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We Could've Been

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From the outside looking in, twenty-six-year-old Phoenix has a perfect life. She has the house, the cars, the clothes, and the perfect husband. To Phoenix, this is the furthest thing from the truth. Behind closed doors, her husband is the definition of a narcissist and his suffocating ways has Phoenix ready to give up. She’s drowning while everyone around her is watching, but refuses to give her a life jacket. Then she meets him.

The minute Theory meets the brown beauty with the sad eyes, he’s intrigued. Although he isn’t looking for a relationship, even he can’t deny the magnetic pull he feels when she’s around. Theory is the breath of fresh air she craves. His carefree demeanor and hood charm has Phoenix second-guessing everything she thought she knew.

When lines are crossed, emotions are involved, things take a deadly turn leaving Phoenix caught in the crossfire of lies and deception.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2022

541 people are currently reading
784 people want to read

About the author

Ladii Nesha

21 books1,021 followers

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5 stars
1,474 (67%)
4 stars
518 (23%)
3 stars
159 (7%)
2 stars
21 (<1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,187 reviews413 followers
March 29, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**SPOILERS**

Poor Phoenix. She is unhappily married to a man she was manipulated into dating when she was only 16 for monetary gain by her sorry azz mama. Six years later, Phoenix is stuck in an abusive marriage she can’t get out of while her in laws turn a blind eye. Not only is Marlon abusive but, he’s bipolar, chauvinistic, and obsessed with his wife. This man did not want Phoenix to have a life outside of him. He constantly harassed her by calling two hundred times a day, he checked her phone, and he went through their garbage because he was petrified she would leave him. And, this is BEFORE the cheating started. She had absolutely no privacy in her own home. Phoenix’s only peace was when she was able to go to work, and Marlon had a problem with that. His expectation of Phoenix was for her to be a housewife 100% of the time and submit to his needs. Her only escape from her nightmare of a marriage is her friendship with Rema. Who knew a simple ride to pick up her BFF’s brother would completely change her life? Theory was that dude. He was hood, gangster, and rude as hell. But, he was also a businessman who was protective and loved his mama and his sister. Theory was a straight up heaux so, he never imagined falling in love with a married woman and becoming the side dude. But, it was just something about Phoenix that pulled at him and he couldn’t walk away from that. The love journey these two embarked on was adventurous to say the least. Rema was a whole damn fool! The way she was whoopin' those chics azz for Theory had me lookin' at her with pride and embarrassment. She loved her brother and she was gon' stick beside him no matter how big of a heaux he was. And, can I just say Tracy stole book! She is the neighborhood mama we all deserve. Tracy and KK had me in rollin’ the entire time! She was 100% her authentic self and didn’t give a damn what anybody thought or had to say. Including Rema and Theory. I absolutely loved We Could've Been. This book was pure entertainment and you will fall in love with all of the characters. You’ll want to go live on IG with Tracy and KK, you’ll want to smoke a lil bud with Shai, you’ll want to be spades partners with Young, and you’ll want to chow down on some of Rema’s fried chicken. All of these characters will leave a lasting impression on you. While the subject matter was heavy (domestic abuse, mental illness, grooming), the author does a great job of balancing out the seriousness of the storyline with a good amount of humor. That ending was a little dicey for a minute but, my girl Phoenix eventually gets her HEA. This is my first book by Ladii Nesha and it most definitely did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from her. Shoutout to my girl Shades N Pages for the recommendation. Best book recommendation ever!
Profile Image for Eboni Jack.
14 reviews12 followers
April 27, 2024
Loved it! Ladii Nesha and We Could've Been more than lived up to the hype. I must say, I enjoyed reading a book about a side dude whose elevator don't go all the way to the to. Theory was trying to force Phoenix to risk it all for him and he had no problem showin' his azz when he didn't get his way. We Could've Been was a fantastic read and a great introduction to this author. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,402 reviews158 followers
March 8, 2023
Finally Free

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Whew there was a LOT going on.

As per usual Ms. Nesha provides humor in the midst of a serious plot. Phoenix was coerced into a marriage with Marlon, an unstable man. He was verbally and physically abusive and crazy controlling. While Marlon may have been the villain, Phoenix's mother Arizona (I didn't like the name 😑) was the absolute worse, beyond hot trash. Her reasoning behind the coercion was pitiful and selfish. Uugh she deserved all the bad karma. Everybody had something to gain at Phoenix's expense.
Phoenix is finally at her breaking point after 8 years of being under Marlon's thumb. This man tracks her location, calls her a million times anytime she leaves, doesn't like her to work or have friends. Anytime she tried to buck the system or just be a normal woman in her twenties he would find a way to beat her. Marlon was seriously nuts and his parents knew it and hoped Phoenix would be able to handle it 😒.
Phoenix manages to keep a job and one friend, Rema. Rema was a fun, carefree fighter and she was good for Phoenix. Through Rema she meets Theory, Rema's older brother and she is intrigued at first sight. She tries to steer clear of him, because she is married after all. Thoery was a ladies man and kept a few ho3s in rotation that he didn't take seriously at all. There seemed to be something about Phoenix though and he too was intrigued. They eventually secretly start talking and the connection is great, they become fast friends but they both want more. With Theory, Phoenix breathes differently, she tastes freedom and finally understands what love is. I enjoyed them together, but I was sad for Theory. He was eventually head over heels for Phoenix and she could not find her way out of her abusive marriage. Their journey together is a beautiful mess. They take some losses, but are finally able to be together.

Loved all the sub characters they add life to the story. Young and Rema's dynamic took me out everytime. Ms. Tracy and KK were hand fulls and they did not care. The author does a great job building connections to the characters.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,111 followers
July 22, 2022
My anxiety is on 1000 right now! This was an emotional read. Let me just say this, Marlon was certified 51/50!!! I mean it didn’t get no crazier than him. I know women like Phoenix so I can’t even pass judgement and say she should’ve left because it’s easier said than done. And when you have no one in your corner fighting for you it’s even harder. Theory was everything and I’m so glad that he never gave up on her! She was everything he needed and more! Tracy and KK kept me in stitches the entire book. They were the bright light throughout the journey of series topics such as domestic abuse and mental illness. Young was a hoot as well. When he showed up to Theory’s house drunk he had no chill! Phoenix’ mom was NO GOOD….. I mean just a lost cause! Marlon’s parents, NO GOOD! I’m not even mad at his daddy though because he told her to get that man in order. Lillian got off east if you ask me. She was the main person that needed to be locked up. The ending…..whew!!! I think I held my breathe the last 30 pages and even though all was not lost I still felt a heaviness because there was still an unnecessary loss. While the book touched on serious subjects the humor throughout made it an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
October 17, 2023
Finally Free..

Let me just say that my husband’s name is Marlon and the Marlon in this story had me hating his name the entire time I read this book 😂
Phoenix was in an abusive marriage and I truly hated that for her. Her mom was trash, her in laws were trashier - she had nobody. Until she met Rema who introduced her to her brother Theory. He just wanted to hit but of course, he fell for Phoenix and the craziness ensued.
Like most victims of abuse, phoenix had a hard time leaving. Abuse messes with you mentally as well so I tried not to judge. Now….the decision she made at the end? Pissed me clean off but I’m glad she got her HEA although she lost something precious in the process.
Though the topic of abuse was heavy, I love how Nesha makes sure we get our laughs. Tracy, KK, Rema, Shai, and Young were all great side characters.
Profile Image for Shades N Pages .
997 reviews26 followers
April 2, 2023
This book had me up all night reading. At this point, the author needs to compensate me for losing sleep. This book is just THAT entertaining. Phoenix is caught up in a miserable marriage due to her mothers poor decision-making and she is paying dearly for it. Trying to keep some kinda of normalcy in her life, she cultivates a friendship with Rema and she ends up falling Coochie first in love with her brother theory. Theory tried his hardest to avoid the likes of Phoenix aka desperate housewives but it was something about her body and her innocence that he couldn’t leave alone so they ended up in an entanglement. If I could rename this book I don’t even think I would be able to pin point it because this book came with everything. It had suspense, thrill, hilarity and drama. It sheds light on how the love of money can lead to someone doing unspeakable things. It shows how family can sometimes choose to sweep things under the rug when it’s obvious that someone needs help. it also reveals that when you feel a deep connection to someone, it’s hard to avoid that. I like how the author managed to take two heavy topics such as mental illness and domestic violence and still made it funny. That takes enormous talent. Phoenix went though some tough times and I’m glad she had theory and his family to show he something different. Her mom is something else and she deserved everything she got. I wouldn’t even talk about Marlon.I loved the storyline and the characters in this story. I would’ve loved a little more development of the relationship between Phoenix and theory. I feel too much focus was placed on other characters, but overall I loved the entertaining rollercoaster ride of this story and the message it sent.

CW: domestic violence & Cheating
Profile Image for Tina.
955 reviews156 followers
July 14, 2022
Good Read

3.75 ⭐⭐⭐💫

This book was a page turner from start to finish. It gave me all the feels 😍😂😭🤔

Please check content warnings before reading.
1,411 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2022
Really???

So we’re really going to pretend that the ending made sense? *Spoiler Alert ** It really wasn’t believable that Phoenix would trust Lillian and go over to Marlon’s house by herself. She called Theory when her mother tricked her and he was outside of Starbucks. So why wouldn’t she tell Theory that she was going to see her crazy husband. Make it make sense! Too often authors stray away from common sense just to try and force a specific direction. What would have been better is for Phoenix to take back control over her life by shooting Marlon at Starbucks. That would have been a good way to end.
Profile Image for Dahyana.
692 reviews86 followers
August 11, 2022
Phoenix x Theory

Aahhhhh!!
This was one of the most frustrating reads I've done in a while. I realize that I can't do those physical, domestic violence books. I try to be open minded and never wanna victim-blame a survivor of DV.
So when I tell you this story was upsetting…. I know it's easy to tell a victim to leave their situation, but I've learned that it is in fact not that simple. But it was hard cause every other page I was like Phoenix please just leave for good, just go, move away…
I contemplated stopping the story on multiple occasions. But I had to know how it ended. Especially because the reviews were so in favor of the book.
The shīt Phoenix went through was unimaginable. Her mother wasn't shît, her in-laws weren't shīt. Literally they would win the award for the absolute worst parents ever. Cause what?!?
Thank goodness for Rema cause everybody needs a friend like Rema. This was a super heavy dark read, but the author did a super job with the comedic relief in the story. The shenanigans from Rema, Shai, Young, Tracy, KK, even Unique's weird psycho crazy self kept the story light-hearted and entertaining in spite of the dark content. Theory was just an angel with locs and brown eyes from the hood made for Phoenix.
I want to give the story a low rating so bad because it was such a hard read for me but I would be lying. It was a really good story, just super frustrating.
So, definitely read this story at your own risk.
Ps. The author did not disclose any trigger warning in the book, so be aware DV, spousal abuse and råpė are discussed and took place in the story.
Few spelling errors here and there.
4.8 ⭐️
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews31 followers
September 5, 2023
Alright

This was goid. Marlon was crazy crazy. The person that took the cake was Arizona. Theory was that dude. He got his Phoenix. Phoenix was just sweet.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,054 reviews290 followers
July 2, 2022
Phoenix Developed Drive

This story was definitely a story that had you on the edge of your chair…Phoenix & Theory developed into the type of love story you rooted for….Phoenix had to endure a lot from her previous relationship, but Theory and his family & friends taught her what real love from family looked like.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,157 reviews71 followers
July 24, 2022
Laugh out loud good

This would have been a 5 star if the ending would have been a little different. I don’t like forced situations. And the situation Phoenix put herself in didn’t make a licka sense. Outside of that, I loved this book. Ms. Tracy had be dying! Theory was truly a real one, he’s the kind of crazy you can’t help but love. And I honestly liked Phoenix to, normal I wouldn’t but there was something about her that was just really likable. I’m very curious about other works by the author since she said this wasn’t her normal kind of book.
Profile Image for  Allegra BourbonStreetBookers .
111 reviews14 followers
June 30, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I liiivves for a reformed heaux and a laugh! Theory fell in love with a girl that had flat moles on her face and changed his life. Phoenix lived up to her name and rose from the fire reborn, fresh and free! Ladii Nesha did what she do and penned a hilarious love story that once I started I couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for KayBee's Bookshelf.
1,821 reviews58 followers
July 26, 2022
review

Theory….

I found this book as a recommendation from a friend and let’s say she once again didn’t fail me.

In this story, we have a young woman manipulated into an abusive marriage for monetary gain and to be used as a glorified babysitter to a mentally unstable man meet. She meets someone that awakens the fight in her and shows her theoretically what her future could be.

The story moved well. The characters were developed Marlon and his family were great villains. Young, KK and Tracey were great comedic relief.

I would love to see a book featuring Young, Rema and Shia.

Good story.
Profile Image for Sharon Alexander.
76 reviews13 followers
January 4, 2024
One thing about Ladii Nesha… she’s going to keep you on your toes. You think one thing is happening and that’s it and it be the complete opposite. What I love is that it’s not all about spice, there be a real live story line.

I don’t use the word hate much but I hated Marlon, his damn mama and shit Arizona, the FMC mother.

Young was hilarious. I loved me some Tracy with her crazy ass.

Theory (Tio) is a character and had me blushing with the things he would say. Him pulling up to dinner, had me no good! I love a good pull up. No words on Phoenix, I just have to remind myself that it’s not that simple and I get it.
Profile Image for Jrobin.
138 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2023
Cheating I Approve Of

Lowkey this could've been a Tyler Perry play. This is the story of Phoenix and Tio. Phoenix is in a abusive marriage force on here by her mother. She feels trapped that is until Tio comes along and changes her world. There is betrayal, drama, and an unplanned pregnancy. If you like a little messiness this the book for you.
P.S. the spice is good!
Profile Image for trina (kenan ross’ wife).
183 reviews265 followers
October 2, 2024
Ladii Nesha can write one hell of a character. She can write a character that I absolutely despise, someone that triggers the hell out of me. Or she can write a character that I fall in love with. I have read a lot of books, and I have never wished unruly things on a fictional character before, until I met Marlon. Are we sure he isn't based on a real person? He literally felt so real, like a real-life monster. I don't think I'll hate a character as much as I do him. His ending was so satisfying. I was just waiting for the day. Theory spared his ass.

I found yet another book boyfriend, THEORY! Phoenix and Theory's story came together so beautifully. His patience, his understanding and masculinity is unmatched. My girl deserved this happiness she was waiting for. It was so hard reading what Phoenix experienced with Marlon. I almost stopped reading a few times, but I'm glad I didn't. I love how she incorporates humors in her story every time. The side characters are just as important as the main ones. One thing I love about the books I've read by her so far, is how she highlights the importance of family.

I bet Marlon thought he ate that little, "Does he know you are dryer than a KFC biscuit?"
No, she just doesn't get lubricated for YOU! Phoenix is better than me, I would have killed that man! Ladii Nesha, you did it again! 5 stars from me.

Profile Image for Tisha.
1,232 reviews
July 2, 2022
Quick, entertaining, hilarious

I read a book review/ tik tok about this yesterday and quickly went in search. This is my first read from the author. I went into it mostly blind, having only the quote from tik tok as a small glimpse into the plot.

While I did enjoy it and wanted so badly for Marlon and the rest of his clan to get what was coming to them. Some of Theory’s behavior while not “abusive” in a power and control way. Was still a little much for someone coming out of what Freckles was escaping. But yet it didn’t take away from the story.

I really wish, there wasn’t so much about Rema and Shai in this story. Because their storyline was interesting as heck. I was invested in that messiness and would have loved to read a full story on them.

Overall I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Arlinda.
98 reviews16 followers
September 27, 2023
one thing about it.. if ladii nesha wrote it? ima read it and cackle through the pages!

another book read in one day.😂

lets get into it.. theory & phoenix come from two different worlds but are perfect for one another. hated to see phoenix go through what she went through with marlons' b**** a**! he definitely deserved the death penalty for making her life a living controlled hell. actually, his whole family did. mario was manipulative. lillian was deceitful and mj.. just straight up trifling.

arizona is a sad ass mama. who sells their only child to marry a diagnosed crazy ass person?! she deserved more than working at walmart.

looooved tracy, kk, rema, young, and shai.

oh & unique got everything she deserved too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisette.
609 reviews41 followers
July 1, 2022
Whirlwind

This book was a whirlwind of emotions for me. I felt bad for Phoenix at the beginning because I never want to see a woman being mistreated, but she definitely made some stupid choices. Her mom was a nightmare (on that stuff) and the only redeeming part about the storyline was Theory, in my opinion.
Profile Image for Shay Babb.
156 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2022
The love of money is the root to all evil!!

I wanted to jump inside these pages and beat up everyone! You hear me!? Everyone! Momma, daddy, the in laws! People are sick! And what’s sad is there are people who are truly moved by money and money alone.
I LOVED Theory & Young! They had me cracking up the whole time!
Profile Image for KC.
106 reviews
June 30, 2023
I don't normally write reviews... BUT, this baby of a book has me doing it! Nesha, I don't know what you were thinking while penning this story but it definitely took me through there. By the end of chapter 1, I was in love with these words! I laughed, cried, and hollered a few times while reading this story. I need the physical copy like yesterday!! Bravo!
124 reviews
July 2, 2022
Yesssss

This book was too good! I laughhheedddd!!! I love every minute of it, and Theory was that dude! I always enjoy your books and I'm never disappointed! 10 stars sis! This was a hit
Profile Image for Jordyn.
142 reviews59 followers
July 3, 2022
Phoenix and theory took us on a emotional roller coaster with their shenanigans, but I'm the end love prevailed. Ladii Nesha took us on a ride, but we also got to see a more serious side to her writing. In this story you will get love, anger and of course it wouldn't be a Ladii nesha book without comedy. Happy to see her growth with stories and can't wait to see what's next with her.
Profile Image for Natay 99.
270 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2022
She doesn't miss!

This author quickly became one of my favorites with her witty, catty, petty hilarious characters. She captures & holds your attention until the very end. I don't know if she tries to be but she is effortlessly funny and if you need to laugh....read her catalog! This book was a little different from her past, but it's incredible and shows her growth. What a great addition to her catalog. She's a 1 click for me & I'm always waiting & wanting more!
Profile Image for Authoress Nadia Nicole.
395 reviews17 followers
July 13, 2022
Excellent read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though Marlon and his mama worked my nerves lol. I was so glad that Phoenix got her happy ending. Overall, I couldn't put this book down !!! You definitely need to read this one!!
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,545 reviews98 followers
July 31, 2022
Whew, this was.......😢 I am still stunned by the level of audacity of people! What in the cult is this Tea Party? I mean, it sounded good in theory, but no one checked to see if they were really doing what they claimed? SMDH..... Miss Phoenix! This poor woman was passed off to this crazy ass man, with a family to match, just so her momma could live comfortably! Ughhh..... I blame Arizona for all of this, and wanted to just beat her soooooo bad for causing this unnecessary pain in her daughter's life! 😡 Phoenix, wanted out of this marriage, but didn't know how to go about it; with no one to help and support her. I loved her relationship with Rema! She needed something to help keep her sane, and her friend was it! Rema was there for her girl, would have taken care of Marlon if Phoenix would allow it. Now, Marlon! He has to be one of the most hated characters I have come across in a minute! You know you got issues, refuse to address them, and treat your wife like ish just because? Marlon was obsessed with Phoenix, manipulative, controlling and violent! He wanted her to have nothing, and be at his beck and call! That was a good wife in his eyes! Man, get that ish out of here! 😠😤 His parents were trash, and entirely to blame for this so-called man they raised! THEORY! This man was everything! Living his life, loving em' and leaving em', until he met Phoenix! She quickly became his freckles, and all that he didn't know he needed! It was sweet to see a man of his caliber, sit somewhat patiently, while Phoenix got herself together; and made her mind up. But, he was definitely going to get his woman, whether Phoenix knew it or not! Tracy and KK were a whole vibe, and cut up through the entire read! 😂 Can always count on Ladii Nesha to give us some good comic relief! Near the end, I thought I was going to lose it, when Marlon did what he did! I was like, I know you didn't bring Phoenix this far, to let that happen!! This read was nothing that I expected, and I certainly was not ready! But, as always I really enjoyed it! Great job! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,480 reviews21 followers
July 26, 2022
WHAT A STORY

I really enjoyed this book. Very well written, great storyline and character development. This book had drama with a side of ghetto and trifling. I hated that Phoenix was basically used as a pawn for financial gain but baby she started to get on my nerves with the back and forth. I give it to her for her slick mouth and she even knew how to throw her hands but she just couldn't get right when it came to Marlon and his treatment of her. Theory coming into her life was a blessing because we got to see another side of Phoenix. The girl who liked to have fun no matter what environment she was in. What I liked about this book is how the author not only focused the scandalous ways of the rich but domestic abuse and mental illness. This book will definitely have you feeling a lot of emotions but it's worth the read. Great job to the author.
Profile Image for Jessica D..
55 reviews
March 23, 2025
Trigger warning for domestic violence…outside of that it was a good read. So many ups and downs but I like how it all worked out. Everyone got what they deserved!
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