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Something Real

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“I don’t want to pretend like what we have isn’t real. You may be cool with that, but that’s not me.” –Maze

Kasauni Rich couldn’t stop loving Maze even if she tried, and she’d definitely tried. As far as she was concerned, he was everything she didn’t need. A musician, a ladies’ man, and a social media star that every woman wanted to get their hands on. But Maze was also loving, loyal, and her biggest protector. His onstage persona was nothing compared to the man he was behind closed doors, and that’s who she couldn’t stop herself from falling in love with. But Kasauni’s fear of being in the public eye was a lot stronger than her heart. She couldn’t see past the horrible world she might be up against. Little did she know, everything she thought she could run away from was determined to meet her at her front door.

Maze didn’t deny his reputation when it came to women, but he knew there was only one woman that could tame his heart. Unfortunately, Kasauni had made it very clear that she wasn’t up for the challenge, and Maze found a way to accept that. But after learning that she was carrying his child, going along with her wishes seemed impossible. He wanted more, and he couldn’t pretend otherwise.

See what happens when every behind-the-scenes moment unfolds under the spotlight. Will Maze be able to get a handle on the craziness surrounding his lifestyle and win Kasauni’s heart? Or will they realize that their bond isn’t as strong as they thought, and let go of each other for good?

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2022

296 people are currently reading
69 people want to read

About the author

A.C. Taylor

29 books228 followers

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5 stars
204 (52%)
4 stars
119 (30%)
3 stars
57 (14%)
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9 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
962 reviews38 followers
May 22, 2022
Not the norm....

This is another read where the couple had A LOT going on. Maze and Kasauni's story was short of being a fairy tale. They lived in the eyes of social media and bloggers because of Maze's career. Every blogger whether for good or bad wanted to stay in their business. Unfortunately, it caused more turmoil than a normal relationship would go through. I have to say I was glad when everything hit the fan for both parties. I did not care for Maze's reaction once he found out about "Mr. Mercedes" but Mama Quinn enlightened him. Mama Quinn dropped straight wisdom and gems. I was expecting a different response from Maze since Kasauni had been putting up with so much from his celebrity status. They were able to get through all of the murky waters and withstand their love for each other. They realized they were better together than apart. Maze deep down wanted to make sure baby Mecca grew up in a two-parent home with his father. It took quite a few valleys and a mountain or two but they got their happily ever after.

This is a wonderful read that will keep you on guard. It is so much going on at one time. You will probably feel like me about Maze's sister Adeya. I did not care for her, the negativity she brought every time she made an appearance was unnecessary. She did not like anyone including Maze's assistant. Your heart will break 💔 for Mama Quinn. It was great when Maze finally accepted Mama Quinn's issue. He needed to overcome that fear. You will enjoy how this book concludes with healing, apologies, and everyone moving forward. Download and indulge.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,116 followers
May 20, 2022
A good friends to lovers story is easily one of my favorite stories to read because a solid foundation is pretty much set before you get into a romantic aspect of the relationship. You know each other’s likes, dislikes, deep dark secrets etc. Well this story was pretty similar. This book got right into it so much so that the story started off with the “friends” expecting a baby together. It seemed like Maze and Kesauni were solid until they made the choice to try their hand in the love department and then that’s when all hell broke loose and boy was it MESSY!!! They definitely frustrated me equally throughout the story and I found myself wanting to strangle them both. Overall I really enjoyed the story. What I didn’t get was how Maze’s sister was so evil for clearly no good reason the entire story. She added an element to the book that I didn’t like. This was my first read from A.C. Taylor and I’d definitely read more from her after this.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,992 reviews107 followers
May 18, 2022
AMazeing love story

I wasn't ready for this really dope love story. Kasauni Rich was thrust into the limelight once she had a baby with Maze, a music industry heartthrob. The story exposed the thirsty side of the entertainment industry and its impact on love lives and relationships. Family issues and dynamics played a pivotal part in this story. Both Maze and Kasauni's family members kept the story popping with snarkiness and snazzy dialog. The relationship seemed like a foregone conclusion until the expected drama between the siblings impacted the couple. And the help of a few thirsty Tricks added the nail to the couple's coffin. In the end, Maze and Kasauni overcame each obstacle. The story was indeed a wonderful piece of work.
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
923 reviews13 followers
June 13, 2022
Chile!!!!!!!

This story held me captive and had me on edge. The drama was too much!!!!!! Kasauni had my nerves so bad! I was screaming in my head...like WTF This drama read like a soap opera. Intense and spontaneous irrational behavior was taxing on so many levels. Maze was a cool guy that confused me...I wasn't sure if he was naive or just too passive. He gave Adeya too much control. Where as Kyra stole ever scene that she was in! I wasn't happy with the ending....was that a cliff hanger? After all that drama I needed a definitive glance into the future.
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,108 reviews21 followers
May 19, 2022
well written

This was a well written story. But it wasn’t my cup of tea. I feel like the book started in the middle. Maze and Kasauni had already met and were expecting Mecca when the story started. So the whole book I felt like I missed something. Then the sisters attitude didn’t make sense. Also the drama, between Maze and Kasauni at the end was weird. I don’t understand how he was mad at something that was before his time.
Profile Image for Princess Myles.
71 reviews
September 15, 2024
Kasauni and Maze’s journey to love is something truly special and unlike anything I’ve read in a while. This story flips the typical pregnancy trope on its head by starting after they meet and find out they're expecting. I loved how the book jumps right into their story and lets us see their relationship unfold from there. It’s refreshing to explore their growth together and the realization that no one is perfect—everyone has a past.

That said, I found Adeya’s role a bit too much at times. Her well-meaning efforts as a big sister sometimes felt a bit over the top. I was hoping she’d focus more on her own path and ease off Maze's nuts.

Overall, this book offers a unique and heartfelt take on relationships and personal growth. If you’re looking for a story with depth and a different perspective, this one’s worth diving into.
Profile Image for Kaala.
118 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2023
cute…

I kept checking to see if this was a sequel, but I think it’s a standalone book. But there was so much history that wasn’t really explained so it felt like I was only getting half of the story. I also don’t really care for books where one of the characters has some huge secret and refuses to tell the person that they’re in love with, and then the secret comes out and then the couple breaks up and then they finally work it out. But I also understand that this is a template that many authors use. This wasn’t a horrible Book. I gave it a three star because it was a nice story. I just felt like it was missing something and that there was a lot of information that I was not privy to. But also, I could be wrong, this could be a sequel, and I’m just not Finding that information.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,402 reviews48 followers
March 24, 2024
Real Me

Too many secrets and doubts can mess up a good thing. The book was a nice quick read. Just went to show that you can't always work with family and don't put people so high up that when the truth is revealed, you can't handle it.
Profile Image for Shameka Erby.
Author 19 books81 followers
April 1, 2023
So this author's writing style is unique. She tends to begin in what feels like the middle of the plot and gives you the conflict right up front instead of building. In the first book I read by her, it worked. In this book, I wasn't as ready for that. I wish there had been more about the main characters' past, their story, more excitement in the connection they built.

We open with Kasauni, a bakery owner, almost at the end of her pregnancy. She's having a baby by an R&B star, a man she tried to keep at arm's length because she doesn't want any part of his lifestyle. Meanwhile, Maze (the baby daddy) fell head over heels and will do anything to show her she'll be protected. The baby is born, and Kasauni can't deny the pull of Maze and his love. But then... there's a man in her past who won't leave her be, and the disapproval of Maze's sister/ manager of his newfound joy in simply being a father and loving his child's mother. And the drama ensues.

Let me start by saying that I love Kasauni and Maze together. I love their connection, their passion, their willingness to share their lives. Maze took too long to check his sister and I still felt like he didn't draw a hard enough boundary with her even at the end. It made him feel a little weak to me. He let way too much disrespect slide. And he was too careless for someone who had so many eyes on him. But he did love Kasauni and did everything he could to show it. Getting caught up with his former flame was just a careless mistake and I'm glad he corrected it. I understood his pain, and felt his angst at the changes in his life.

Kasauni was... a difficult character for me. Because she was a contradiction of sorts. She pulled away from Maze so as not to have her life upended by his celebrity, but she was knee deep in something that already could have done that and not only did she not tell him, she continually acted like he was somehow the only villain. She did all of this pontificating about not being in his world but she was in it already, and did it voluntarily, and was sloppy about it. That made me mad.

I got that her flaws were supposed to jerk him out of thinking she was so perfect, and to see her as human, but there were times in the book when I honestly thought she was childish and stupid.

I did want to see it through to the end though. I loved them as a couple, when it was them. And with their son, and with his mom. That captured my heart.
Profile Image for Zhane&#x1f90d;.
41 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2023
Whew Chile Kasauni & Maze😍 Kasauni was a bakery owner and Maze was a famous R&B singer. Their love story was nothing but amazing. they had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved how Maze loved and viewed Kasauni. It was giving unconditional love on both ends especially when she stilled loved him for him despite some of the things he put her through that made her question their relationship. Kasauni having Maze made their relationship stronger.

Cole, Kyra, and Mama Quinn loved and accepted Kasauni and Maze’s relationship. They stayed neutral and didn’t let the bullshit of their mistakes let them treat either of them wrong. Adeya on the other hand pissed em clean off. I wanted to fight homegirl but she eventually got it together.

Favorite Quote

“Men have a habit of wanting a woman to be their perfect little angel with no scars. But at the same time, you want us to be strong enough to carry every burden and keep everything afloat. Well, I’m here to tell you that sometimes we fall short of those expectations. We fall weak and we make mistakes. That doesn’t make us any less beautiful and deserving of every bit of love that was given to us when you thought we were perfect. Just let us be human and love us through our flaws. We certainly don’t have any problems loving you through yours.”
1,063 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2022
Real Love

Kasauni and Maze had a connection unlike any other. What started out as a maybe friends with benefits situationship turned into real love that they couldn’t help but to acknowledge. I enjoyed this book so much. It definitely showed how we can place people on a pedestal and when their mistakes come to light they fall from our grace but we have to remember to show them the same grace that we have been given. I really loved Maze’s relationship with his mother and Cole. They both told him what he needed to hear when he needed it and allowed for him to make decisions on how to proceed on his own. Now his sister Adeya I did not like her at all lol. She was rude and controlling. At times her energy towards Kasauni was like Maze was her man and Kasauni was the side chick that didn’t know her place but it all worked out in the end. I also loved Kasauni’s sister Kyra because she gave Kasauni the advice she needed when she needed and encouraged her when necessary. Overall even with all of the drama this was a very good book and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author.
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,013 reviews
July 23, 2022
dating a celebrity is a lot

Kasauni was a woman who found herself in a situationship with a celebrity and didn’t know how to maneuver through it. She was also his newborn son’s mother. How do you move and what do you do when everyone wants a piece of him? What do you do with the feelings you have for him?
Maze was all in and wanted more with Kasauni. She was his peace. How do you get her to be willing to move forward to more while shielding, and protecting her and your son? How do you still maintain your career and obligations when all he wants to do is be up under her and his son? How do you block out the noise and all the trappings of being famous - paparazzi, gossip bloggers, groupies, drama?
I felt like I started this book in the middle since the book began with them already in the midst of their situationship, and ready to give birth.

I had to take the authors words as to the depth of their feelings about each other and the building of their relationship up until that point. As well as the sister feeling a way, how was she his peace, etc. That was my only issue because I felt like I missed something.
Profile Image for NeneReads.
14 reviews
November 13, 2025
This author definitely has some of the better writing in regard to the technical aspect (editing, grammar, sentence structure, etc). There were a few misplaced question marks, however …..


I checked a couple times to make sure this was the first book (and it was). She kind of just threw us into their story without a real introduction…. How did they meet? Where did they meet? I would’ve loved to see that initial interaction.Their situation was already established and it felt like something was missing. I also didn’t feel the chemistry between them until the end, which made the newfound passion feel a little forced. Adeya was like a gnat during the entire duration of the story. She had no real reason to treat the fmc the way she did. I wish the mmc would’ve done a better job of checking her, because he wasn’t coming hard enough for me. Then they kept brushing it off and accepted her half-hearted apology. The ending also felt rushed and a bit unresolved…. I think the author could improve her overall storytelling technique for sure

All in all, I did finish the book so I would say it’s worth a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
349 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2023
So much Drama

I always love AC Taylor's books. This 1 is no different. I love Maze
and Kasauni's story. I just wish we knew Maze and Kasauni's ages because some of their actions were very immature. I didn't like how Kasauni didn't handle her business. I didn't like how Kasauni listened to her sister Kyra tell her not to be truthful with Maze. I didn't like how she held him to a higher standard even knowing that she wasn't being truthful. I did like Maze, he was pretty much honest with Kasauni, unfortunately he wasn't the smartest at times but he was still pretty much a good guy. I wished their was more explanation with Maze and Adeya's relationship because it didn't seem healthy. I'm glad that Maze and Kasauni figured things out and got together, but hopefully they'll grow up more before getting married. Definitely a good read.
18 reviews
June 8, 2022
Modern Day Romance

I enjoyed the writing and delivery tremendously. The constant ups and downs gave me little hope for this couple until moms provided her sage advice. But, mostly I enjoyed the relevance to the times and the conflict between two people trying to build something in the age of social media as a means for and instant gratification. Through out the story you encounter those who use social media as a means to insert their beliefs and opinions to be relevant to the main characters, but really are out for themselves. BUT the main characters finally get it together. The End
Profile Image for Micaiah.
Author 4 books19 followers
May 23, 2022
Good book

Maze and Kasuana. I enjoyed the story although they both had me side eyeing them briefly at different times during the story. And I understand Adeye was protective of her brother but she was a bit much I thought for sure Kasauna or Cole would have up literally put her in her place. The family dynamics and some of the drama was relatable. I totally understood how Maze felt regarding his mom. I enjoy AC Taylor as an author and this book was enjoyable.
873 reviews7 followers
June 27, 2022
It's been a minute

Since I've read A.C. Taylor. And this was a good re-introduction to her work. Maze and Kasauni were not without flaws. But the chemistry they shared was evident from their first scene together. They had plenty of outside forces preventing their happily ever after. Throw in a few unexpected twists, and I had my doubts. But once they both accepted the role each of them played in their missteps, they were finally able to get it together!
67 reviews
August 27, 2024
I liked this read. Kasauni and Maze had some major hurdles. It was a lot to digest. The secrets alone almost took me out. I did feel sorry for Mr. Mercedes though. It took awhile to figure out who the positive players were. I feel like there were some holes in this book that needed to be filled. Who leaked the baby picture? (Not going for the gym story). How did the thongs get placed in plain site? How did that heifer know that he was at the 2nd condo. See, too many blanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for B.
486 reviews
May 20, 2022
okay

The characters in this book were way to immature for me. They were too old to not be able to communicate. They both cared about things that weren’t important to them as a family unit and did not mesh well together. Also where was the relationship? It was just we have a kid so that makes us together and s-x.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,947 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2022
A great love story

I really enjoyed Kasauni and Maze. They really loved one another and even when the past tried to break them up, they still got their HEA in the end. Adeya was truly a mess but she came around in the end and Mama Quinn dropped her last bit of wisdom before she passed away. It was a really great read!
Profile Image for Crystal.
522 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. I didn’t think it made sense Kyra and Kasauni called her secret booty call Mr Mercedes, but they called Maze by his name even though she wanted to keep her relationship with him and their son private from the bloggers and his fans. This was a well written out love story.
148 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2023
Something Real

I was pleasantly surprised that this book was all good. Emotionally charged and honestly a great read. Life was real with the baker and the musician. Maze was a mess and his sister was a not mess. I hated his momma died and I cried because she was holding Mecca when she died. I would recommend the book to my family and friends.
386 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
Something real

Love me some A.C.Taylor, great story. The entertainment world has every kind of favor in all categories. It's too bad that most of it not good for the soul and everything else. These people live for other's people weaknesses, and there is no goodness in the relationship, just greed and jealousy.
Profile Image for Taylor Jackson.
9 reviews
September 30, 2024
I love Maze and Kasauni!!!

This is the first story in a while that I have thoroughly enjoyed and sped thru! I loved the chemistry between Maze and Kasauni! My only complaint is I wish there were more cutesy moments between them and more scenes with them with their son. Other than that, 10/10 recommended!!
204 reviews
May 18, 2022
great

I loved everything about this book, it was straight to the point, the characters, I loved that it was the woman with the doubts instead of the man, I love the family dynamics, just everything
220 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2022
Kasauni and Maze

This book started off with a bang and I love every minute of it. The mother’s wisdom is something that unexplainable until you in those shoes. I can’t wait to see if this book will be part of a series or a standalone! 🖤
Profile Image for tayara tate.
924 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2022
Great read

Great read and the way it was set up was very realistic to how stuff like this happens in real life. Things turned out just how it was supposed to in the end. I still can see another book out out this family.
420 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2022
Love it

I enjoyed reading this book. It was so good and I loved me some Maze and Kasauni. Even though she was stubborn I'm glad she realized how strong her connection was with Maze. I love Kyra and hope to read about her as well with an update from the couple. Bravo!
238 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2022
sweet and sexy

Absolutely loved this book Maze was that man although I wouldn’t love to see that confrontation with Mr. Mercedes . As far as D go I wasn’t feeling her at first and that sister and Cole loved the back and forth.
14 reviews
June 10, 2022
Amazing

Everytime I pick up an A.C Taylor book, I never want to put it down until the end. This was no different. I gave 5 stars because I couldn't give 10. It shows family drama, forgiveness, unconditional love and loyalty. I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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