds were, let's say, having some "fun". But they stayed in each other's hearts and realized things about themselves that helped to put them in a better place. A fateful meeting between Charli and Damian rekindles feelings and emotions that scare them at times, but ultimately, they realize that they can't get enough of each other and their relationship becomes deeper.
I enjoyed how the author centered around the theme that love can help you improve yourself; an ideal partner should challenge you to be the best person you can be, right? Charli's deep-rooted insecurities and family issues are something that she works through with a therapist and eventually helps her to shut down her negative self-talk and let Damian all the way in. The reader will devour the story and root for Damian and Charli along the way. I highly recommend it.
"Unconditional: A Love Story" is a sweet story of the love reconnection between Charli and Damian. Two years prior to the book's timeframe, these two lovebirds were, let's say, having some "fun". But they stayed in each other's hearts and realized things about themselves that helped to put them in a better place. A fateful meeting between Charli and Damian rekindles feelings and emotions that scare them at times, but ultimately, they realize that they can't get enough of each other and their relationship becomes deeper.
I enjoyed how the author centered around the theme that love can help you improve yourself; an ideal partner should challenge you to be the best person you can be, right? Charli's deep-rooted insecurities and family issues are something that she works through with a therapist and eventually helps her to shut down her negative self-talk and let Damian all the way in. The reader will devour the story and root for Damian and Charli along the way. I highly recommend it.
February 17, 2025
“Focus on the people that want to be in your life.” - Charlie’s grandma
Listened via hoopla.
The story and characters were cute in this. Found myself smiling from time to time. Took them quite a while to get together but when they did i blushed for them. Even their spice was cute.
Now what i really enjoyed was the culture. Food, family, dancing and ways to make the community better. Also that each character actually worked on themselves to become better individuals. So when it was their time there wasn’t any holding back. Damian adoring Charlie was so beautiful. You just know he’s going to do right by her. Charlie deserves it especially with her up bringing. Some people just don’t deserve you and/or to be parents.
If you like black love, culture, second chance and a little of a slow burn then check this out.
Listened via hoopla.
The story and characters were cute in this. Found myself smiling from time to time. Took them quite a while to get together but when they did i blushed for them. Even their spice was cute.
Now what i really enjoyed was the culture. Food, family, dancing and ways to make the community better. Also that each character actually worked on themselves to become better individuals. So when it was their time there wasn’t any holding back. Damian adoring Charlie was so beautiful. You just know he’s going to do right by her. Charlie deserves it especially with her up bringing. Some people just don’t deserve you and/or to be parents.
If you like black love, culture, second chance and a little of a slow burn then check this out.
November 12, 2023
Loved it
Beautiful well written book. I loved all the characters. It had me tearing up near the end. I do wish things had turned out differently with her parents. However, Damian's parents def makes up for them. For a min I for sure the author was gonna do a major twist on us with her friend Devyn when it was mentioned she had a crazy bf. Luckily I was wrong. Cuz whew that would have made me UPSET. Great book. I def recommend.
Beautiful well written book. I loved all the characters. It had me tearing up near the end. I do wish things had turned out differently with her parents. However, Damian's parents def makes up for them. For a min I for sure the author was gonna do a major twist on us with her friend Devyn when it was mentioned she had a crazy bf. Luckily I was wrong. Cuz whew that would have made me UPSET. Great book. I def recommend.
May 18, 2022
Unconditional love
Damian and Charli are on fire for each other and it's a pleasure to read their story. Assumptions always cause chaos, so never assume. I need more from this story.
Damian and Charli are on fire for each other and it's a pleasure to read their story. Assumptions always cause chaos, so never assume. I need more from this story.
April 1, 2023
“Who says you need to have something to offer in order to be worthy of love?”
I loved this story.
I loved this story.
March 14, 2024
Short cute pallet cleanser
This was a quick read about black love and second chance love and allowing yourself to accept love in all forms.
This was a quick read about black love and second chance love and allowing yourself to accept love in all forms.
did-not-finish
September 5, 2024DNF @45%
January 4, 2025
3.5 stars
March 5, 2025
This was a 2nd chance romance. It was a cute story but a little slow to me.
December 13, 2023
Good Read
Love this book! Especially, the female main character best friend’s name! Truly a great story about unconditional love. Definitely an awesome read
Love this book! Especially, the female main character best friend’s name! Truly a great story about unconditional love. Definitely an awesome read
July 31, 2024
This is an easy 4 or 5 🌟 read. Quick read with a clean romance, no extra drama.
June 13, 2022
Thank you, Netgalley, for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unconditional: A Love Story is a very heartwarming second chance romance. Charli and Damien had a summer fling and, when he said he was ready to make a bigger commitment, she rejected him. Two years later, they meet again with a chance to start over.
This was a very soft and well written romance novel. I loved the cultural representation without feeling like it was written for white people, which is something that happens a lot and makes me feel very frustrated. It was really beautiful to see how important the community is for Damien and how much Charli values that. Also, the characters were very captivating, funny and sexy. The spicy scenes were really hot and the sexual tension between the characters was great. I loved the way they describe each other and how they remember vividly everything that happened that one summer.
I really wanted to love this book. I was so invested at the beginning, but I was a little frustrated along the way. I loved that we got a MC with abandonment issues and I wanted to read more about how that affected her relationship with other people and the way she saw herself. I think all of the issues presented were approached in a really shallow way. We didn’t get to truly see their repercussions. Almost all of Charli’s scenes were in Dame’s presence and vice-versa, so we didn’t get a lot of character development. Also, I wanted to know what exactly happened when they were together for the summer. I feel like it wasn’t really a second chance romance, because we didn’t get much information about their past relationship. They’re cute together, but that’s it.
Overall it was a fun read, because the characters are funny and likable, but I wish we could see more development of their story.
Merged review:
3.5 ⭐
Thank you, Netgalley, for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unconditional: A Love Story is a very heartwarming second chance romance. Charli and Damien had a summer fling and, when he said he was ready to make a bigger commitment, she rejected him. Two years later, they meet again with a chance to start over.
This was a very soft and well written romance novel. I loved the cultural representation without feeling like it was written for white people, which is something that happens a lot and makes me feel very frustrated. It was really beautiful to see how important the community is for Damien and how much Charli values that. Also, the characters were very captivating, funny and sexy. The spicy scenes were really hot and the sexual tension between the characters was great. I loved the way they describe each other and how they remember vividly everything that happened that one summer.
I really wanted to love this book. I was so invested at the beginning, but I was a little frustrated along the way. I loved that we got a MC with abandonment issues and I wanted to read more about how that affected her relationship with other people and the way she saw herself. I think all of the issues presented were approached in a really shallow way. We didn’t get to truly see their repercussions. Almost all of Charli’s scenes were in Dame’s presence and vice-versa, so we didn’t get a lot of character development. Also, I wanted to know what exactly happened when they were together for the summer. I feel like it wasn’t really a second chance romance, because we didn’t get much information about their past relationship. They’re cute together, but that’s it.
Overall it was a fun read, because the characters are funny and likable, but I wish we could see more development of their story.
Unconditional: A Love Story is a very heartwarming second chance romance. Charli and Damien had a summer fling and, when he said he was ready to make a bigger commitment, she rejected him. Two years later, they meet again with a chance to start over.
This was a very soft and well written romance novel. I loved the cultural representation without feeling like it was written for white people, which is something that happens a lot and makes me feel very frustrated. It was really beautiful to see how important the community is for Damien and how much Charli values that. Also, the characters were very captivating, funny and sexy. The spicy scenes were really hot and the sexual tension between the characters was great. I loved the way they describe each other and how they remember vividly everything that happened that one summer.
I really wanted to love this book. I was so invested at the beginning, but I was a little frustrated along the way. I loved that we got a MC with abandonment issues and I wanted to read more about how that affected her relationship with other people and the way she saw herself. I think all of the issues presented were approached in a really shallow way. We didn’t get to truly see their repercussions. Almost all of Charli’s scenes were in Dame’s presence and vice-versa, so we didn’t get a lot of character development. Also, I wanted to know what exactly happened when they were together for the summer. I feel like it wasn’t really a second chance romance, because we didn’t get much information about their past relationship. They’re cute together, but that’s it.
Overall it was a fun read, because the characters are funny and likable, but I wish we could see more development of their story.
Merged review:
3.5 ⭐
Thank you, Netgalley, for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unconditional: A Love Story is a very heartwarming second chance romance. Charli and Damien had a summer fling and, when he said he was ready to make a bigger commitment, she rejected him. Two years later, they meet again with a chance to start over.
This was a very soft and well written romance novel. I loved the cultural representation without feeling like it was written for white people, which is something that happens a lot and makes me feel very frustrated. It was really beautiful to see how important the community is for Damien and how much Charli values that. Also, the characters were very captivating, funny and sexy. The spicy scenes were really hot and the sexual tension between the characters was great. I loved the way they describe each other and how they remember vividly everything that happened that one summer.
I really wanted to love this book. I was so invested at the beginning, but I was a little frustrated along the way. I loved that we got a MC with abandonment issues and I wanted to read more about how that affected her relationship with other people and the way she saw herself. I think all of the issues presented were approached in a really shallow way. We didn’t get to truly see their repercussions. Almost all of Charli’s scenes were in Dame’s presence and vice-versa, so we didn’t get a lot of character development. Also, I wanted to know what exactly happened when they were together for the summer. I feel like it wasn’t really a second chance romance, because we didn’t get much information about their past relationship. They’re cute together, but that’s it.
Overall it was a fun read, because the characters are funny and likable, but I wish we could see more development of their story.
December 27, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: 5/5 | REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
It’s been two years since Charli and Damian ended their friends-with-benefits arrangement that ended…well, complicated.
In their two years apart, Charli built a thriving social media management business. Meanwhile, Damian has amassed an investment portfolio at his finance job in NYC to allow him to move back to West Palm Beach with his family and pursue his community grassroots project back in his hometown.
It’s been two years. They’re both different people until they’re reunited and realize that while many things have changed, desire and longing for each other…have not. But they are forced to table this desire when Damian approaches Charli to help him with his community project, they are both back in each other’s orbit, but this time working toward a common goal.
Will the journey to that goal only highlight the conditions that make them different? Or is it evidence that they’ve found the one to love them without conditions?
…
Beautiful. Effortless. Joyous. Eloquent. Utter perfection.
Charli. Damian. The build-up. The chemistry. The smut. *chef’s kiss*
We got rich black people representation. LOVE IT. Therapy representation. LOVE LOVE IT.
So, I don’t typically love the miscommunication trope because IT FRUSTRATES ME TO NO END. I always find myself screaming, “JUST TALK TO ONE ANOTHER. THIS IS DUMB!”
But Shon does it so beautifully here. She approaches it untraditionally, IMO. And I love, love, love how it played out. Oh, and the ending had me ugly crying like someone died. So there’s that.
It’s been two years since Charli and Damian ended their friends-with-benefits arrangement that ended…well, complicated.
In their two years apart, Charli built a thriving social media management business. Meanwhile, Damian has amassed an investment portfolio at his finance job in NYC to allow him to move back to West Palm Beach with his family and pursue his community grassroots project back in his hometown.
It’s been two years. They’re both different people until they’re reunited and realize that while many things have changed, desire and longing for each other…have not. But they are forced to table this desire when Damian approaches Charli to help him with his community project, they are both back in each other’s orbit, but this time working toward a common goal.
Will the journey to that goal only highlight the conditions that make them different? Or is it evidence that they’ve found the one to love them without conditions?
…
Beautiful. Effortless. Joyous. Eloquent. Utter perfection.
Charli. Damian. The build-up. The chemistry. The smut. *chef’s kiss*
We got rich black people representation. LOVE IT. Therapy representation. LOVE LOVE IT.
So, I don’t typically love the miscommunication trope because IT FRUSTRATES ME TO NO END. I always find myself screaming, “JUST TALK TO ONE ANOTHER. THIS IS DUMB!”
But Shon does it so beautifully here. She approaches it untraditionally, IMO. And I love, love, love how it played out. Oh, and the ending had me ugly crying like someone died. So there’s that.
July 11, 2022
Love Me
While this was a cute story, it seemed to drag a bit. I feel it could've been wrapped a bit quicker, or other elements of the story could've been elaborated on, except the constant reminder that these two screwed all summer 2 years ago, only to separate due to miscommunication.
I love that the author made Damian this gentle, yet very Alpha male. He was super sweet and while I loathe that he thought he had to be better for someone else rather than just himself, I love the drive he had in being able to give his future children generational wealth. I was a bit confused as to why he was hurt by Charlotte when they broke things off; did he see her saying she would be an embarrassment to him as a reflection on himself and that hurt him or did it make him angry that she'd thought so low of him and that hurt him? Either way, he seemed to forgive her and moved on so there's that🤷🏾♀️.
Charlotte was a beacon for being let down. I get wanting the love of your parents, yet when someone shows you who they are... She had her grandmother, best friend Devyn and now, all of Damian's family. I hope they give her the love she deserves. If her parents weren't such crap tarts, she would've been able to be with Damian from the jump, yet all things happen for a reason. I'm glad she was going to therapy and truly hope she gains the confidence she needs to be in a healthy relationship.
This was a good read. Looking forward to book 2.
While this was a cute story, it seemed to drag a bit. I feel it could've been wrapped a bit quicker, or other elements of the story could've been elaborated on, except the constant reminder that these two screwed all summer 2 years ago, only to separate due to miscommunication.
I love that the author made Damian this gentle, yet very Alpha male. He was super sweet and while I loathe that he thought he had to be better for someone else rather than just himself, I love the drive he had in being able to give his future children generational wealth. I was a bit confused as to why he was hurt by Charlotte when they broke things off; did he see her saying she would be an embarrassment to him as a reflection on himself and that hurt him or did it make him angry that she'd thought so low of him and that hurt him? Either way, he seemed to forgive her and moved on so there's that🤷🏾♀️.
Charlotte was a beacon for being let down. I get wanting the love of your parents, yet when someone shows you who they are... She had her grandmother, best friend Devyn and now, all of Damian's family. I hope they give her the love she deserves. If her parents weren't such crap tarts, she would've been able to be with Damian from the jump, yet all things happen for a reason. I'm glad she was going to therapy and truly hope she gains the confidence she needs to be in a healthy relationship.
This was a good read. Looking forward to book 2.
September 18, 2022
I finished reading this in two days; it was such a sweet story. It takes a lot for me to get emotional over a book, but this one did it. It also had very short chapters, which I appreciated. The first significant thing I want to point out about this novel is that it was my first "slow burn." Reading this helped me realize that slow-burn stories are not my favorite as I’m very impatient lol. As always, the author, Shon, created a relatable female character with Charli. I related to many of the things Charli experienced in this story and felt like her therapist was calling me out also. FWB to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, so maybe I'm a little biased; however, the story was still lovely nonetheless.
May 10, 2022
Unconditional by @shontheauthor 🤩
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3.75/5 ⭐️
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Charli & Damian used to enjoy each other’s company (😏) until it ended abruptly. 2 years later, he’s back, and his eyes are set on her. They’ve both done extreme growing during their time apart, but are they ready to test their attraction again? Insecurities and versions of the past threaten to creep up, but Dame knows what he wants, and he’s willing to take his time to get there (slow claps in the back for a good #slowburnromance).
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I loved Charli and Damian… especially Dame’s words. He truly articulates what he wants. 👏🏼👏🏼
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I wish I could have seen more of the details of some of their adventures together, as often times it was “fade to black”, which left me to dream about what I thought happened. There is also some great character development/realization by the end of it, I just wish Charli could have had her big moment with her parents 😭😭
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Great read from an up-and-coming author 🥰
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*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
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3.75/5 ⭐️
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Charli & Damian used to enjoy each other’s company (😏) until it ended abruptly. 2 years later, he’s back, and his eyes are set on her. They’ve both done extreme growing during their time apart, but are they ready to test their attraction again? Insecurities and versions of the past threaten to creep up, but Dame knows what he wants, and he’s willing to take his time to get there (slow claps in the back for a good #slowburnromance).
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I loved Charli and Damian… especially Dame’s words. He truly articulates what he wants. 👏🏼👏🏼
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I wish I could have seen more of the details of some of their adventures together, as often times it was “fade to black”, which left me to dream about what I thought happened. There is also some great character development/realization by the end of it, I just wish Charli could have had her big moment with her parents 😭😭
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Great read from an up-and-coming author 🥰
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*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
—“𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂?”
So in love with Shon's books, I'm proud to say I've read them all with no regret. Loved this book, Damien is the full package, not only physically, but even emotionally. Still, after Charlie denied him, he kept going after the girl he knew was meant for him, which was sooo charming. I also loved that Charlotte was an independent boss woman who sees the value in having a therapist and getting the help that she needed. Watching or should I say reading about them coming together even after having many odds against them.
So in love with Shon's books, I'm proud to say I've read them all with no regret. Loved this book, Damien is the full package, not only physically, but even emotionally. Still, after Charlie denied him, he kept going after the girl he knew was meant for him, which was sooo charming. I also loved that Charlotte was an independent boss woman who sees the value in having a therapist and getting the help that she needed. Watching or should I say reading about them coming together even after having many odds against them.
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