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Say Less: Cap & Mo
He’s her best friend.
Her protector.
Her soulmate.
Capone was all in one for Moriah. He served as her everything. They started as best friends, but their love for one another eventually blossomed into something more. Something more beautiful and powerful.
Unfortunately, life gets in the way of their sudden feelings for one another. Moriah leaves Capone scorned and heartless. But does he play a role in their fall-out too? Certain decisions separate the two souls for years, then out of the blue, Capone gets an urgent call from his best friend…
“It’s me, Cap.” The moment I heard her soft, shaky voice, my heart rate accelerated. There was silence before she spoke again. “I know it’s been years. But the last time we spoke you told me if I ever needed you, you would come. I...I need y—”
“Say less...” I cut her off. “Send me the address, Mo.”
Her protector.
Her soulmate.
Capone was all in one for Moriah. He served as her everything. They started as best friends, but their love for one another eventually blossomed into something more. Something more beautiful and powerful.
Unfortunately, life gets in the way of their sudden feelings for one another. Moriah leaves Capone scorned and heartless. But does he play a role in their fall-out too? Certain decisions separate the two souls for years, then out of the blue, Capone gets an urgent call from his best friend…
“It’s me, Cap.” The moment I heard her soft, shaky voice, my heart rate accelerated. There was silence before she spoke again. “I know it’s been years. But the last time we spoke you told me if I ever needed you, you would come. I...I need y—”
“Say less...” I cut her off. “Send me the address, Mo.”
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2022
152 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Talena Tillman
34 books303 followersTalena Tillman is a native of Houston, Texas. At thirty years young, she has already made her mark on the literary world. Notoriously known for her novellas, Talena has mastered the ability to give a full story within a hundred and something pages. Her series “Kane” is her reader’s favorite. She writes urban romance, penning imperfect black love beautifully.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 21, 2022
Yeah, this book is a no for me. The storyline was all over the place and the writing was bad. This is a new to me author so, I'm more than likely going to one and done her.
October 17, 2022
Second Chance/Friends To Lovers
Moriah was in trouble, who else could she call? Her Best friend, Capone….the two hadn’t spoken in a while….But, she really needed help….I love a good second chance romance…cute story
Moriah was in trouble, who else could she call? Her Best friend, Capone….the two hadn’t spoken in a while….But, she really needed help….I love a good second chance romance…cute story
October 21, 2022
I don't know what I enjoyed more....
Their rekindled friendship
Cap being petty,
Mo feigning for his pole
Cap freak mode
Cap beastmode
Beautiful story from start to finish
5 Stars!! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice Level 5 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Their rekindled friendship
Cap being petty,
Mo feigning for his pole
Cap freak mode
Cap beastmode
Beautiful story from start to finish
5 Stars!! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice Level 5 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
July 17, 2023
Whew!!! These characters did something to my spirit!! I love a good friends to lovers! It’s starting to become one of my favorite troupes because the bond is already established and that was no different in this case!
Friends since the womb, LITERALLY, Cap and Mo have always been two peas in a pod, she was the yin to his yang and they always looked out for each other! With an almost 30 years bond, these two couldn’t have been closer if they shared the same skin. After taking their friendship to the relationship level, Cap and Mo reached a crossroads when she presented an ultimatum he wasn’t ready to agree to.
After doing what she thought best and moving on, she walked right into the bed of the devil. Now years later the one person she was always able to count on as her savior comes when she calls no questions asked. Now that Mo and Cap are together again, tough conversations are had regarding what led to the loss of time together over the years and they fight hard to work their way back to each other!
I’ve become a huge fan of Talena and as I deep dive into her earlier work, I love her even more! Cap and Mo’s road to HEA wasn’t easy but in the end it was worth it!
Friends since the womb, LITERALLY, Cap and Mo have always been two peas in a pod, she was the yin to his yang and they always looked out for each other! With an almost 30 years bond, these two couldn’t have been closer if they shared the same skin. After taking their friendship to the relationship level, Cap and Mo reached a crossroads when she presented an ultimatum he wasn’t ready to agree to.
After doing what she thought best and moving on, she walked right into the bed of the devil. Now years later the one person she was always able to count on as her savior comes when she calls no questions asked. Now that Mo and Cap are together again, tough conversations are had regarding what led to the loss of time together over the years and they fight hard to work their way back to each other!
I’ve become a huge fan of Talena and as I deep dive into her earlier work, I love her even more! Cap and Mo’s road to HEA wasn’t easy but in the end it was worth it!
November 19, 2022
Make sure to read the negative reviews. There are a lot of triggers that are not mentioned in the beginning and overall the series of events between these two could have been handled better. There were tender moments but a lot more cringe and torment more than anything else. I don't recommend this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
Whew… ma’am! This read was short, but had such a powerful impact, that I felt right in heart! ❤Although you didn’t go into a lot of detail, I could feel the pain, fear and helplessness that Moriah was going through as she was escaping Mark’s wrath! 💔 Calling Cap was the only thing she knew to do. Although she was afraid of his response, she knew he would come, as he has always been her savior. I loved how you were able to give us the back story between Cap and Mo effortlessly, while still giving us the present situation. They both shared so many regrets about things left unsaid, hasty decisions, ultimatums, stubbornness and more! But, once they are in each other’s orbit again, none of those things matter! Time to get to forever! Cap is ecstatic to have Mo back in his life, however, he still holds a lot of anger toward her about their past! He has always loved her and wanted her to be by his side always. But he failed to understand she wasn’t set up to for that life! He wasn’t trying to hear get out the game, while he was the king, and it cost him! Mo, while I understood your place in not wanting to be that ride or die, but you were foul for keeping that away from Cap! He was your everything, and you let him find out like that? 🤬 You also should have known that giving a man, THAT type of man an ultimatum, was not going to work out well for you! However, they took their issues head on, and put it all out on the table to clear the air! That intense love was still there, it always has been, and now was their time! Beautiful friends to lovers’ story, that had some trials, but the reward was so worth it! Hope to see these two again. Great read! 👍👍👍
October 25, 2022
Super sweet
I absolutely loved this story, my first from this author. And I so appreciate the kindness and sincerity in her "author's note" at the beginning. I wish more authors realized how important it is to some readers to be prepared for the content that is shared in their story. Talena Tillman did an amazing job of allowing me as a reader to decide if I could handle issues addressed in the story.
There was nothing gruesome, to me, or even triggering, again to me. But being prepared goes a long way in being able to thoroughly enjoy a story. Cap and Mo's souls were intertwined and their love was absolutely pure. I am excited to read more from this author.
I absolutely loved this story, my first from this author. And I so appreciate the kindness and sincerity in her "author's note" at the beginning. I wish more authors realized how important it is to some readers to be prepared for the content that is shared in their story. Talena Tillman did an amazing job of allowing me as a reader to decide if I could handle issues addressed in the story.
There was nothing gruesome, to me, or even triggering, again to me. But being prepared goes a long way in being able to thoroughly enjoy a story. Cap and Mo's souls were intertwined and their love was absolutely pure. I am excited to read more from this author.
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October 14, 2022I've been searching for someone. But never looked before my eyes. There you were to my surprise.”
This is my third book by this author and I feel the stories get better every time. She did a great job with the playlist and picked the perfect song in “7 days” by Mary J Blige. With their mothers being best friends, it was always Capone aka “Cap” & Moriah aka “Mo”from the beginning. So it wasn’t a surprise when their feelings blossomed into more. Unfortunately, things didn’t progress due to ultimatums, secrets and premature decisions. But, no love was lost, Cap knew he would always be there and he proved that. I love Cap and Mo together but Capone is the real MVP! His possessive and protective demeanor won me over. This story is novella length, but the way the author effectively weaved the past and present in this story, gave it full length vibes. We get to experience the pain, regret and triumph from both characters. I love how they didn’t shy away from the hard conversations and realized that they both played a part in the demise of their relationship . I do feel like Mo was foul AF for that shit on her end though. The miscommunication was running rampant in this book, but it was also understandable . I did want the author to spin back to Cap’s situation though. The way he handled it was cut throat and that’s where friends to lovers become messy to me. That situation seems incomplete and why even waste sis time? Tuh! Overall, enjoyed this story and couple and would love to see more of Cap, Mo and the bestie Ace. He has a small part but it was mighty. Is he next? I definitely recommend.
This is my third book by this author and I feel the stories get better every time. She did a great job with the playlist and picked the perfect song in “7 days” by Mary J Blige. With their mothers being best friends, it was always Capone aka “Cap” & Moriah aka “Mo”from the beginning. So it wasn’t a surprise when their feelings blossomed into more. Unfortunately, things didn’t progress due to ultimatums, secrets and premature decisions. But, no love was lost, Cap knew he would always be there and he proved that. I love Cap and Mo together but Capone is the real MVP! His possessive and protective demeanor won me over. This story is novella length, but the way the author effectively weaved the past and present in this story, gave it full length vibes. We get to experience the pain, regret and triumph from both characters. I love how they didn’t shy away from the hard conversations and realized that they both played a part in the demise of their relationship . I do feel like Mo was foul AF for that shit on her end though. The miscommunication was running rampant in this book, but it was also understandable . I did want the author to spin back to Cap’s situation though. The way he handled it was cut throat and that’s where friends to lovers become messy to me. That situation seems incomplete and why even waste sis time? Tuh! Overall, enjoyed this story and couple and would love to see more of Cap, Mo and the bestie Ace. He has a small part but it was mighty. Is he next? I definitely recommend.
March 4, 2023
Good read
Mo had been through some rough stuff, but when she called on Cap, he was right there for her, no matter how long they'd been apart. They both were the blame for the things that happened in the past.
It was a quick read, that packed everything it needed.
Mo had been through some rough stuff, but when she called on Cap, he was right there for her, no matter how long they'd been apart. They both were the blame for the things that happened in the past.
It was a quick read, that packed everything it needed.
October 16, 2022
Say less
Loved Cap and Mo! I loved how he came to her rescue with no questions asked! This was a perfectly described love story! No over writing, It got straight to the point! 5 🌟 🤩
Loved Cap and Mo! I loved how he came to her rescue with no questions asked! This was a perfectly described love story! No over writing, It got straight to the point! 5 🌟 🤩
December 27, 2024
4.3⭐️ - Friends to Lovers/Second chance Romance💕 - Whenever she called, he would come running. Capone and Mo had their reasons for not being a couple when they first crossed that line , however years later when Mo was in dire need for Cap to save her..he showed up like he always said he would. Cute story
October 18, 2022
Can You Say, Wow!
I was not expecting this type of dramatic story for such a short one. You all know what I hate more than a liar? Well you are correct, I hate an abuser more! The remedy for that is a man named Capone who rides in on a big Black Horse and saves the day. The story was about a girl who chose the wrong Mike and regretted the day afterwards. Moriah got the chance for a do-over and ceased the day with Capone. You will be happy you read this very concise story with this happy ending.
I was not expecting this type of dramatic story for such a short one. You all know what I hate more than a liar? Well you are correct, I hate an abuser more! The remedy for that is a man named Capone who rides in on a big Black Horse and saves the day. The story was about a girl who chose the wrong Mike and regretted the day afterwards. Moriah got the chance for a do-over and ceased the day with Capone. You will be happy you read this very concise story with this happy ending.
August 21, 2025
Talena was high on my list of authors I need to try this year and I’m not mad at all. Small detail but something I loved - the play in the title! Now I’d heard the phrase a million times where I’m from but it wasn’t 100% what I expected in the book. I enjoyed how it naturally played into the story and dialogue. It’s kind of friends to lovers, kind of second chance. I liked how Cap & Mo fell into each other. It definitely moves fast but it was just what I needed in the moment. I’ll definitely pick up more.
October 13, 2022
Bet!!!
Say less was a great, quick, smoldering read. Right out the gate, we dived deep into the lives of Cap and Mo. From brief flashbacks to present day, we were able to see up close the dynamics of their friend/baes ship. I can’t forget they’re based in the greatest city ever, so I knew I was rocking with them. Enjoyed it.
Say less was a great, quick, smoldering read. Right out the gate, we dived deep into the lives of Cap and Mo. From brief flashbacks to present day, we were able to see up close the dynamics of their friend/baes ship. I can’t forget they’re based in the greatest city ever, so I knew I was rocking with them. Enjoyed it.
November 7, 2022
loved
I loved the bond these two had. How no matter how much time had passed he still had her back when it mattered. Regardless of what she put him through he loved her unconditionally! Great job!
I loved the bond these two had. How no matter how much time had passed he still had her back when it mattered. Regardless of what she put him through he loved her unconditionally! Great job!
December 19, 2022
Amazing
This book had me in a chokehold. It was an amazing stand alone. Cap was definitely a man of his word. He healed Mo's brokenness. That is what a real man does. The relationship mended well because they were friends before anything else. First time reading a book by Talena, but it definitely won't be my last.
This book had me in a chokehold. It was an amazing stand alone. Cap was definitely a man of his word. He healed Mo's brokenness. That is what a real man does. The relationship mended well because they were friends before anything else. First time reading a book by Talena, but it definitely won't be my last.
November 8, 2024
Amazing hood love story
October 25, 2022
She did it again!
Chileeeee Cap me!! 😝😝 The most important part of a romantic relationship is a friendship. There is no way around that. Cap & Mo kept running away until faith made it happen. Talena's pen is growing with her & she giving what she is supposed to give! 💯
Chileeeee Cap me!! 😝😝 The most important part of a romantic relationship is a friendship. There is no way around that. Cap & Mo kept running away until faith made it happen. Talena's pen is growing with her & she giving what she is supposed to give! 💯
October 24, 2022
He said say less. Alright now!!
This is the first book I've read by this author. And I can already tell I will read more of her work. I love the way she wrote Cap and Mo's love journey. To start off as best friends and then lovers. That alone has its pros and cons. But the event that destroyed not only their love but also their friendship was so disheartening. But he told her he would be there for her anytime.
Fast forward years later dealing with her fiancé and the horror of what's happening to her she reaches out to Cap for help. And he says Say Less. This book had me on an emotional high. Cause I loved how Cap and Mo had to take a look at their past, marinate in it, forgive each other in order for them to move on as one. Oh and as for Mark? Well let's just say he me his Waterloo. I highly highly recommend this book. Cap and Mo so deserved their HEA. Great book!!
This is the first book I've read by this author. And I can already tell I will read more of her work. I love the way she wrote Cap and Mo's love journey. To start off as best friends and then lovers. That alone has its pros and cons. But the event that destroyed not only their love but also their friendship was so disheartening. But he told her he would be there for her anytime.
Fast forward years later dealing with her fiancé and the horror of what's happening to her she reaches out to Cap for help. And he says Say Less. This book had me on an emotional high. Cause I loved how Cap and Mo had to take a look at their past, marinate in it, forgive each other in order for them to move on as one. Oh and as for Mark? Well let's just say he me his Waterloo. I highly highly recommend this book. Cap and Mo so deserved their HEA. Great book!!
December 26, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
Say Less by @bytalenatillman
“Just bashed a nigga head in for you and you want to play monopoly. You wild as fuck. Goddamn.”
•Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, pregnancy loss
I went into this knowing it was a short story. But still was sad when it was done. Because I wasnt ready to let Capone and Moriah Go. I was soooo captivated by their story.
Capone and Moriah are childhood friends who both have deeper feelings for each other. Capone comes to Moriahs rescue when she needs him the most…and that is when I fell in love with Capone. My man dropped everything to go get Mo. No questions asked he went running. And that is true love.
Mark is a whole mark and I don’t condone violence. But karma is karma 🤷🏾♀️
Moriah went through hell and back deserves to be happy
I love Capone and Moriah and definitely need more of them 😍
Say Less by @bytalenatillman
“Just bashed a nigga head in for you and you want to play monopoly. You wild as fuck. Goddamn.”
•Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, pregnancy loss
I went into this knowing it was a short story. But still was sad when it was done. Because I wasnt ready to let Capone and Moriah Go. I was soooo captivated by their story.
Capone and Moriah are childhood friends who both have deeper feelings for each other. Capone comes to Moriahs rescue when she needs him the most…and that is when I fell in love with Capone. My man dropped everything to go get Mo. No questions asked he went running. And that is true love.
Mark is a whole mark and I don’t condone violence. But karma is karma 🤷🏾♀️
Moriah went through hell and back deserves to be happy
I love Capone and Moriah and definitely need more of them 😍
December 10, 2022
3.25 ⭐ 🌟
I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Check CW.
Trope: black Love, second chance, friends to lover's,
Enjoyment: 3 ⭐
Character development: 3 ⭐
Romance: 2 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3.5 ⭐
Intrigue: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 3 ⭐
World Building: 2 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Check CW.
Trope: black Love, second chance, friends to lover's,
Enjoyment: 3 ⭐
Character development: 3 ⭐
Romance: 2 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3.5 ⭐
Intrigue: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 3 ⭐
World Building: 2 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
October 12, 2022
Say Less baby!
This was a short and sweet friends to lovers story. You truly felt the love between Capone and Moriah. How they reconnected was not how either one of them thought it would happen it was a pleasure reading their journey back to each other and working through their issues. Good read!
This was a short and sweet friends to lovers story. You truly felt the love between Capone and Moriah. How they reconnected was not how either one of them thought it would happen it was a pleasure reading their journey back to each other and working through their issues. Good read!
November 19, 2022
I did not finish this book, but what I did read, I was not a fan of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2022
Say less indeed
You can feel the love Cap has for Mo through the book. From the moment he rescued her, you knew there was nothing he wouldn't do for her.
I think Cap should have waited a little longer before giving in but I understand his need to speed it up.
You can feel the love Cap has for Mo through the book. From the moment he rescued her, you knew there was nothing he wouldn't do for her.
I think Cap should have waited a little longer before giving in but I understand his need to speed it up.
December 19, 2022
Say Less
Sis, you laid your pen game on this one. Cap is for sure, bae. Now, it's time to dig all the way through your catalog.
Sis, you laid your pen game on this one. Cap is for sure, bae. Now, it's time to dig all the way through your catalog.
December 20, 2022
great read
This was my first book by this author. Very good read. Straight to the point. I liked that Cap still looked out for Mo even though they hadn’t talked in years.
This was my first book by this author. Very good read. Straight to the point. I liked that Cap still looked out for Mo even though they hadn’t talked in years.
December 21, 2022
awww!
What a great story. It wasn’t very long, the perfect length and I still got all the the information I needed to bond and fall in love with the two main characters . I enjoyed the story pace sad to see it end !!!
What a great story. It wasn’t very long, the perfect length and I still got all the the information I needed to bond and fall in love with the two main characters . I enjoyed the story pace sad to see it end !!!
May 4, 2024
Short and Sweet! Young Best Friends to Lovers! With some drama from the past and currently!
November 17, 2024
Lovely and quick read
I enjoyed it
I enjoyed it
May 19, 2025
3.75/5 ⭐️
— This was a cute friends-to-lovers & second chance romance. Capone didn’t play about Moriah. Whenever she called, he was coming — no matter what. This was a circumstance of right person wrong time with a second chance to get it right.
— Anything she asked or desired was responded with, “Say Less” and followed by action.
— This was a cute friends-to-lovers & second chance romance. Capone didn’t play about Moriah. Whenever she called, he was coming — no matter what. This was a circumstance of right person wrong time with a second chance to get it right.
— Anything she asked or desired was responded with, “Say Less” and followed by action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews