Embers

The Firecracker Cousins #3

by A.H. Cunningham

One hot night at Carnival changes everything.

Aayala Campbell and Malik Johnson had known each other since high school, their friendship lasting decades. One fateful October night during Carnival, Aayala decided to let loose, but she never dreamed her best friend would be the man to set her world on fire or that it would change her life forever.

Now the consequence of that night has the cutest cheeks Aayala's ever laid eyes on, and after giving birth, she's ready to reclaim herself and her passion for photography. If only her mother could be a reliable babysitter, instead of leaving her stranded with a new baby and all these new feelings…

Malik returned to the merchant marines for his next tour weighted by many responsibilities, none bigger than Aayala and his unborn child. The more time he spends away, the more he realizes there is more to life than his job.

When Malik comes home from his tour ready to co-parent, Aayala is hesitant to depend on him. His work was his life, and he’ll be gone in six months. She tries to keep her distance and focus on her new photography commission, but the embers left behind from that night are about to start a fire…

Genres: Friends To Lovers, African American Romance

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2022

Reviews

[Munsaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

•This is by far AHC best book. I loved it so much. The representation🔥. The plot🔥. The writing style is to die for 😩. The smut the smut poeple. My 2022 reading goal is so read good smut with a good plot and boy did this deliver.

•This is the 3rd book and final book( i believe) in The Firecracker Cousins series and this book follows Aayala and Malik who have been best friends for many years and one day they had to many drinks and ended up having sex together which leds to Aayala getting pregnant.

•Seeing how they overcame situations that were thrown at them was very heart warming to read and just knowing that whatever they did was always in the best interest of thier child. But Malik that man loved Aayala and was willing to do anything for her. He understood the assignment "Love a black woman from infinity to infinity i just love to see black women getting spoiled🤭

•I'm literally just ranting about how i love this book so go read it😠okay bye

Content Warning
Difficult parental relationship
Recount of emergency preeclampsia birth/no details.
Postpartum depression/ potential body dysmorphia
Mention of breastfeeding/over production.
Power dynamic/Daddy Kink

[ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes: unplanned pregnancy, bestfriends to lovers, alpha male

TW/CW: mentions of difficult parental relationship, talks of preeclampsia, postpartum depression

Representation: black diaspora romance

Thoughts: i’ll be honest when i say that usually im not a huge fan of the pregnancy trope in books because i feel like authors portray it to be this magical thing before and after the baby is here. when its not like that for everything. in this book we see the raw reality of what happens to most women after giving birth. we get to see aayla coming to terms with her new body and trying to find herself again. and thats the side of mothering i want to see in books, becauset hat was my reality. i loved this book so damn much and the story it told. and i love maliks patience with aayla and his want to help her figure out herself. also his daddy kink chile thats how you do it without making it this weird thing lol and yall know i love a good bestfriends to lovers !!! AH Cunningham did the damn thing with this one!!!

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started the Firecracker Cousins series when they first began and it has been such an amazing journey. These cousins do anything for one another, fight like sisters, and love hard!

Aayala's story is the final (sniff, sniff) in the series and I'm sad, but the lady did not hold back in writing this story. Aayala and Malik are best friends, she oftentimes tells Malik things that she doesn't tell her sister/cousins and he knows her personal, professional, and intimate life. When these two stumble, sprint, soca their way over the line they create life. These best friends are now co-parenting, but Malik's job as a merchant marine keeps him away for months at a time. Bogged down with the stresses of being a new mom, her creativity not coming like it use to, speaking of coming, her pom pom has become a traitorous menace and refuses her any type of release which has her stressed and on edge. Malik gets his sea legs at the perfect time. Determined not to lose her best friend, they try to set boundaries, but she needs him because Andre needs his father...and he needs her and they need each other - you get what I'm saying! If you haven't read the Firecracker Cousins, you must. Full of so much laughter, loads of heat, and CULTURE! OMG the culture black, Jaimaican, Trinidadian, Puerto Rican so much of the diaspora - did I miss any? @ahcwrites

What you'll get: 5⭐/3.75🌶
- A postpartum woman with body issues.
- A partner that builds her up and takes care.
- Daddy Kink
- Talking to a traitorous pom pom.
- Family that's crazy and beautiful!
- One big HEA!

🤙🏽A.H., Thank you for always giving me your babies early and allowing that glimpse before hand. I appreciate you.💋💋

[Liyah P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review:
The aftermath of what happens when friends cross over to new waters as lovers. Aayala and Malik did not make it easy, both struggle with past hurt while they also had to navigate parenthood. It was hard to watch Aayala go from this confident woman who owned her sexuality to this woman who no fault of her own just lost herself in motherhood. Malik was the man he completely understood Aayala oftentimes anticipating her needs before she even voice them. Plus his BDE was definitely giving in this book.

Love the support Aayala received from her firecracker cousins. I also loved seeing what was going on with my favorite tremble couple.

My only cons would be I wish the author would of made a space for Aayala to have a conversation with her mother and her abandonment. My second con would be that at the end I felt the story was dragging on. Thought there could of been a resolution five chapters ago. Other then that I enjoyed the story.

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤰

Where is my Malik? This book is grown up finding your sexy after giving birth, generational trauma, and family responsibilities. Oh and the sexy time was the perfect balance with a side of dom/sub with impact play. These two are my new favorites. Btw Mrs Cecily is a hoot.

CN: body insecurity from pregnancy, absentee parent, financial insecurity, accident at work resulting in a disability, cheating

[Beth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thank you to A.H Cunningham for sending me the ARC for Embers. It’s been great reading these books (the firecracker cousins), the closeness of family, leaning on each other when needed and seeing each character face their demons.

Again we meet another cousin Aayala who is struggling with being a new mother, changes to her body and postpartum depression. Also Aayala and Malik are in this grey area of co-parenting but don’t really know what their relationship is anymore! It was amazing to see Aayala, Alicia and Mariana together again and of course with baby Andre! The three cousins dynamic has always been fun to read because their so much alike and different at the same time.

I loved Aayala’s character she’s so strong and has always been the one giving people advice and care, I think Malik being in her life was so important and he gave her something she hadn’t received in a long time. I felt empathy toward Aayala, out of sorts with her body and with the change pregnancy brought she felt as if she wasn’t sexy and sensual anymore. I could relate to her as I think many people struggle with body image but it stopped there as I haven’t had a child and the rest of Aayala’s journey was things from her pregnancy. Aayala really let people know if she wasn’t happy and these reasons were valid! I’m glad she had that conversation with Licy about being overlooked. It was amazing to see some of her old self poking through as she went on this new journey!

Malik was not what I expected! As soon as he suggested a power dynamic relationship between him and Aayala I completely understood his character better. You see this constant pattern of him wanting to be a protector and provider but I think he felt in debt to so many people he was running himself thin. Malik kept it real with Aayala and the rest of the group! They needed that because their all so full on and in each other’s business, Malik and Aayala really set some rules and their own pace! His dad and son relationship with Malik 🥺 so cute!!!!

I would of love more spice!!! I loved the power dynamic relationship! Daddy kink was hot and not cringe but felt like I was waiting for more. Each spicy scene didn’t lack passion though and Malik’s words of encouragement to Aayala were something else 😂🔥

This book was sweet, sexy, sensual and I enjoyed reading it. I would of loved to see Aayala have it out with her mam a bit because I think there was things left unsaid but with Malik and Andre I don’t think she needed anything else!

ALSO MARIANA PREGNANT! I couldn’t of seen Mariana ever having children until Mason starts acting weird and it clicked! Loved seeing the gang together! It’s always nice to read their back and forth with each other.

[MildrenReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

NGL! I was hesitant about a baby book 😅 WORTH IT!

4.5 ⭐️
Best friends since high school accidentally have a kid but agree they don’t want a relationship & just continue their friendship while co-parenting buuutttt of course he was the sweetest with her even when she was hesitant to start anything knowing his job would keep him away for months 😭 I loved how much they understood each other, the gentleness he showed her as she found herself after her pregnancy & learning to accept & love herself again! Also there is Daddy k!nk 👀🤭 THE SMVTTT WAS so good! So many toys 😌🤌🏼 can’t forget the cousins and their partners! Love this friend group so much! They’re funny asffff 🤣 also THE BABYYY 🥹😭 he was so cute!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book to end a series on. Embers was smoldering! After reading all three I can see the genius behind the names of each book. Alight was the spark of a romance and Ablaze was fire and passion. However this slow burn friends to lovers was stoked just right.

AH Cunningham dug deep into her bag for this one. Embers required a different level of writing from the others in the series. By nature this story was mature and emotionally charged. Although I have never given birth and do not suffer from postpartum, this representation feels so authentic. The way body dysmorphia is showcased and how our mmc Malik handles it was beautifully done.

If you are looking for a full friends to lovers series, look no further than the firecracker cousins series.

[October Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this was the best installment of the Firecracker Cousins series.

Aayla & Malik have been besties for the last 18 yrs. They had one steamy night in Oct that results in their friendship getting a lifelong upgrade.

Aayla is used to being independent. From early on she learned that a routine & herself was all she could depend on. But after giving birth, she's just not feeling like herself and she doesn't know how to fix it. Not only is her body not hers anymore, but her time isn't either. All the things she used to know about herself makes her so unsure now. & she doesn't know how to ask for help, even from the one person she knows will take care of her.

Malik is used to being gone from home. After his dad had to retire earlier than he wanted to & Malik didn't get a scholarship that he rightfully deserved, he took on this responsibility of taking care of his family even tho no one asked him. He's been looking forward to coming home to bond with his son & help his friend/co-parent, but thats easier to think than to fulfill. Now he has someone he has to take care of in addition to someone he wants to take care of, but she's not making it easy.

I loved how Malik was such a prepared partner. Even trying to support Aayla from a distance although she iced him out. The way he gave her space but continued to reach out really touched my heart because he knew not to take her distance personal. Aayla is probably the most stubborn out of her cousins. She was drowning & refused to acknowledge it. Watching her friends advocate for her so much was really endearing because postpartum is real af. I felt like her mother was more of hindrance than help because she pulled that same same old she's been doing her whole life. Malik made it his job to take care of her, not just sexually but emotionally & mentally as well & he took that job very seriously. I loved the chemistry between the two of them 💗

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embers is the third book in the Firecracker Cousins series. Malik is frequently away for sometimes months at a time for his job on a ship. Aayala is a successful photographer, and specializes in boudoir photoshoots.
They are longtime friends who break down and have one amazing night together, connecting like they never had with anyone before. Little did they know what was to come of that steamy night. Malik comes back to town after a six month absence. They communicated the entire time due to their son, Andre's arrival. This book follows their journey from friends to parents and lovers. Both have strained family situations that affect them deeply, even in their relationship together. Malik always feels like he needs to be the provider and caretaker plus learning how to be in Aayala and Andre's lives. Before Malik returned, Aayala was a new mother feeling the stress of keeping her identity with herself as a woman and her job, as well as being Andre's Mom. As much as she loves her son, she is feeling like she's lost herself and struggles with that.
I really enjoyed the power dynamic between Aayala and Malik and how through that, he helps her find something to focus on with this new relationship.
This is my favorite book of the series and I highly recommend this and the other two books in the series. It's really not to be missed!

[Karma Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read Alight and Ablaze before you close out the series with Embers. Their circle, their tribe makes so much more sense if you understand their personalities and dynamic.

Aayala and Malik’s story is a slow burn and I usually want my MCs to fall for each other with a sense of urgency and deliver a dose of spicy images that seer into my brain. But becoming parents so drastically altered these two that their pain, past and present couldn’t be ignored, their healing became mandatory before they could love and trust themselves and everyone around them.

I’m never sure what the correct approach is, becoming whole before a relationship or allowing a healthy partner and relationship to help nurse you back. Aayala and Malik did a combination and I enjoyed the connection that strengthened as they established themselves.

If you’ve read this far go dive head first into a very realistic portrayal of two unexpected co-parents fighting their feelings for each other.

* Friends to lovers
* Body positivity
* Dominance
* Daddy kink

[Adriane Griggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when friends turn into lovers that turn into parents? The friendship between Aayala and Malik was always easy, until one night changed everything. Now as they navigate the world of co-parents, will they be able to come to an agreement that benefits them both? Aayala is so strong-willed and independent that her stubbornness causes her unnecessary problems, but Malik is so loving and patient with her that you'll start rooting for him to win. Malik is trying to make sure everyone is cared for, yet his stubbornness doesn't allow him to listen to what the people really want or need from him. This book had me on a see-sawing roller-coaster of a ride. I wanted to back Aayala up and choke her at the same time. I really wanted to punch Malik in the throat to make him listen but they got it together.. not without a little family drama.
Special thanks for addressing the overwhelming emotions of childbirth and body issues.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aayala and Malik crossed the boundaries of their friendship and had a passionate one night stand that resulted in a baby. He's a merchant Marine, off for months on a boat trying to secure his future and take care of his family. Aayala has the baby alone, but now he's home. But it's only for six months. Will they figure out hoe to coexist just in time for him to leave again?

Okay, so this book is my favorite of the Firecracker Cousins. I love how AH Cunningham explores so many great topics in sex and sexuality that you don't think of. Aayala being unable to orgasm because of postpartum misgivings about her new role and body was a great angle to explore. Malik coming in to play the dominant, to relieve her angst, to make room for her to feel her feelings and thus rediscover her body was so gentle and wonderful. I mean, they were hotter than hot, don't get me wrong. But their story was so soft and romantic in the best way. The journey they are on together sweeps you in but it's not a rollercoaster. Malik's overwhelming need to put his whole family on his back, his misplaced expectations of his brother and his worries about his work were real. Aayala's fear about getting too close to Malik, wanting to be taken care of but not wanting to get used to it, so very real also. And written well. But I do love the way he dove right in to fatherhood. I did love that. It made things easier. It was nice seeing the crew again too. This was a masterpiece.

[Lindsay Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of the book is that this story was about the couple figuring it out with a newborn and not falling in love during the pregnancy. This friends to lovers, accidental pregnancy was a very spicy, enjoyable read. Aayala and Malik have been best friends for a long time when one night they decide they want each other and Andre is the result. Malik works as a merchant marine for half the year and doesn’t meet Andre until he’s two months old. The six month period that he’s home, him and Aayala grow very close and fall in love. I enjoyed that Aayala was true to herself and did what she thought was best for herself and Andre. I also enjoyed that they talk about the changes parents go through after having their first child. I haven’t decided if I want to go back and read the first two books in the series.

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

love letter

This was for me. The way I related to Aayala, the way I crave a Malik. The way the D/s dynamic hit so hard. I ate this up and soon as I realized what was on my plate. Cunningham really takes such care with the BDSM themes in her books as well showing love to marginalized groups. This is absolutely my favorite of the Firecracker cousins and my number 2 favorite of all her works. I thought the pacing was good, I thought the chemistry and relationship was well done, I loved that they had legitimate obstacles and not a unnecessary third act breakup. My one issue was the way the conversations between Malik and Daniel were written, it was very confusing until the very end. Otherwise this was amazing. 10/10 for me personally.

[Sheba Hector · Rating 5 out of 5]

IM SICK that I finished this book in one day. Every time I try to put it down, I just pick it right back up. 😭😭😭😭 I’m ready to have the series physically. Aayala and Malik really surprised me. Their nicknames had me deaddddd. I didn’t expect anything kinky about them but their scenes were 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. I really wish I could have heard the conversation between Malik and his brother after finding about Damion’s learning disability. I also enjoyed Aayala going to therapy. I’m so sad this was the end to firecracker cousins. The Caribbean elements are just amazing to read about and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Maëlla K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm neutral when it comes to the unplanned pregnancy trope, but A. H Cunningham's execution brought the right balance between the emotional chaos of being a mother for the first time and trying to build a relationship with her baby's father. It was definitely not about the destination but the journey to get there. Aayala and Malik had a solid friendship to begin with. It was beautiful to see them work through their own personal issues and open up to each other. The Firecracker cousins ends with a bang.

[Mariea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive a digital ARC for Embers. I am beyond grateful because I needed this book in my life!

Let's discuss our characters first. We first get a look at Aayala in the first book of the series Alight. Honestly, I have loved her ever since. She showed tremendous growth throughout the story by embracing changes in her postpartum body and allowing others, especially Malik, into her previously very independent world. Malik, being the ever-so-charming and supportive friend turned baby-daddy, allows her to come into her own on her own terms. With Aayala being gorgeously stubborn and independent, forcing her to change was not going to be the way for their family to be together.

Now Malik….. Oh, Malik. What a man. Despite the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy, he stepped up for Andre and Aayala. He is not a perfect parent, and neither is Aayala. Still, he will go above and beyond to protect his family. We see that one of his vices is being in control and a strong need to provide. Like during the period when Malik was first staying with Aayala to support her and Andre, he learned Andre's routine all before Aayala could even correct him. This little act was endearing and showed his eagerness to be there for them. Clearly, Malik's love language was acts of service, and I love how it was portrayed in the story.

The story itself was decently paced and delved into that slow burn. This book has constant communication and showcases healthy boundary setting. Our spicy scenes were spicy, but they were intimate and showed vulnerability and trust.

This was my favorite of the series, and I CAN NOT, and I mean CAN NOT wait for anything A.H. Cunningham writes next. They have most definitely solidified themselves as one of my must-buy authors.

[DeNae Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good story

I really enjoyed this story. The first book by this author that I’ve read and I was really impressed. I know this is part 3 of a series but I’m a sucker for a surprise baby story. I don’t feel like I was missing anything not reading the first 2 books. I loved the relationship between Ayala and Malik. Alaya was a tough nut to crack, but Malik slowly but surely work her down.

[Ebony Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

unsure

It was hard to really get into this book. Maybe it’s just me and I’m just not connecting with the story. The patois feels out of place/forced. I was bored while reading so I had to put the book down. I’ll reset and give it another go in a few days…side note: I didn’t read the previous books so that’s probably why there’s a disconnect. I doubt it ,but felt I should share that.

[mari (givemaribooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there were part of the books I enjoyed, especially seeing the whole gang together being supportive of Ayala. This book was a lot heavier than I thought it would be. I spend the entire time wanting to yell at both of them to go to therapy. I also didn’t like Malik. He was pushy, even when Ayala had good reasons to keep her distance. If their relationship hadn’t worked out, she would’ve ended up a single mom with a barely there baby daddy and a broken heart. She had every reason to protect herself. And while she ended up in therapy (yay!), he needed therapy even more. He wanted to control everyone and decide what was best for them without their input. His relationship with his family, especially how he left things off with his brother didn’t sit well with me.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book of the Firecracker Cousin series. What a rollercoaster ride to be on with Aayala and Malik. It was Love Jones meets How Stella Got Her Groove Back with a hint of the Best Man. I don’t know how many time is listened to Night Nurse by Gregory Issacs while reading. I’m pretty sure I will read it again!

Over all I love how the author weaved in continued plot lines of the cousins from the previous two books. It felt very cohesive and complete.

[Taija Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes daddy!!

LOVE LOVE LOVED Malik for Aayala! The way he poured into her and helped her regain her confidence after birth was amazing!! Aayala letting her guard down and submitting her best friend and just letting life play out as it should was so rewarding. I was still lowkey mad at Malik for leaving after them six months. But he got it together. And in the end, we all cried thug tears together!

[Jennifer Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the 3rd installment of the book.

A.H. Cunningham definitely knows how to keep you waiting with bated breath on how things will play out.

I think my favorite was Alright because, to me, the characters had more layers and issues to work through. I felt more caught up in their story.

Definitely a must read!

[Jdub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this book. First I loved the multicultural representation in this book. I loved that slang and music were embedded throughout .tHis s book follows the aftermath of best friends, Malik and Aayala, hooking up and having a baby.

Malik is away for work which ultimately makes Aayala a single parent. And we get to see how they work through obstacles to co-parent.

This book is very down-to-earth and touches on everyday struggles. With Aayala it's the struggle of finding herself after a baby. and with Malik, it's the struggle of how to provide. I loved how A.H. Cunningham made these characters support and uplift one another. awesome read.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Content Warnings: Pregnancy, sexual scenes, feelings of abandonment, feelings of not knowing your own body after childbirth, and anxiety.

Omg is this my new favorite of the series?! 💜💜💜 We get so much in this book and I still want more 🥰

[Sidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malik & Aayala

I think this was my favorite of all the Firecracker Cousins books. I just loved their love story! How he loved her through her insecurities and How she saw through his tough exterior to his vulnerable heart. Great read, would definitely recommend.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may be the only postpartum romance I’ve ever read. The plot and romance seemed a little wacky at times but it was ok. Wish the hero had gotten some therapy or something. His personal growth seemed to be abrupt.

[Bug · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable

First book by this author for me. I truly enjoyed the story. It wasn’t heavy with drama but was a page turned .. all
Love and a happily ever after.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🔥

This was such a good series and im really happy that everyone got they happily ever after with the loves of their lives Fr great read