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Torn Without You: A Thug Romance
Sometimes, the people you love most turn out to be the people you trust the least. Meet the Westbrooks, a prominent family from Raleigh, North Carolina. They’re known for a successful house of worship. But everything in this family isn’t holy.
It all started with the sweet and beautiful Karmen Westbrooks - the baby of the bunch. To the family she was the perfect princess and could do no wrong. All she wanted to do was follow the rules and make her parents proud. But pressure and influence leads her down a road that she will never forget. What was supposed to be a night of fun turned into a night of regret that will follow her forever?
The same demons that follow Karmen are there to stay. And she isn’t the only one with a story to tell. Follow this emotional rollercoaster of deep family secrets, unintentional betrayal, lies, deceit, and more.
If you loved author Leilani's last hood love series, One Minute I Hate, you're going to love this one Don't miss this unputdownable, African American urban fiction drama of thug love!
It all started with the sweet and beautiful Karmen Westbrooks - the baby of the bunch. To the family she was the perfect princess and could do no wrong. All she wanted to do was follow the rules and make her parents proud. But pressure and influence leads her down a road that she will never forget. What was supposed to be a night of fun turned into a night of regret that will follow her forever?
The same demons that follow Karmen are there to stay. And she isn’t the only one with a story to tell. Follow this emotional rollercoaster of deep family secrets, unintentional betrayal, lies, deceit, and more.
If you loved author Leilani's last hood love series, One Minute I Hate, you're going to love this one Don't miss this unputdownable, African American urban fiction drama of thug love!
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2022
148 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2022
What Happens When Your Controller Doesn't Know How To Let Go!
Leilani, Lord, what a read. Growing up in the Westbrooks family the secrets that has allowed the head of the family to control the family forever has now shifted and the children's life has come into question and they want to live their own life.
Shemar, thought his way was right but he is finding he has to let go and let his kids learn to handle their own issues. Parents sometimes think they can make the best choices for their children when in actually sometimes, it hurts more.
Karmen, has a issue and now her issue has opened up another door. Arielle, has so many issues inside of her that the door she unconsciously, opened and put her sister in the situation she's in may change their relationship for life.
Aiden has a secret that he has been so afraid to tell that he almost lost the better part of his life, for fear of his father.
Lord, I love Mello,I don't know how Mello and Karmen will get it together, but I'm hoping they will. Tristan is entering a world that may come back to bite him. Life in this family is about to change. Marisol has a secret I think I know what it is.
I can't wait for this next part, cause I really don't know how I'm feeling right now. Tracey, is the girl!! Great Read!!!🤗🤗🤗
Leilani, Lord, what a read. Growing up in the Westbrooks family the secrets that has allowed the head of the family to control the family forever has now shifted and the children's life has come into question and they want to live their own life.
Shemar, thought his way was right but he is finding he has to let go and let his kids learn to handle their own issues. Parents sometimes think they can make the best choices for their children when in actually sometimes, it hurts more.
Karmen, has a issue and now her issue has opened up another door. Arielle, has so many issues inside of her that the door she unconsciously, opened and put her sister in the situation she's in may change their relationship for life.
Aiden has a secret that he has been so afraid to tell that he almost lost the better part of his life, for fear of his father.
Lord, I love Mello,I don't know how Mello and Karmen will get it together, but I'm hoping they will. Tristan is entering a world that may come back to bite him. Life in this family is about to change. Marisol has a secret I think I know what it is.
I can't wait for this next part, cause I really don't know how I'm feeling right now. Tracey, is the girl!! Great Read!!!🤗🤗🤗
August 3, 2022
Pretty good book
I wanna start with the daddy! Now he know he was way too strict with his over grown children. He little acted like he was obsessed with them ir like he was tryna live his life through them. What kind of parent MAKES their child live at home eventho they are grown? And lets not speak about how weak and pathetic the moma was. I was glad to know that one of their children was rebellious but the other 2 kind of worked my berves. Especially Karmen, she was so scary to open her mouth and speak up. But instead she went along with whatever her daddy said. That is no way to live. Now Adian, i wish he was a little rugged but he was just what they called him, a P! Im kind of disappointed because i was rooting for Karmen and Tristan to be together or at least meet again outside of the party. Im still holding out hope that they end up together because from the little encounter they had, it seemed like they were made for each other
I wanna start with the daddy! Now he know he was way too strict with his over grown children. He little acted like he was obsessed with them ir like he was tryna live his life through them. What kind of parent MAKES their child live at home eventho they are grown? And lets not speak about how weak and pathetic the moma was. I was glad to know that one of their children was rebellious but the other 2 kind of worked my berves. Especially Karmen, she was so scary to open her mouth and speak up. But instead she went along with whatever her daddy said. That is no way to live. Now Adian, i wish he was a little rugged but he was just what they called him, a P! Im kind of disappointed because i was rooting for Karmen and Tristan to be together or at least meet again outside of the party. Im still holding out hope that they end up together because from the little encounter they had, it seemed like they were made for each other
July 27, 2022
Another dope 5 🌟 read!
This book was good from start to finish. This book does a wonderful job of describing several over controlling parenting styles, and the influence they have on those growing up under each style. "Strict Parents Make Sneaky Kids." Arielle was the bad child that rebel against her parents and dragged her siblings in her mess. The had so much going on, it was sad. How her sister in a relationship with her sister baby daddy? Lord Aiden got so much going on. I couldn’t even put the down if your looking for a book that keeps you entertained I suggest this book the author definitely knew how to tell a story that keeps you interested and wanting more. I CANT WAIT FOR PART 2!
This book was good from start to finish. This book does a wonderful job of describing several over controlling parenting styles, and the influence they have on those growing up under each style. "Strict Parents Make Sneaky Kids." Arielle was the bad child that rebel against her parents and dragged her siblings in her mess. The had so much going on, it was sad. How her sister in a relationship with her sister baby daddy? Lord Aiden got so much going on. I couldn’t even put the down if your looking for a book that keeps you entertained I suggest this book the author definitely knew how to tell a story that keeps you interested and wanting more. I CANT WAIT FOR PART 2!
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July 29, 2022Wow
I like how Tracey put mr. and Mrs. Westbrooks in there place because they both got on my last nerves especially shemar.he was to controlling and when he put his hands on Aiden and karmen I want to reach into this book and put my hands on him.aiden was wrong for keeping his kids and Tracey a secret and cheating on tracey.Ariell needs to grow up. Now that Tristan knows karmen is Arielle sister and the woman of his dreams will he leave Arielle for her sister. Karmello and karmen would make a cute couple. Mrs.westbrooks needs a backbone and was up with marisol. I can't wait to read part 2.
I like how Tracey put mr. and Mrs. Westbrooks in there place because they both got on my last nerves especially shemar.he was to controlling and when he put his hands on Aiden and karmen I want to reach into this book and put my hands on him.aiden was wrong for keeping his kids and Tracey a secret and cheating on tracey.Ariell needs to grow up. Now that Tristan knows karmen is Arielle sister and the woman of his dreams will he leave Arielle for her sister. Karmello and karmen would make a cute couple. Mrs.westbrooks needs a backbone and was up with marisol. I can't wait to read part 2.
December 5, 2022
Loved, loved, loved this story! Boy oh boy, secrets secrets! What’s done in the dark will truly come to light! The father was a serious control freak and the mother was henpecked! I can’t wait until Karmen realize who she is pregnant by! I know something is going on with the housekeeper too! I’m glad that Tracey is no pushover! I want to know how Arielle is going to feel knowing Tristan is a daddy! I knew it was something up with Harlem! Karmen should tell her parents what is going on with Harlem and not marry him! I guess the cat is out of the bag regarding the children Adien has! Can’t wait to read part two!
July 27, 2022
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
When I tell you this family is full of all kinds of 💩 and I loved every minute of it. Not only is Pastor Shamar strict as hell but he's also abusive. How could he beat his practically grown kids like that, especially Karmen. Poor thang is in a messed up predicament. Arielle can't really be mad tho. I think I'm gonna love Mr. Steal Yo Girl😂😂😂. Aiden azz better get right to cause he's also in a whole lot of mess. For some reason I think there's more to Marisol tho and I can't wait for part two to find out.💛💛
When I tell you this family is full of all kinds of 💩 and I loved every minute of it. Not only is Pastor Shamar strict as hell but he's also abusive. How could he beat his practically grown kids like that, especially Karmen. Poor thang is in a messed up predicament. Arielle can't really be mad tho. I think I'm gonna love Mr. Steal Yo Girl😂😂😂. Aiden azz better get right to cause he's also in a whole lot of mess. For some reason I think there's more to Marisol tho and I can't wait for part two to find out.💛💛
July 28, 2022
Girl Raleigh is 30 minutes from my house Leilani has me ready to drive down the road to get my husband to jump on him.Lord when Tristen realizes Karmen is the girl in his dream and the lady his mom dreamt fish about...humph did Ariel even think about q house maybe i should bring Karmen here to see if we could find her baby daddy naw she in church worried about if he likes her sister or not. Please ler Tristen save her before she has to marry ole boy but if Mello dont take them both out to get to Karmen... and why do i think Marisol is Karmen momma. Part 2 me now..😘
July 27, 2022
Wow
Aiden had a lot of secrets hiding a lot from his family.. I don’t think Arielle was trying to get her sister caught up into anything just letting her have fun. I wasnt expecting Karmen to get pregnant and than her sister to start dating the guy she pregnant by I can’t wait to see how she going to react. There father is very strict I don’t agree with him putting his hands on them there grown I can’t wait til part 2… GREAT READ
Aiden had a lot of secrets hiding a lot from his family.. I don’t think Arielle was trying to get her sister caught up into anything just letting her have fun. I wasnt expecting Karmen to get pregnant and than her sister to start dating the guy she pregnant by I can’t wait to see how she going to react. There father is very strict I don’t agree with him putting his hands on them there grown I can’t wait til part 2… GREAT READ
July 29, 2022
Great read
Whew that Pastor is a trip he doing the most. I can't wait to see how this plays out. I wonder what the Pastor has in store for his grandkids he is acting weird. I feel so sad for Karmen she was the perfect child an look what they are taking her through. I m glad Aiden made it Mello really looked out. Arielle is a piece of work but at least she live her life. I wonder how she will take that Tristan is Karmen mystery man.
Felicia
Whew that Pastor is a trip he doing the most. I can't wait to see how this plays out. I wonder what the Pastor has in store for his grandkids he is acting weird. I feel so sad for Karmen she was the perfect child an look what they are taking her through. I m glad Aiden made it Mello really looked out. Arielle is a piece of work but at least she live her life. I wonder how she will take that Tristan is Karmen mystery man.
Felicia
July 29, 2022
must read
Omg I wasn’t ready for this book at all. I’m not sure what to think at this point. But now after that cliffhanger I’m not sure who Karmen would want to be with now that she remembered her sister boyfriend is her baby daddy. I think he is more her speed then Mello. But idk at this point what to think. Maybe her and Arielle should switch because Mello seem more her speed. We need part two asap
Omg I wasn’t ready for this book at all. I’m not sure what to think at this point. But now after that cliffhanger I’m not sure who Karmen would want to be with now that she remembered her sister boyfriend is her baby daddy. I think he is more her speed then Mello. But idk at this point what to think. Maybe her and Arielle should switch because Mello seem more her speed. We need part two asap
August 1, 2022
Torn Without You: A Thug Romance
So first off Harlem is not for baby sis, he can't even vibe with her naturally. Tristan and baby sis....hmmm I'm not gone even give nothing away I just need to know and see how this all gone work out because it's a lot chile. I absolutely loved all of it from beginning to end. Them parents gotta do better though because Marisol is more of a parent to them kids than their own parents
So first off Harlem is not for baby sis, he can't even vibe with her naturally. Tristan and baby sis....hmmm I'm not gone even give nothing away I just need to know and see how this all gone work out because it's a lot chile. I absolutely loved all of it from beginning to end. Them parents gotta do better though because Marisol is more of a parent to them kids than their own parents
August 2, 2022
Great read! Strict parent will have their children in the streets . Semar had me wanting to throw my kindle how you man handle your daughter like she was a street dude . Then turn around and forgive Aidan for his trifling ways . No matter how perfect on the outside things. May seem the Westbrook's are fully dysfunctional.
Great read I thought enjoyed this story. Reminds me of my uncle his wife and their kids .
Great read I thought enjoyed this story. Reminds me of my uncle his wife and their kids .
August 4, 2022
Latavia Thoughts
Whew Chile this church family comes with secrets and drama the Parents is ridiculous especially the father and the mother she won't speak up, Twins : the son got shot his family just found out about his family that he had tucked away he twin sister is in s relationship with her younger sister child father but neither knows yet and the youngest just put together and passed out this series is deep!!
Whew Chile this church family comes with secrets and drama the Parents is ridiculous especially the father and the mother she won't speak up, Twins : the son got shot his family just found out about his family that he had tucked away he twin sister is in s relationship with her younger sister child father but neither knows yet and the youngest just put together and passed out this series is deep!!
January 13, 2023
Speechless
When I say there’s so many unpredictable episodes in this book I couldn’t stop listening. Pastor Westbrook and family has many secrets and let’s just say his little angels aren’t angels and neither is he. I feel sorry for Carmen and how the heck Tristin doesn’t know. Great book, first time reading from this author when I read Under the Influence I’m definitely intrigued
When I say there’s so many unpredictable episodes in this book I couldn’t stop listening. Pastor Westbrook and family has many secrets and let’s just say his little angels aren’t angels and neither is he. I feel sorry for Carmen and how the heck Tristin doesn’t know. Great book, first time reading from this author when I read Under the Influence I’m definitely intrigued
September 13, 2024
Whet!
Oh this is some certified BS. I hate the over religious overbearing parents with the naive sheltered borderline abused kids trope anyway. But this is ridiculous, so Karmen is ten weeks pregnant her father the pastor tells her to find a boy at church and pin the baby on him??? Then she figures out the guy she's pregnant by is her sisters now boyfriend...the brother got two secret kids and one on the way by a reformed escort, but he's a punk...Lawd just stop
Oh this is some certified BS. I hate the over religious overbearing parents with the naive sheltered borderline abused kids trope anyway. But this is ridiculous, so Karmen is ten weeks pregnant her father the pastor tells her to find a boy at church and pin the baby on him??? Then she figures out the guy she's pregnant by is her sisters now boyfriend...the brother got two secret kids and one on the way by a reformed escort, but he's a punk...Lawd just stop
July 27, 2022
Fire 🔥🔥
Wow that's just sad how they're father was treating them and what makes it even worse was the mother is going along with it to like who comes up with those types of rules I felt bad for his children even though they made some mistakes but he didn't have to treat them the way he did but I'm glad they started to stand up for themselves against his controlling ways
Wow that's just sad how they're father was treating them and what makes it even worse was the mother is going along with it to like who comes up with those types of rules I felt bad for his children even though they made some mistakes but he didn't have to treat them the way he did but I'm glad they started to stand up for themselves against his controlling ways
July 27, 2022
wow
The Biblical quotes are on point!! The father is one wicked Pastor!! He surely doesn’t have nothing on Satan. One wild and crazy book. Definitely real life drama being a PK child!! Those poor children really is mentally messed up!! Definitely can’t wait for part 2!! Gotta see the outcome and I pray that the wolf in sheep clothing be EXPOSED!!
The Biblical quotes are on point!! The father is one wicked Pastor!! He surely doesn’t have nothing on Satan. One wild and crazy book. Definitely real life drama being a PK child!! Those poor children really is mentally messed up!! Definitely can’t wait for part 2!! Gotta see the outcome and I pray that the wolf in sheep clothing be EXPOSED!!
September 9, 2022
A Mess
This story is full of mess. From a controlling daddy, to a dysfunctional family. I am loving these characters and all of their drama. Karmen has a pregnancy and didn't know who the daddy is. Aiden has two kids and a third on the way. Arielle is dating Karmen"s baby daddy. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. These Westbrook kids are all a mess.
This story is full of mess. From a controlling daddy, to a dysfunctional family. I am loving these characters and all of their drama. Karmen has a pregnancy and didn't know who the daddy is. Aiden has two kids and a third on the way. Arielle is dating Karmen"s baby daddy. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. These Westbrook kids are all a mess.
July 29, 2022
torn without you
First let me get this out the way Shamer is the worse kind of father and even a horrible pastor. PooR Karmen. She is a tough situation but I think Mello is going to be her saving grace. I can’t wait for part two.
First let me get this out the way Shamer is the worse kind of father and even a horrible pastor. PooR Karmen. She is a tough situation but I think Mello is going to be her saving grace. I can’t wait for part two.
October 4, 2022
great
Ammmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg! ! ! ! But where the hell is part 2 shit 3 and four I loved every minute of this
Ammmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg! ! ! ! But where the hell is part 2 shit 3 and four I loved every minute of this
June 14, 2025
Torn
Omg! If this isn’t a good book!! Okay Leilani I’m going to start reading your books! Girl, this book is good!!! Ladies you have to get this book! The Westbrook’s, Tristan, Mello, and Harlem omg!!! Please read this story!!! On to Pt 2!!!!!
Omg! If this isn’t a good book!! Okay Leilani I’m going to start reading your books! Girl, this book is good!!! Ladies you have to get this book! The Westbrook’s, Tristan, Mello, and Harlem omg!!! Please read this story!!! On to Pt 2!!!!!
August 11, 2022
I enjoyed this!! The suspense, the build up, everything was yesss!
November 9, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ a must read.
I had to keep putting this book down. Because it was just so much going on. That Paster is up to something and I need to know asap! I'm ready for part 2
I had to keep putting this book down. Because it was just so much going on. That Paster is up to something and I need to know asap! I'm ready for part 2
November 24, 2022
good read
This is a good book but the chapters are long! That cliffhanger definitely got a tight grip on me. I can’t wait to read the second part
This is a good book but the chapters are long! That cliffhanger definitely got a tight grip on me. I can’t wait to read the second part
October 9, 2024
Interesting
This is a very interesting story. Pastor is mad crazy and so wrong. I am routing for Karmen and Kermello. She needs a good thug who will love on her.
This is a very interesting story. Pastor is mad crazy and so wrong. I am routing for Karmen and Kermello. She needs a good thug who will love on her.
August 22, 2025
Please read this series. It’s only 2 books but very good.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews