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Drowning Without You
Serenity Reed. That name holds a lot of weight in the world. Serenity is known for her exceptional dance skills, her award-winning dance studio, where many children dream of dancing, and her marriage to NBA star Dionte Reed. Serenity is also living with lupus. She has fought this disease since she was fifteen, and the battle seems to get more challenging each day. Although she is exhausted, there is still so much for Serenity to accomplish in life, so she refuses to give up. She’s a mother who deserves to watch her son grow up and reach his goals. And the dance world still needs her inspiration and motivation.
Drowning without you will take you through a journey of what it really means to love someone and how the thought of living without that person can make you feel like you’re sinking.
Drowning without you will take you through a journey of what it really means to love someone and how the thought of living without that person can make you feel like you’re sinking.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2022
434 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
December 5, 2023
Damn
Heart wrenching, Heartwarming, Loving, Sad, this book encompasses all of the emotions….It was a well written story of unwavering, steadfast,faithful love.
Heart wrenching, Heartwarming, Loving, Sad, this book encompasses all of the emotions….It was a well written story of unwavering, steadfast,faithful love.
December 30, 2022
Diamond you did not play fair with this one here!! The only other time I’ve had to stop and pull myself together so many times reading a book was with Shanel’s “Timeless Love”. You wrote a beautiful story and I loved this so much! Serenity and Dionte were lovers, soulmates even. They were each others person since freshman year of college and there was no denying the love was ever present. But as we all know, sometimes love isnt enough. Both had dreams for themselves that didn’t quite align with the needs of their family and since neither was willing to budge, they divorced after several years of marriage. Despite the divorce, we were able to witness a beautiful relationship and even deeper friendship as these two co patented and rooted for each other like no other. Serenity was a force to be reckoned with as one of the top dance instructors in the country and Dionte was one of the top NBA players. One always thinks they have more time in life to do and be and love but this story showed us that time is not alway on our side and that it’s important to live each day as your last and leave your mark in the world. Grab your tissue for this one because you’re going to need it but definitely add this to your tbr list!
July 10, 2024
Unconditional Love
Serenity and Dionte were black love and black excellence personified. Serenity was a well known dancer and dance coach while Dionte was a famous NBA player. They were college sweethearts and loved each other down. Their greatest accomplishment was their son Dakari and they took pride in being the best coparents. I always appreciate a BIG LOVE and the love between them was truly felt. Diamond took us on a journey that showed love can still be strong and exist even when the relationship seems to have ended. This book is heavy on emotions and definitely had me boohooing😭. This was a sadly beautiful story.
Serenity and Dionte were black love and black excellence personified. Serenity was a well known dancer and dance coach while Dionte was a famous NBA player. They were college sweethearts and loved each other down. Their greatest accomplishment was their son Dakari and they took pride in being the best coparents. I always appreciate a BIG LOVE and the love between them was truly felt. Diamond took us on a journey that showed love can still be strong and exist even when the relationship seems to have ended. This book is heavy on emotions and definitely had me boohooing😭. This was a sadly beautiful story.
December 14, 2022
Phenomenal and emotional
One thing I always appreciate is a storyline that's new to me, and Drowning Without You is definitely something different. Reading about a love so pure and thorough between two beautiful black people is refreshing. Although Serenity's illness was sad she had a fire in her soul and a heart of gold. Her and her ex husband turned best friend Mr.Man are the epitome of black love, friendship, loyalty, and co parenting. They raised their son so well, uplifted him, and protected him to the fullest and you don't read that type of positivity in books too often when it comes to parents. Even the friends and grandparents were all great people and an amazing support system. Dakari being13 and having to watch his mom pass was tough to read, but I appreciated his mature character. I held back tears during Mr.Man giving the eulogy, and not many books have ever gotten me to that point. I will forever recommend this book to any and everyone. Great job Diamond Johnson.
One thing I always appreciate is a storyline that's new to me, and Drowning Without You is definitely something different. Reading about a love so pure and thorough between two beautiful black people is refreshing. Although Serenity's illness was sad she had a fire in her soul and a heart of gold. Her and her ex husband turned best friend Mr.Man are the epitome of black love, friendship, loyalty, and co parenting. They raised their son so well, uplifted him, and protected him to the fullest and you don't read that type of positivity in books too often when it comes to parents. Even the friends and grandparents were all great people and an amazing support system. Dakari being13 and having to watch his mom pass was tough to read, but I appreciated his mature character. I held back tears during Mr.Man giving the eulogy, and not many books have ever gotten me to that point. I will forever recommend this book to any and everyone. Great job Diamond Johnson.
March 27, 2023
I couldn’t write the review as soon as I finished this book because I was BAWLING my eyes out🥺 This was such a beautiful yet sad story. Serenity suffered alone with the worst possible news because she didn’t want her loved ones to hurt. The way that she kept fighting to keep everyone else emotionally safe showed a lot about her character. Her ex husband, Dionte, had so much love and adoration for her. It showed in the way he spoke about her to the public. Siri and Mr. Man had a genuine friendship that made this story feel so real.
January 20, 2023
I don’t even know where to start😩🥹This was a great ass read! This book gave me all the feels. Serenity and Mr. Man was definitely couple goals. I’m soooo blown away, just know you won’t be disappointed with this read!!🥹🥹
November 3, 2023
Serenity + Dionte were just ‘it’, together or not. I wish Serenity didn’t choose silence for so long but everything came together the way it should. This book has sat in my Kindle for almost a year and it did not disappoint.
November 30, 2022
Hallelujah no drug dealers! lol
I gave it three stars because of the repetitive things within the story. The way my mind set up reading the same thing over and over in different chapter I become disinterested. The characters wasn’t charactering to me. I wish they “spoke” more to Diamond. I wish the story could have developed more and we would have gotten more time with Siri,Mr. Man,and Kari home life together. I wish more would have been done with them as a family to create memories & her family loving on her more. Other than that it is breathtaking to read a book without dope dealers and weak females. 15 stars on that.
I gave it three stars because of the repetitive things within the story. The way my mind set up reading the same thing over and over in different chapter I become disinterested. The characters wasn’t charactering to me. I wish they “spoke” more to Diamond. I wish the story could have developed more and we would have gotten more time with Siri,Mr. Man,and Kari home life together. I wish more would have been done with them as a family to create memories & her family loving on her more. Other than that it is breathtaking to read a book without dope dealers and weak females. 15 stars on that.
December 3, 2022
Drowning Without You
Wow! I had to come back after I calmed my emotions. It has been a long time since a book has had me in tears. From start to finish, this book was sooooo different. It was an amazing tear jerking love story. Diamond, you’ve done an amazing job & if understanding the assignment was a person, it’s definitely you!!
Wow! I had to come back after I calmed my emotions. It has been a long time since a book has had me in tears. From start to finish, this book was sooooo different. It was an amazing tear jerking love story. Diamond, you’ve done an amazing job & if understanding the assignment was a person, it’s definitely you!!
December 2, 2022
Ehh
I've been rocking with diamond since the beginning, I can honestly say I have read almost all of her books. Not impressed, the message is great, but the book was trash.
I've been rocking with diamond since the beginning, I can honestly say I have read almost all of her books. Not impressed, the message is great, but the book was trash.
January 22, 2023
Jesus !!
This was something man the amount of tears I had flowing through my eyes was crazy. Ms. Diamond really did it with this I’ve love all her work she put out but this really had me in a chokehold. Serenity was something special alright she left her mark in this world even as a fictional character she rest heavy on our chest. The relationship between her and Mr. Man aka Dionte was so right even with that divorce they were everything in a way that captures you and you could tell they were some true love for life forever type that is very rare these days and it was so nice to soak up. The mother and son relationship she had with dakari was top notch that’s the type of mother that is top tier reminds me of my relationship with my own mother they will break their backs literally for their kids and be on them and love them so deep in their soul. Their communication and bond was so good something all parents should have with their kids they set a perfect example. I still can’t believe the way I was crying man like I literally kept bawling like she was someone I knew I have never cried this hysterically for a book and it just hit home for me. This book will definitely always leave a mark for me to remember and be on my top 20 books of for life that struck a cord that you can’t forget. Love the educational light that was brought to lupus but it was a pain to read about where someone can suffer so much from this autoimmune disease reminds me of sickle disease as well. Listen not even gonna entertain that female he was sleeping with she was a grade A JOKE 🙄. But back to serenity her send off was everything definitely reminded me of those celebrities that left a mark in this world type funeral I loved it all had me gasping for breath and dionte speech was so heart warming. Serenity was someone that was there for everyone she was such a bright light that can’t be forgotten.This book will definitely be on my mind at random times even thinking of the possible future for everyone. Take a chance with this book it will have you stuck and emotional even people like me who isn’t so emotional so that says something. I’m glad she got to rest but I’m so sad because she left her mark but still had so much to give and so much possibilities but these things just happen even in real life and continuing to pray for the better and have hope and faith is the only way honestly. The son dakari that she and Mr. Man created they raised him so well even with his situations he had which is normal especially for a growing boy he was so well put together he’s a good kid for real and I know he’s gonna continue on with what his Mother said he’d be and leave the mark on this world with her on his mind and continue what she started so even though she left so soon she left behind a piece of her to continue the legacy. But thank your for this gem of a book Ms. Diamond Johnson and for your wonderful imagination and mind and hands that put in the work of this extreme talent of telling stories that feel so real only very few can do that. ❤️❤️ ps sorry for this long review 🙈
This was something man the amount of tears I had flowing through my eyes was crazy. Ms. Diamond really did it with this I’ve love all her work she put out but this really had me in a chokehold. Serenity was something special alright she left her mark in this world even as a fictional character she rest heavy on our chest. The relationship between her and Mr. Man aka Dionte was so right even with that divorce they were everything in a way that captures you and you could tell they were some true love for life forever type that is very rare these days and it was so nice to soak up. The mother and son relationship she had with dakari was top notch that’s the type of mother that is top tier reminds me of my relationship with my own mother they will break their backs literally for their kids and be on them and love them so deep in their soul. Their communication and bond was so good something all parents should have with their kids they set a perfect example. I still can’t believe the way I was crying man like I literally kept bawling like she was someone I knew I have never cried this hysterically for a book and it just hit home for me. This book will definitely always leave a mark for me to remember and be on my top 20 books of for life that struck a cord that you can’t forget. Love the educational light that was brought to lupus but it was a pain to read about where someone can suffer so much from this autoimmune disease reminds me of sickle disease as well. Listen not even gonna entertain that female he was sleeping with she was a grade A JOKE 🙄. But back to serenity her send off was everything definitely reminded me of those celebrities that left a mark in this world type funeral I loved it all had me gasping for breath and dionte speech was so heart warming. Serenity was someone that was there for everyone she was such a bright light that can’t be forgotten.This book will definitely be on my mind at random times even thinking of the possible future for everyone. Take a chance with this book it will have you stuck and emotional even people like me who isn’t so emotional so that says something. I’m glad she got to rest but I’m so sad because she left her mark but still had so much to give and so much possibilities but these things just happen even in real life and continuing to pray for the better and have hope and faith is the only way honestly. The son dakari that she and Mr. Man created they raised him so well even with his situations he had which is normal especially for a growing boy he was so well put together he’s a good kid for real and I know he’s gonna continue on with what his Mother said he’d be and leave the mark on this world with her on his mind and continue what she started so even though she left so soon she left behind a piece of her to continue the legacy. But thank your for this gem of a book Ms. Diamond Johnson and for your wonderful imagination and mind and hands that put in the work of this extreme talent of telling stories that feel so real only very few can do that. ❤️❤️ ps sorry for this long review 🙈
December 23, 2022
AN EMOTIONAL AND BEAUTIFUL STORY 😢😢
WOW! This book was so emotional that you felt everything these characters were going through. The author did an amazing job of not only focusing on the illness of Lupus but giving readers the visual of how much of a toll it can take on the person living with it. I am in awe of the strength Serenity exuded throughout this story and the people she left an amazing mark on. I loved the relationship/ bond that Serenity and Mr Man had and it wasn't just because of Dakari. The bond they had could never be broken. You can actually visualize what that looked like from their silly banter to the words spoken on her behalf by Mr Man. And although this story can be a tear jerker, we also get the love and strength these characters shown for one another. This is definitely a story that will be talked about as well as a highly recommended read.
WOW! This book was so emotional that you felt everything these characters were going through. The author did an amazing job of not only focusing on the illness of Lupus but giving readers the visual of how much of a toll it can take on the person living with it. I am in awe of the strength Serenity exuded throughout this story and the people she left an amazing mark on. I loved the relationship/ bond that Serenity and Mr Man had and it wasn't just because of Dakari. The bond they had could never be broken. You can actually visualize what that looked like from their silly banter to the words spoken on her behalf by Mr Man. And although this story can be a tear jerker, we also get the love and strength these characters shown for one another. This is definitely a story that will be talked about as well as a highly recommended read.
November 20, 2023
whew such a beautiful story!!!!! beautifully written!
Serenity & Mr. Man, i just adored them so much, individually and together!
Serenity & Dionte (Mr.Man) college sweethearts, married, shared a love so profound. However, they’re are now divorced despite their undeniable bond, their divergent personal aspirations lead them to separating. This divorce doesn’t ruin their friendship though. Their post-divorce journey unfolded into a beautiful friendship. Serenity excelled as a top dance instructor, while Dionte became a prominent NBA player. Prepare for an emotional read and be sure to check trigger warnings & I HIGHLY RECOMMEND adding it to your TBR!
Serenity & Mr. Man, i just adored them so much, individually and together!
Serenity & Dionte (Mr.Man) college sweethearts, married, shared a love so profound. However, they’re are now divorced despite their undeniable bond, their divergent personal aspirations lead them to separating. This divorce doesn’t ruin their friendship though. Their post-divorce journey unfolded into a beautiful friendship. Serenity excelled as a top dance instructor, while Dionte became a prominent NBA player. Prepare for an emotional read and be sure to check trigger warnings & I HIGHLY RECOMMEND adding it to your TBR!
December 14, 2022
Just fantastic
Thank you Diamond for highlighting this terrible illness, many people know nothing about. I have a sister who has been living with Lupus for over 20 years and I can see her fight everyday. What a story, you had me laughting, crying and feeling so proud of Siri and her wonderful family. Congratulate yourself once again a really well written story. Loved it
Thank you Diamond for highlighting this terrible illness, many people know nothing about. I have a sister who has been living with Lupus for over 20 years and I can see her fight everyday. What a story, you had me laughting, crying and feeling so proud of Siri and her wonderful family. Congratulate yourself once again a really well written story. Loved it
March 24, 2023
🥺🥺
I don’t even have words for a subject. This was just beautifully written. The amount of tears I cried and read this in 4 hours. I was so unproductive today. Lol. Diamond has done it again. I am looking forward to reading about how much of a beast Dakari will become (speaking that book into existence)
I don’t even have words for a subject. This was just beautifully written. The amount of tears I cried and read this in 4 hours. I was so unproductive today. Lol. Diamond has done it again. I am looking forward to reading about how much of a beast Dakari will become (speaking that book into existence)
February 12, 2025
“ Mommy “ ….. that was it! It broke me!!! 😭💔
January 25, 2023
Man oh man... This book really brought my emotions out... This one hit my heart so hard... I was so drawn into this storyline and it felt so real... I was hoping for a different ending... But unfortunately, I knew it had to play out this way ... I felt so connected to these characters so much so that I could feel their emotions... Well not Lia... She was in a world of her own...
I absolutely loved Serenity... She was so smart and loving... She was determined and always pushing everyone around her to greatness...
Serenity owns a dance studio that is well known and everyone wants to be a part of it... But she wants the best of the best out of these kids... She makes them work hard and also makes sure that they maintain a 2.5 or greater in school... She wants to help them all succeed in life... And man all the lives that she has changed is amazing...
She was married to an amazing man named Dionte...The only thing is that because of her not wanting to take away from Dionte and also wanting to live her dream... It cost her the most amazing relationship... With both of them doing big things it just really pulled them a part... Yet they were amazing at co parenting... If Dionte had any anything to say about it all... They would have remained married...
She has a son named Dakari... He is her everything... She pushes him the hardest and always let's him know what he is worth... I love the relationship they have... It is so precious...
Now Dioante is a famous basketball player... Basketball is everything to him... He was a really good husband to Serenity... He never cheated and he treated her amazing... But again their goals is what pulled them apart... So he is out here just doing him and still hoping that him and Serenity can work it out... But in the meantime he is doing him and he has met an woman named Lia... I feel is so not worth his time...
Lia is just the basic girl getting in her feelings about a man that told her from the beginning that he only wanted to have sex and nothing else... but she was hoping that the sex will be so good that he would change his mind... She is so jealous and worried about Serenity She starts moving stupidly... And she made one of the biggest mistakes because she was all in her feelings... It almost cost her her life...
Serenity has been fighting Lupus since she was 15... Now at 40 years old and it is really taking a toll on her body... She does not want to worry her family so she deals with major medical issues alone... But it has become to much... And she finally let's all her family know what is going on... And watching the love and support that she had was so amazing... It really pulled at my heart strings... And had ne sooo in my feelings all the way to the end...
After reading this book I needed some time to myself to recover from the emotional rollercoaster that I went on... Great job Diamond... you really hit it with this one...
I absolutely loved Serenity... She was so smart and loving... She was determined and always pushing everyone around her to greatness...
Serenity owns a dance studio that is well known and everyone wants to be a part of it... But she wants the best of the best out of these kids... She makes them work hard and also makes sure that they maintain a 2.5 or greater in school... She wants to help them all succeed in life... And man all the lives that she has changed is amazing...
She was married to an amazing man named Dionte...The only thing is that because of her not wanting to take away from Dionte and also wanting to live her dream... It cost her the most amazing relationship... With both of them doing big things it just really pulled them a part... Yet they were amazing at co parenting... If Dionte had any anything to say about it all... They would have remained married...
She has a son named Dakari... He is her everything... She pushes him the hardest and always let's him know what he is worth... I love the relationship they have... It is so precious...
Now Dioante is a famous basketball player... Basketball is everything to him... He was a really good husband to Serenity... He never cheated and he treated her amazing... But again their goals is what pulled them apart... So he is out here just doing him and still hoping that him and Serenity can work it out... But in the meantime he is doing him and he has met an woman named Lia... I feel is so not worth his time...
Lia is just the basic girl getting in her feelings about a man that told her from the beginning that he only wanted to have sex and nothing else... but she was hoping that the sex will be so good that he would change his mind... She is so jealous and worried about Serenity She starts moving stupidly... And she made one of the biggest mistakes because she was all in her feelings... It almost cost her her life...
Serenity has been fighting Lupus since she was 15... Now at 40 years old and it is really taking a toll on her body... She does not want to worry her family so she deals with major medical issues alone... But it has become to much... And she finally let's all her family know what is going on... And watching the love and support that she had was so amazing... It really pulled at my heart strings... And had ne sooo in my feelings all the way to the end...
After reading this book I needed some time to myself to recover from the emotional rollercoaster that I went on... Great job Diamond... you really hit it with this one...
January 2, 2023
Awesome Read
This book kept me in tears, but I must say it was definitely a page turner! Serenity Reed was a boss in every way! She owned any room she walked into and dance floor she stepped on from high school until she owned her own studio. She loved Dionte and Dakari unconditionally. Although things didn't work with her and Dionte, he remained the love of her life and best friend. Dionte would give his life for his wife, because he never spoke of Serenity as his ex wife, and son. He meant it when he said he felt like he would drown without her. His mishap with Lia was just that. She couldn't understand the nature of what she was to him. Had to be taught a valuable lesson! Kari was hurt and I felt for him. His dad's eulogy helped him tremendously. He has a huge village to help him continue to grow with his grandparents and the rest of his family, but his parents were his life. He and his dad will get through things together as Siri would want. Awesome job, Diamond! You definitely out did yourself with this book!!
This book kept me in tears, but I must say it was definitely a page turner! Serenity Reed was a boss in every way! She owned any room she walked into and dance floor she stepped on from high school until she owned her own studio. She loved Dionte and Dakari unconditionally. Although things didn't work with her and Dionte, he remained the love of her life and best friend. Dionte would give his life for his wife, because he never spoke of Serenity as his ex wife, and son. He meant it when he said he felt like he would drown without her. His mishap with Lia was just that. She couldn't understand the nature of what she was to him. Had to be taught a valuable lesson! Kari was hurt and I felt for him. His dad's eulogy helped him tremendously. He has a huge village to help him continue to grow with his grandparents and the rest of his family, but his parents were his life. He and his dad will get through things together as Siri would want. Awesome job, Diamond! You definitely out did yourself with this book!!
December 2, 2022
Beautiful
Diamond you have reached greater heights with this one., This story was so beautifully written. My emotions were all of the place, I was happy, sad, intrigued, spiritually lifted and then I cried. It's hard to lose the person you love more than anything on earth, but this story will allow you to reflect on what's important. It's better to have loved than not at all, maturity & love is priceless along with self respect, determination and family! Mr. Man and Serenity, were so well put together, it was good to see a couple that was not only educated, but handle their careers with grace, morals and integrity, love. They held their personal lives in the same manner, even with their divorce they were best friends. The eulogy broke me, but it was beautifully written. I enjoyed the epilogue as well! Job well done!
Diamond you have reached greater heights with this one., This story was so beautifully written. My emotions were all of the place, I was happy, sad, intrigued, spiritually lifted and then I cried. It's hard to lose the person you love more than anything on earth, but this story will allow you to reflect on what's important. It's better to have loved than not at all, maturity & love is priceless along with self respect, determination and family! Mr. Man and Serenity, were so well put together, it was good to see a couple that was not only educated, but handle their careers with grace, morals and integrity, love. They held their personal lives in the same manner, even with their divorce they were best friends. The eulogy broke me, but it was beautifully written. I enjoyed the epilogue as well! Job well done!
January 18, 2023
Heartbreaking Love Story!!
Serenity has always had lupus since the age of fifteen. Dionte has been by her side since their Morehouse days. Their relationship progressed beautifully. They got married, had a son got divorced. and are co-parenting. Outsiders think that because they got a divorce their supposed to be at each other throats. They were bestfriends in the beginning. I wanted to punch Lia's a**. For Lia to be in thirtys she is acting awful childish posting Mr. Man's nudes. That's why he almost drowned her, playing in his face like that. He gave her the parameters of y'all situationship. She was cool with them, that's her fault she fell in love. Dakari is spoiled by his parents, grandparents and his Godparents. Life got in the way. They're all hurt by Serenity passing. Dionte preached about his ex-wife
Serenity has always had lupus since the age of fifteen. Dionte has been by her side since their Morehouse days. Their relationship progressed beautifully. They got married, had a son got divorced. and are co-parenting. Outsiders think that because they got a divorce their supposed to be at each other throats. They were bestfriends in the beginning. I wanted to punch Lia's a**. For Lia to be in thirtys she is acting awful childish posting Mr. Man's nudes. That's why he almost drowned her, playing in his face like that. He gave her the parameters of y'all situationship. She was cool with them, that's her fault she fell in love. Dakari is spoiled by his parents, grandparents and his Godparents. Life got in the way. They're all hurt by Serenity passing. Dionte preached about his ex-wife
March 23, 2023
OMG I really enjoyed reading this book Drowning without you
Serenity lived a great life despite having lupus and leaving this world too soon. Serenity was a fighter she was in constant pain and she keep moving and touched so many lives. Serenity was a mother, a teacher, a counselor and dancer. She was respected and loved by her family and friend. I loved the relationship she had with her son Dakari and her ex-husband Dionate. Serenity was cherished by son and ex-husband. Serenity was stubborn, independent, and wouldn't settle for less. Serenity know her worth and instill it to her dancer and co-workers. I would definitely like to read a sequel th this book Drowning without you 2. To read about her son Dakari and Donate life after Serenity. To see where they are now in lfe.
Serenity lived a great life despite having lupus and leaving this world too soon. Serenity was a fighter she was in constant pain and she keep moving and touched so many lives. Serenity was a mother, a teacher, a counselor and dancer. She was respected and loved by her family and friend. I loved the relationship she had with her son Dakari and her ex-husband Dionate. Serenity was cherished by son and ex-husband. Serenity was stubborn, independent, and wouldn't settle for less. Serenity know her worth and instill it to her dancer and co-workers. I would definitely like to read a sequel th this book Drowning without you 2. To read about her son Dakari and Donate life after Serenity. To see where they are now in lfe.
October 12, 2023
Emotional read
I cried real tears reading about Serenity and the difficulties she faced in coming to terms with her illness.. I loved her and her ex husbands bond they had with each other, it was like both were doing their own things in life, but it was understood that (It will never be another you or me, It’s always us”) their love was endless… DakarI (their son) will definitely be a force to be reckoned with entering his first year of high school and hearing his moms last words to him basically telling him to be a beast out there and always give it his best in everything he do.. reading her funeral was sad, but you couldn’t take away that she was a amazing woman in life and death.
I cried real tears reading about Serenity and the difficulties she faced in coming to terms with her illness.. I loved her and her ex husbands bond they had with each other, it was like both were doing their own things in life, but it was understood that (It will never be another you or me, It’s always us”) their love was endless… DakarI (their son) will definitely be a force to be reckoned with entering his first year of high school and hearing his moms last words to him basically telling him to be a beast out there and always give it his best in everything he do.. reading her funeral was sad, but you couldn’t take away that she was a amazing woman in life and death.
December 1, 2022
drowning
Whoaaaa this was a different speed but I loved it…Serenity seemed so delicate yet so touch and that wack ass autoimmune disease still brought her down to her knees….as a woman with an autoimmune disease as well this book was just so real raw but still so perfect. Mr Man loved his “wife” and I loved that for her…not too many stand ups now and he was definitely one…so happy they got those last times together. Diamond pen gets better and better. I never expected a stand-alone from you but job well done we need more of this pen but I’m don’t crying for now btw the title is perfect
Whoaaaa this was a different speed but I loved it…Serenity seemed so delicate yet so touch and that wack ass autoimmune disease still brought her down to her knees….as a woman with an autoimmune disease as well this book was just so real raw but still so perfect. Mr Man loved his “wife” and I loved that for her…not too many stand ups now and he was definitely one…so happy they got those last times together. Diamond pen gets better and better. I never expected a stand-alone from you but job well done we need more of this pen but I’m don’t crying for now btw the title is perfect
December 9, 2022
Beautiful Story 💐
Diamond D. Johnson always delivers great stories. But this was next level. It was emotional, inspirational and the love displayed was powerful. Mr. Man was a real man who genuinely loved his family. No one could take the place of his Bay Bay. Serenity was the epitome of strength. She reminded me of my mother. I felt for Dakari because I watched my mother battle Rheumatoid Arthritis and I could always tell when she was in pain. But she always pressed on and never complained. Like them I was there by her side until the end. And yes she too was ready.
Again, this story was beautifully written and I would love to see it become a movie. Great job 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Diamond D. Johnson always delivers great stories. But this was next level. It was emotional, inspirational and the love displayed was powerful. Mr. Man was a real man who genuinely loved his family. No one could take the place of his Bay Bay. Serenity was the epitome of strength. She reminded me of my mother. I felt for Dakari because I watched my mother battle Rheumatoid Arthritis and I could always tell when she was in pain. But she always pressed on and never complained. Like them I was there by her side until the end. And yes she too was ready.
Again, this story was beautifully written and I would love to see it become a movie. Great job 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
January 8, 2023
Speechless
Read this book over 5 hours ago. Couldn't even write a review because I was in my feelings so bad. Now that I've regroup and got myself together....BABY... This book was everything!!! Emotional and beautiful at the same damn time. Serenity is the true definition of strength. The way that she suffered but kept fighting & pushing forward for the ones she loved broke my heart. Siri & Mr Man although they didn't work out in married life the co parenting, family love, real genuine friendship but most of all true love was unmatched. 5 stars all the way around but be ready to cry your heart out.
Read this book over 5 hours ago. Couldn't even write a review because I was in my feelings so bad. Now that I've regroup and got myself together....BABY... This book was everything!!! Emotional and beautiful at the same damn time. Serenity is the true definition of strength. The way that she suffered but kept fighting & pushing forward for the ones she loved broke my heart. Siri & Mr Man although they didn't work out in married life the co parenting, family love, real genuine friendship but most of all true love was unmatched. 5 stars all the way around but be ready to cry your heart out.
January 15, 2023
excellent
This is the best book that I have read by you! I have never cried or felt this much emotions from reading a book like I just did with this book. Dionte and Serenity had true love and even though their marriage didn’t work out, they still remained best friends. They still coparented when it came to Dakari and they supported each other. Mr. Man was there every step of the way with Siri fighting lupus. Siri fought as best as she could, but it became too much for her to handle. Her body grew weak, hair falling out, kidneys failed her. She just wanted to finally rest and have everyone else to finally accept her dying.
This is the best book that I have read by you! I have never cried or felt this much emotions from reading a book like I just did with this book. Dionte and Serenity had true love and even though their marriage didn’t work out, they still remained best friends. They still coparented when it came to Dakari and they supported each other. Mr. Man was there every step of the way with Siri fighting lupus. Siri fought as best as she could, but it became too much for her to handle. Her body grew weak, hair falling out, kidneys failed her. She just wanted to finally rest and have everyone else to finally accept her dying.
January 19, 2023
Baby is all I can say
Diamond baby when I say you are truly amazing with that pen this book brought me to tears I loved the relationship Bay Bay had with Mr. Man and with her son and family and friends definitely her dance team this one is for the books it brought out so many emotions in me I have a lil cousin dealing with that same illness and she lives her life on her own terms Thank you for opening my understanding to what my baby cousin going through. Keep up the great work you do. If no body tell you being as young as you are baby girl I am proud of you, your baby girl will definitely be proud as she gets older with you as her mom.
Diamond baby when I say you are truly amazing with that pen this book brought me to tears I loved the relationship Bay Bay had with Mr. Man and with her son and family and friends definitely her dance team this one is for the books it brought out so many emotions in me I have a lil cousin dealing with that same illness and she lives her life on her own terms Thank you for opening my understanding to what my baby cousin going through. Keep up the great work you do. If no body tell you being as young as you are baby girl I am proud of you, your baby girl will definitely be proud as she gets older with you as her mom.
February 21, 2023
Drowning Without You Was Straight 🔥🔥
Omg I cried so much reading this book. Even tho they were divorced. Their love story was one for the books tho. The way Serenity & Mr Man felt about each other omg you only dreamed about that type of love. I have a aunt that battles with lupus and a cousin. Lupus is a serious illness. I take my hat off to Serenity with how strong 💪🏾 she was and how hard she fought for her son. She was definitely a legend and I will never forget her even a character because she felt like she was my cousin or aunt. This standalone will forever be one of my favorites.
Omg I cried so much reading this book. Even tho they were divorced. Their love story was one for the books tho. The way Serenity & Mr Man felt about each other omg you only dreamed about that type of love. I have a aunt that battles with lupus and a cousin. Lupus is a serious illness. I take my hat off to Serenity with how strong 💪🏾 she was and how hard she fought for her son. She was definitely a legend and I will never forget her even a character because she felt like she was my cousin or aunt. This standalone will forever be one of my favorites.
June 24, 2025
This was truly a love story to me! I loved the love they had!!
Serenity loved Dionte Reed from the first time she saw him in the gym at Howard University. She approached him and it was up from there. She struggled with Lupus since are 15. In the end she was tired of fighting. Poor Dakari was so distraught knowing his mom's departure was near. Mr. Man, Dionte loved her until the end. Lia was a real piece of work, and she tried him, but her little stunt almost got her dealt with. It was a beautiful story of love forgiveness, grief and in the end healing. It was well written and I highly recommend it!!! Thank you Diamond!!
Serenity loved Dionte Reed from the first time she saw him in the gym at Howard University. She approached him and it was up from there. She struggled with Lupus since are 15. In the end she was tired of fighting. Poor Dakari was so distraught knowing his mom's departure was near. Mr. Man, Dionte loved her until the end. Lia was a real piece of work, and she tried him, but her little stunt almost got her dealt with. It was a beautiful story of love forgiveness, grief and in the end healing. It was well written and I highly recommend it!!! Thank you Diamond!!
December 5, 2022
WOW SO AMAZING!!!🔥🔥
That was an amazing read, the love, the sorrow, i laughed, cried, and hurt with everyone else. It was so touching and moving, you can't help yourself. Mr. Man as Senerity called him gave such an insight has to who she were at her funeral, the love that they always had for each other as well has their son DaKari...that was a fantastic book Ms.Johnson..will there be a story of and about Dakari has he gets older, would love to read about him and how he showed up and out for his mom. Did he become that beast in the NBA...Just asking?
That was an amazing read, the love, the sorrow, i laughed, cried, and hurt with everyone else. It was so touching and moving, you can't help yourself. Mr. Man as Senerity called him gave such an insight has to who she were at her funeral, the love that they always had for each other as well has their son DaKari...that was a fantastic book Ms.Johnson..will there be a story of and about Dakari has he gets older, would love to read about him and how he showed up and out for his mom. Did he become that beast in the NBA...Just asking?
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