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Only We Know
“We don't need the world's acceptance, they're too hard on me, they're too hard on you.” –Beyoncé
As the former head of security for the Carbine family, Iman “Blitz” Gunner has had his run of the streets. However, the quiet but deadly marksman has decided to take his life in a different direction. Secretly, he’s been going to school to obtain his degree in social work and graduation is near. Equally as gratifying, he has the love of his life at his side. At least that’s what he wants to believe. Her insistence on keeping their relationship on the hush has grown tiresome, and Iman is done with hiding… no matter the cost or backlash.
Avery Black was once considered a hood princess. Now, as a professional harpist, she’s gaining notoriety for her skill. Some would consider it her great comeback after a stint of recklessness and being sent away. Being back in Silk Hills, repping her new life, conjures old memories and unresolved fears. It’s enough to make her question if she’s worthy of happiness, especially at the hands of love.
For years, Avery and Iman have stood together in secret. At the tip of their turning point, do they have what it takes to keep standing? Or will the forces of doubt cause a falter too painful to mend?
As the former head of security for the Carbine family, Iman “Blitz” Gunner has had his run of the streets. However, the quiet but deadly marksman has decided to take his life in a different direction. Secretly, he’s been going to school to obtain his degree in social work and graduation is near. Equally as gratifying, he has the love of his life at his side. At least that’s what he wants to believe. Her insistence on keeping their relationship on the hush has grown tiresome, and Iman is done with hiding… no matter the cost or backlash.
Avery Black was once considered a hood princess. Now, as a professional harpist, she’s gaining notoriety for her skill. Some would consider it her great comeback after a stint of recklessness and being sent away. Being back in Silk Hills, repping her new life, conjures old memories and unresolved fears. It’s enough to make her question if she’s worthy of happiness, especially at the hands of love.
For years, Avery and Iman have stood together in secret. At the tip of their turning point, do they have what it takes to keep standing? Or will the forces of doubt cause a falter too painful to mend?
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2022
79 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 28, 2023
This was a good story. I love catching up on the other couples. Now for Jude’s story. I know it’s going to be crazy. I also want to see what happened next with Avery and Iman.
January 12, 2025
Iman (Blitz) and Avery are lovers in secret, but Iman is fed up with hiding, so he backs away. Now Avery is home, to share her talents at Duke's wedding and she wants to see her man again. But can she finally give HIM what HE wants?
Okay, so this was an age gap romance I was pretty pleased with. I love the push and pull of these two. How Blitz couldn't help but give in, how neither of them could bear to have the door close on the other. The angst and the pining were both very nice. Avery's past and her hesitance in letting Blitz love her fully was understandable and real. But I did think she dragged it on a little long instead of confronting it as best she could. But Blitz was there to catch her when she stumbled which was all she really needed. I was happy when they moved forward. It was a good book.
Okay, so this was an age gap romance I was pretty pleased with. I love the push and pull of these two. How Blitz couldn't help but give in, how neither of them could bear to have the door close on the other. The angst and the pining were both very nice. Avery's past and her hesitance in letting Blitz love her fully was understandable and real. But I did think she dragged it on a little long instead of confronting it as best she could. But Blitz was there to catch her when she stumbled which was all she really needed. I was happy when they moved forward. It was a good book.
September 4, 2022
What's understood doesn't need to be explained....
Ms. Monique, to say I am fully invested in these Carbine men is an understatement. I was anticipating Blitz's story. I did not know who his love interest was going to be however I knew it was going to be explosive. Blitz and Avery's love shook a few tail feathers. Her father was the main one. He was an interesting soul because he couldn't see how much his daughter loved him. Yeah, I know all fathers want the best for their kids, especially daughters, however, Avery fell for a man just like him literally. Her father was the road map and role model that she admired. Blitz was her father in a younger version. Blitz was the perfect partner for Avery. His past and former career made him an automatic protector and provider. He is going to "always ride" for Avery and make sure no one harms her in any way. Blitz and Avery were made for each other. Each was the missing puzzle piece to the other. Avery was the musical mogul meanwhile Blitz was becoming an educated thug. I have to say anyone that can play the harp to hip-hop and rap is "doing the darn thing."
This is a well-written, magnificent with a pinch of drama book just not as long as the other Carbine men's story. With that being said, with Blitz and Avery what was understood did not need to be explained. In other words, they had a long history where they had been in love for years. It was the rest of the family and friends that had to catch up. If you have not gotten into this Carbine men, what are you waiting on? They are worth every word that is written. You will become attached quickly. You have to start with Preach and Finley's story in "Feel Me in the Dark." Ms. Monique, I know Jude is next, I just don't know if I am ready. He is most definitely a hot head but it is going to be great to read him fall head over heels in love. Now if he paired with Ali, I can only imagine how that story will pan out.
Ms. Monique, to say I am fully invested in these Carbine men is an understatement. I was anticipating Blitz's story. I did not know who his love interest was going to be however I knew it was going to be explosive. Blitz and Avery's love shook a few tail feathers. Her father was the main one. He was an interesting soul because he couldn't see how much his daughter loved him. Yeah, I know all fathers want the best for their kids, especially daughters, however, Avery fell for a man just like him literally. Her father was the road map and role model that she admired. Blitz was her father in a younger version. Blitz was the perfect partner for Avery. His past and former career made him an automatic protector and provider. He is going to "always ride" for Avery and make sure no one harms her in any way. Blitz and Avery were made for each other. Each was the missing puzzle piece to the other. Avery was the musical mogul meanwhile Blitz was becoming an educated thug. I have to say anyone that can play the harp to hip-hop and rap is "doing the darn thing."
This is a well-written, magnificent with a pinch of drama book just not as long as the other Carbine men's story. With that being said, with Blitz and Avery what was understood did not need to be explained. In other words, they had a long history where they had been in love for years. It was the rest of the family and friends that had to catch up. If you have not gotten into this Carbine men, what are you waiting on? They are worth every word that is written. You will become attached quickly. You have to start with Preach and Finley's story in "Feel Me in the Dark." Ms. Monique, I know Jude is next, I just don't know if I am ready. He is most definitely a hot head but it is going to be great to read him fall head over heels in love. Now if he paired with Ali, I can only imagine how that story will pan out.
September 24, 2022
Secret Love
A sweet love story. It covered a few tropes.. secret love and age gap. Avery and Iman had been secretly official for years, but had been navigating long distance, mental health, and maturity. Avery had been through some painful situations from bad choices and reactions to those bad choices. Being unwilling to confront those issues hindered the progress both she and Iman could've been making. Iman was deeply in love with Avery and he wanted to be able to let the world know. Understanding her situation and that she was young he had given her grace. Now at 40, he was ready to move forward in life with her. Avery was 28 with a thriving career that allowed her to perform across the world. It seemed as if she used that as an excuse to avoid letting her secret relationship be known to others.... She struggled with her relationship with her father and it left her questioning the relationship she knew was solid. As life happens she realizes she is going to have to grow up and let her man that she was deeply in love with him out loud or run the risk of losing him.
I could tell Iman was a boss and I wanted him to boss up on her just a little more, but her actions hurt him and he retreated instead. I was happy once Avery got out of their way and allowed them to be....
A sweet love story. It covered a few tropes.. secret love and age gap. Avery and Iman had been secretly official for years, but had been navigating long distance, mental health, and maturity. Avery had been through some painful situations from bad choices and reactions to those bad choices. Being unwilling to confront those issues hindered the progress both she and Iman could've been making. Iman was deeply in love with Avery and he wanted to be able to let the world know. Understanding her situation and that she was young he had given her grace. Now at 40, he was ready to move forward in life with her. Avery was 28 with a thriving career that allowed her to perform across the world. It seemed as if she used that as an excuse to avoid letting her secret relationship be known to others.... She struggled with her relationship with her father and it left her questioning the relationship she knew was solid. As life happens she realizes she is going to have to grow up and let her man that she was deeply in love with him out loud or run the risk of losing him.
I could tell Iman was a boss and I wanted him to boss up on her just a little more, but her actions hurt him and he retreated instead. I was happy once Avery got out of their way and allowed them to be....
August 28, 2022
Alright now, Tucora girl! Loved this one, although you had me deep in my feelings! 😢 Miss Avery was a free spirit, a rebel, living her life the way she saw fit. The only caveat was where her daddy was concerned! She has deep rooted animosity toward her dad, but still doesn't want to disappoint him, or be on his bad side, again! As much as I disliked Mr. Black, I am so curious as to why he has behaved like this, and pushed his daughter away? Why allow your wife to mistreat your child, in any way? 😠 While allowing her father to dictate aspects of her life, her heart, Iman, was left in the cold! Iman, what a sweetie! He would do anything for Avery, including hiding in the shadows and loving her from afar to keep the peace! But, that was beyond old, and something had to give! Avery felt that she couldn't live her life loud and proud, due to the past and the relationship with her father! Iman wants his woman, to show off and love on publicly, and not only in private! It was heartbreaking the position that these two were in! Glad that Avery gained the courage needed to stand up to Mr. Black, and be the boss that she is! She and Avery deserve to live their lives without interference from anyone! However, I have a feeling this isn't over! Mr. Black is too much of a control freak to allow Avery to "disobey" him in this manner! Loved catching up with the Carbine's, and can't wait for Jude's story! 👍👍👍
October 22, 2022
Blitz
I love a man that knows what he wants.
I didn't like Avery's stepmom or her father. I'm glad things worked out for them. I'm looking forward to Jude's story.
I love a man that knows what he wants.
I didn't like Avery's stepmom or her father. I'm glad things worked out for them. I'm looking forward to Jude's story.
August 27, 2022
It has been a long time since I read and reviewed a book in one day...but Blitz & Avery's story was just that good! They had been hiding and trying to love each other but were forced into the shadows because of other people's expectations. The additional bonus was seeing the Carbine family continuing to grow as individuals but also supporting each other as a family. Normally, I would want to know what happened with Avery's dad and stepmom, but I'm good not knowing because as the story pointed out we can't live for other people, and sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you try to right your wrongs some miserable, controlling people are just who they are and will never change. Family isn't always just about genetics, sometimes we meet wonderful people who love and support us better than the people with whom we share DNA.
So glad Jude's story is up next!
So glad Jude's story is up next!
October 27, 2022
3.5/5⭐️3/5🌶
- This one didn't hit the spot for me yall. I love this friend group though.
- This book was about Iman and Avery. Now Avery is a harp player and she really the goat with that shit! She's very protective of the people she loves especially Iman. I didn't really like her character but ill get into that. Then its Iman or Blitz and when I read 6'6 baby I knew I was gonna love him. At one point he worked for Averys dad. He is very confident in himself and not in no arrogant way which is so attractive. I told yall I was gonna love him!
- Now I'm ngl Avery definitely redeemed herself but for 89% of the book, I was annoyed with her. She wanted to have her cake and eat it to and it was giving childish. Iman really was eating her up though and I was living for that. It wasn't bad but it took me too long to get into it which resulted in the low rating.
- Duke Ellington > Ave&Blitz
- This one didn't hit the spot for me yall. I love this friend group though.
- This book was about Iman and Avery. Now Avery is a harp player and she really the goat with that shit! She's very protective of the people she loves especially Iman. I didn't really like her character but ill get into that. Then its Iman or Blitz and when I read 6'6 baby I knew I was gonna love him. At one point he worked for Averys dad. He is very confident in himself and not in no arrogant way which is so attractive. I told yall I was gonna love him!
- Now I'm ngl Avery definitely redeemed herself but for 89% of the book, I was annoyed with her. She wanted to have her cake and eat it to and it was giving childish. Iman really was eating her up though and I was living for that. It wasn't bad but it took me too long to get into it which resulted in the low rating.
- Duke Ellington > Ave&Blitz
September 7, 2022
Another great story!
I love Imani, that’s a true man and I loved how he protected and love Avery. At first I was like girl why you about to let this man go because of your issues. I loved how she stepped up to her father and stepmother it was definitely needed. Ansel was something else and his wife is not no better, how you like a woman treat yours kids like that and don’t stand up for them. I feel like he will be a problem for some reason.
This is definitely a fast paced book but was well written I can not wait just like the rest for Jude’s story because that boy don’t care what comes out his mouth!
I love Imani, that’s a true man and I loved how he protected and love Avery. At first I was like girl why you about to let this man go because of your issues. I loved how she stepped up to her father and stepmother it was definitely needed. Ansel was something else and his wife is not no better, how you like a woman treat yours kids like that and don’t stand up for them. I feel like he will be a problem for some reason.
This is definitely a fast paced book but was well written I can not wait just like the rest for Jude’s story because that boy don’t care what comes out his mouth!
August 28, 2022
I just loved Avery and Iman's story. Even though Avery has issues from her past that caused her to be afraid to love Iman in the present, I loved the way Iman had her back. I wanted to shout for joy when Avery decided to stand up to the people in her life that were holding her back. This is a great book that you need to definitely read. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
December 27, 2022
3 Books in and the series is getting better!
Iman and Avery’s story was so raw and passionate! The quiet giant was really a lover boy! I love to see a male character aware of his worth and his vulnerability matched it! Whew… the family dynamic was a huge factor and deserves a minor trigger warning but these Carbine Men are worth the read!
Iman and Avery’s story was so raw and passionate! The quiet giant was really a lover boy! I love to see a male character aware of his worth and his vulnerability matched it! Whew… the family dynamic was a huge factor and deserves a minor trigger warning but these Carbine Men are worth the read!
April 12, 2023
Tucora Monique takes you down a road less traveled and makes you wonder ‘what would you do’ as this couples’ loves intertwine in more ways than one from the present to the last thru a family history riddled with drama. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute! I yelled at the characters like it was a movie😂
July 25, 2024
I thought….
I thought I was going to have a problem with Avery. I’m glad she got it together and got with the man that’s been about her. I liked how she got rowdy behind Iman. Blitz, Iman, was so chill in his love for her. Also loved the black harpist spin, put black girls in uncommon paths.
I thought I was going to have a problem with Avery. I’m glad she got it together and got with the man that’s been about her. I liked how she got rowdy behind Iman. Blitz, Iman, was so chill in his love for her. Also loved the black harpist spin, put black girls in uncommon paths.
September 10, 2022
😍
Who knew being in love privately would be this exciting…I was worried that the story would end in a way I wasn’t going to be happy about BUT…fortunately I’m VERY satisfied with the ending
Who knew being in love privately would be this exciting…I was worried that the story would end in a way I wasn’t going to be happy about BUT…fortunately I’m VERY satisfied with the ending
September 11, 2022
Love Wins, through adversity, differences, and age. I enjoyed this read. Even with the minimal conflict it didn’t feel like too much. It was just Enough to show growth with the couple in this short read.. it features characters from previous works as well.
September 19, 2022
Love overcomes.
Iman and Avery's love was long and strong. They had to over come hardships to keep loving each other. I enjoyed their story. I'm ready to read their friends journeys to love.
Iman and Avery's love was long and strong. They had to over come hardships to keep loving each other. I enjoyed their story. I'm ready to read their friends journeys to love.
September 24, 2022
Amazing ❤
Yessss I couldn't put it down awwwww love this couple ❤simply amazing wonderful awwww I was in awe of the joyful journey yesssss from beginning to end very romantic beautiful
Yessss I couldn't put it down awwwww love this couple ❤simply amazing wonderful awwww I was in awe of the joyful journey yesssss from beginning to end very romantic beautiful
September 29, 2022
Loved It
I loved Avery and Iman's love story. Avery's stepmother was a piece of work. Was nice catching up with Preach, Duke, Finley, Elliott, and even Jude. So looking Forward to Jude's story.
I loved Avery and Iman's love story. Avery's stepmother was a piece of work. Was nice catching up with Preach, Duke, Finley, Elliott, and even Jude. So looking Forward to Jude's story.
November 29, 2022
only we know
This was such a cute story. Iman definitely delivered grown man energy. Poor Avery made me want to hug her something fierce. I really hate how the dad still never saw the error of his ways. However, darkness didn’t remain over the lovely couple & that’s what counts.
This was such a cute story. Iman definitely delivered grown man energy. Poor Avery made me want to hug her something fierce. I really hate how the dad still never saw the error of his ways. However, darkness didn’t remain over the lovely couple & that’s what counts.
January 20, 2023
Lovely Read!
Lovely read from start to finish. Whew! This one had my hormones buzzing.
The love between the two main characters is so down to earth yet raw. I enjoyed the tension in this story and the dialogue is so real. I’d recommend!
Lovely read from start to finish. Whew! This one had my hormones buzzing.
The love between the two main characters is so down to earth yet raw. I enjoyed the tension in this story and the dialogue is so real. I’d recommend!
January 29, 2023
Shadows
Secret Lovers brings excitement and exclusivity. True love doesn’t bloom in darkness despite the admiration for respect of parents the heart wants what it desires and controls who comes in.
Secret Lovers brings excitement and exclusivity. True love doesn’t bloom in darkness despite the admiration for respect of parents the heart wants what it desires and controls who comes in.
September 20, 2022
🔥🔥🔥
This was beyond good I’m soo happy for iman and Avery they both deserve to be loved out loud damn the consequences
This was beyond good I’m soo happy for iman and Avery they both deserve to be loved out loud damn the consequences
September 12, 2022
Great read! I live for a good May-December romance and this one was on point. I never really gave Blitz much thought in the previous books but after reading his book I am completely in love with this older man! Avery was a good match for him although I did feel her age and immature ways of thinking held them back.
Tucora Monique is such an outstanding author I hate that I got into her catalogue so late. This being the case I was unfamiliar with certain characters in this book. That being said this book was written in a way I wasn’t lost at all, and everything flowed well as I got to meet new characters and found new characters that interested me.
I hope we are able to get more from this group of characters in future. I hate that my bae Duke is now off the market, so now I need a new love interest😝
Tucora Monique is such an outstanding author I hate that I got into her catalogue so late. This being the case I was unfamiliar with certain characters in this book. That being said this book was written in a way I wasn’t lost at all, and everything flowed well as I got to meet new characters and found new characters that interested me.
I hope we are able to get more from this group of characters in future. I hate that my bae Duke is now off the market, so now I need a new love interest😝
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews