Why doesn’t she love me? That’s the question that lives rent free in Ciyani Robinson’s head. After tragedy strikes her mother completely abandons her leaving her with responsibilities that she was not old enough to handle on her own. The walls begin to close in on her as she tries her hardest to keep her head above water in this cruel world. Caught between a rock and a hard place she makes a tough decision that changes the course of her life forever.
Justice Graham seems to have the perfect life on the outside. He’s fine, wealthy and educated but something is missing. His parents were the blueprint for Black Love but in his eyes that type of love doesn’t exist in his world. He’s content with his situation just the way it is until a feisty, little beauty barrels into his life, making him question everything he thought he needed. What starts out as a budding friendship turns into more than he planned for. Can he handle all the baggage that comes with her?
He thought that he was rescuing her but was she the only one that needed saving?
Kami if this was your debut novel I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!! I absolutely loved this book! First let me say that the character development was *chefs kiss* I feel like I know these characters personally and they’re my personal friends and family! And speaking of friends and family, if mine don’t ride for me they way these folks did for Ciyani, Cartier and Cayden 🗣️ I DONT WANT THEM!!! Send em back!!!
Ciyani is a young adult that has the weight of the world on her shoulders and it’s HEAVY. She never had a good relationship with her mother Citika and doesn’t know her father. Citika decides that she doesn’t want to be a mother and leaves Ciyani at the age of 14 to care for her infant and 6 year old brothers at the time. 14!!!!!! Chile we would’ve all been jacked up fooling with me! Ciyani was the definition of my brothers keeper and even though they hit rock bottom she carried the load so that they wouldn’t have to. She missed out on the typical things teenage girls get to experience such as her first kiss, partying and typical teenage stuff but she had an undying love for her brothers…..Listen Janae deserves friend of the millennium! The way she was a true ride or die for Ciyani… everyone needs a friend like her.
Justice my Justice, could a more perfect book bae have been created. While I wouldn’t describe him as rough he was definitely an alpha male through and through. He was taught what it meant to be a man by his father and how to cater to the needs of people. To be so young, he displayed a level of maturity that some men never achieve. He was truly a selfless person and this is shown in how he cared for Ciyani! Look I can really go on and on about this book! It will make you laugh and cry but most importantly it will reaffirm that good people still exist in the world and motivate you to pay it forward if you have the ability to do so!
I cannot end this review without speaking on Citika! I hated her in this book until she spoke her truth. She was truly damaged and she had all the reason to be cold because if I had gone through her storm I’m not so sure I would have come out a better person. She had no one to advocate for her and help her get the healing she needed and sadly it led to her demise. It was unfortunate that she took her hate out on Ciyani but I definitely felt for her. Nazir was a godsend!! I hate how he was done but I’m glad Ciyani was able to experience his love!
This was the start of something that has the potential to be amazing and I really hope we get a story on Messiah and Wise! These two have a story to tell do you hear me!! Kami I hope these characters are speaking to you in 2023 because I want more!! 4.8 ⭐️’s -.2 for editing
Yea, it's me. I'm the problem. I wasn’t a fan of the story. I read the reviews multiple times just to make sure. But all the reviews were in favor of the book. So it may be me. The book started really strong but it kind of flopped from the middle till the end. Well till about 86% of the book cause that's exactly where I decided to DNF the book. This story didn't really feel like romance to me. I mean there was a boy, there was a girl, there was kissing, there was ṣėx. There were I love yous and nice gestures for sure, but for some reason, it still didn't feel like a romance novel to me. Maybe because this story was a slow burn. And when I say slow burn, I mean extremely slow. We were 73% in when something finally happened between the characters. And we were at 84% when they finally got it in. Up until then, there was no inkling that the characters were into each other. I mean we knew Ciyani had a crush on Justice, but that was it. Justice was good to her, looked out for her, and had her back but, he wasn't checking for her like that. Then boom, they got together a while later. I'd be lying if I said when they got together it wasn't cute. It was extremely sweet and cute. The little drama with Ciyani and her family is what kept me into the story, trying to see how everything ended or worked out for her.
Though I wasn't a huge fan of the book, I would recommend it cause, well books are subjective and it seems like everyone else liked the book, so read away. This author is new to me and I would be open to checking out more from her catalog
This is my first story from this author….I absolutely loved this story….there were some timeline and detail inconsistencies as well as some errors…BUT, I love how Ciyani took care of her brothers….I absolutely adore stories with children in them….Janae was that type of friend everyone loves and then along came Justice…he was absolutely the best….he had a true heart of gold. He wanted to make sure Ciyani, Cayden & Cartier we’re always taken care of….I love when he realized he was developing feelings for Ciyani and he wanted to make everything ok for her…there were a lot of warm and loving scenes in this story…I wish we could found out the story behind Catika’s crazy parents….I didn’t understand that part of the story. Hopefully, we will see more stories pop up from this group…. I’m sure there are more stories among them.
Whew the struggle, I had a hard time finishing this book. Okay so this was a wholesome read aside from the random killing 😒.
Ciyani was 20 years old taking care of her two younger brothers because her mother was hot trash. She had been their main caretaker since she was 14 as her mother bounced in and out of their lives. She counted on her mother to pay the utilities and when she unexpectedly stopped it left her and her little brothers in a bind without electricity and barely any food. She makes a decision to get food by any means necessary and at this low moment she happens to run into Justice. Justice had low key been her crush since Elementary. His family was well known throughout the town, but Justice was as humble as they came. Running into him for the second time at yet another vulnerable moment she was embarrassed, but he feels led to help them. They build a friendship and he helps her get back on her feet and his entire family embraces her and her brothers. Their friendship shifts after a year and the love they have for each other is clear. They knew that they were each other's person.
The plot was decent, but the author struggled staying on track. At one point she says that Ciyani lost her job at the diner for missing too much time at work then in the next chapter she is talking about working at the diner 😑. There were just these discrepancies throughout that bothered me. The lack of editing was extremely prevalent with the odd plot lines and the misspelling and unfinished sentences. The author has potential...I liked the names of the characters and the intended plot. The cover is beautiful and on brand with the story. Overall, it just lacked cohesiveness and came across amateurish.
In this story, there were sad moments, happy moments, and times when I wanted to jump through the pages and hug Cyani for all she had endured for so many years. The struggle was real for her and her two brothers, whom their mother abandoned. I thought I wanted to know why Cyani’s mother hated her so much, but honestly, I did not need what was revealed for baby girl. Every story has a bit of drama and some other things. Trust me when I tell you this young lady deserves to meet Justice and win his heart with her kindness. Justice came from a two-parent home until his mother passed away. His family was large enough to have others fill some of the gaps a mother would fill. He had Granny, Nana, his brother Loyal, and his father, Truth. Along with cousins and others to lift his heart and spirits. By contrast, Cyani only had her brothers. So her journey was vastly different than Justice’s, yet they were kindred spirits who bonded quickly. The pair strengthened their bond as Justice would not allow Cyani to pull away and slide into depression again. Justice was determined to be her Peace because he believed he was Made For Her.
I read this book again, and I agree with my first review
Kami, you know how to pen some tear-jerking stories ma’am! My heart went out to Ciyani, as she was dealt blow after blow in her young life. That damn egg donor of hers was as trash as they come, and I hoped that karma came for her ass! The way Ciyani loved and cared for her brothers was beautiful, although the stress almost brought her to her breaking point! 💔
Justice! This angel of a man, with a heart of gold, was just what Ciyani needed. 😇😍 He swooped in claimed her as his best friend and brought his family along for the ride. The Graham’s were so loving and welcoming to Ciyani and her brothers, I was on the verge of tears several times throughout this read.
So glad that Ciyani got the closure she desperately wanted, although it was not at all what she imagined. No worries, Justice is always there to pick up the pieces, wipe her tears, and love her thoroughly at every turn. Beautiful story! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
The authors debut and my first read. The plot was there but the story fell short. The friendship between (XXX) and (XXX) could have been fleshed out more it wasn’t developed past thier initial interactions. There was a telling in the latter third of the book,for instance the boys said to the long lost nana that xxx takes care of them it was also implied that the two friends shared a bed together often.Their friendship was told to us not shown to is, which is disappointing if you tell me this is a friends to lovers story. Thier romance just happened ( off page I guess)and all of a sudden they are in love, that big grand gesture in the club felt forced because we hadn’t seen their friendship or romance blossom. I didn’t like this story but it has foundation to be a good story. There is found family, friendships and good sex. Give it a try you might enjoy it.
It took me longer than normal to finish this book because I had reservations about Justice. He was such a kind, gentle soul but there was just one thing about him I did NOT like and it prevented me from being all in with their story. Citani deserved every good and perfect thing life could possibly offer her and I wanted the absolute best for her. The character development of Citani was too notch the entire story, but Justice definitely made a believer out of me. This story flowed well and there was a nice cast of family and friend support system that made up for the trash individual that tried to ruin Citani's life. (I hope I'm spelling her name right...lol) This was a really good story that I'm glad I stuck it out to the end so I can know and understand all the moving parts to the main characters.
This was this authors 1st book 👀👀👀…this was such an amazing story I had to go back and download the authors other book so I can read it next.
Justice heart was purely amazing the way that man spoke love into his family, Ciyani and her brothers were everything. His family was amazing how they took in Ciyani and her brothers.
Ciyani I wanted to go into this book and wrap my arms around her because that momma of hers 🤬🤬🤬 and more. I have to be careful because I want my review to be posted 🤣. Everyone needs a bestie like Janae because she was a true ride or die!!!
They truly saved each other because he didn’t have His Person until he finally seen Ciyani. I have so many favorite parts of this story because it’s just that good. The story definitely keeps you engrossed in the story!
Whyyyy does it have to be over 😩😭🤣 I could NOT get enough of Ciyani and Justice. Listen… this author had her foot on our necks from the first page to the last. The L O V E in this book was real. Even in the struggle I could feel the love through the pages 🙌🏾 Hands down I can’t wait for more from this author. Happy reading 💖
I really wanted to give this book about a 2.5 but that wasn't an option. This story line had great potential, even invoked a lot of emotions within me (something that I love when an author is able to do), but lordy if it didn't take FOREVER to get to the love story. We were 70% into the book and the couple still hasn't even kissed. I wanted to dnf this one but I was by far too invested into the outcome of the story to do so. I skipped sooooo many pages, because it was filled with way too much conversations from the secondary characters.
She did that! I have absolutely not one complaint. She took everything we knew as a reader and used it as author. Which is the best thing she could have done. This book was freaking amazing! The character development, the description! I could picture everything clearly. Phenomenal job! I can’t wait for her next release! Although I would love a spin-off of the bestie and the older brother hint hint
This took me on a ride. Ciyani could not catch a break in the beginning. I felt so bad for her and her brothers. Catika was awful. You want to feel bad for her but to do what she did just to keep her daughter from being loved was extreme. Justice was the star. He had a heart of gold. Also Janae was the friend we all need.
Girlaaaa this was a real tear jerker okay,…..i can barely put into words how got damn good this book is. This was a real redemption story the title told it all because Ciyani & Justice was really made for each other. For a debut book baby you came out swinging hitting home runs. You should be very proud, YOU DID IT FRIEND 😘
There were so many inconsistencies and the character development was VERY flat. The plot overall was good and had the makings of a nice story, but I struggled with this read. I only stuck it out because I wanted to know what the mother's beef with Yani was. There was no spice until the last 30 percent or so but none of the scenes were giving.
NEW AUTHOR WHERE?!?! When I tell you did your thing with this book I mean it with my whole heart friend. Ciyan's life has been a journey of long suffering, abandonment, and neglect; yet she still standing. She fights everyday to make a better life for her little brothers taking on parenthood at the young age of 14. Though she is fighting for better life is constantly trying to drown her and she suffers in silence until Justice comes barging into her life. He sees her pain and makes it his mission to do any and everything to support her. And that he does, and in return she ride just as hard for him too! Bestfriend to Lovers. Found family. Black Romance. This book gave all the feels; I laughed, cried, & squirmed (if you know what mean 😜). And know this "Justice is bae". Already know this will be one of my top reds for the year 💓
P.S. This is my girls 1st released and I am so proud of her!
Okay this book was decent but the amount of errors or having to reread sentences multiple times started to irritate me.
Catika 🗑️, she was literally disgusting like I kind of get why she acted that way but honestly, she irritated me to no end cause you can’t blame the kids. Anyways the brothers were so sweet even though they didn’t completely understand the struggle, they loved their sister. Justice was literally her saving grace and they were made for each other.
Janae was a great bestie from the jump. Ciyani got lucky with her and vice versa. She deserved every good thing she got after so much struggle.
“I saw something that said blood doesn’t always determine who your family is, and it resonated with me. It’s one thing for people to love you out of obligation, but it’s a deep kind of connection when people CHOOSE to love you.”
KAMIIIII, PUUUUHHHHLLLEEEASSSEEEE stop making me cry 😭! I cried all THROUGH this book honey child! Justice & Ciyani 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🫶🏾! Such a beautiful story of strangers to friends, & friends to lovers!
Another great love story from Kami!! Love how Justice & Ciyani took their time to allow their friendship to grow and develop into a beautiful relationship! Justice was there for Yani to help her in her most darkest times passing no judgements and in return she gave him a love that he had never known.
I felt all the feels with this book. Anger sadness hope love everything. This story is a perfect example of how God places people in your life when you need them the most. I can’t wait to see what’s next amazing read.
This was a great debut! The story was heartwarming and beautiful. The love was beautiful. Both characters had a protective and nurturing spirit and that shined throughout the book. Loved it!🫶🏾
Wow! I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. I can not believe this is the author first release. I loved Yani and Justice the complimented each other so well. Overall great read. I can’t wait for the next release 🤎
I came across this book through being nosey and saw a review posted that drew me in. This book was definitely worth the read. It was a tad bit long, seemed like some things were being repeated to drag the story out and if you can get past a few typos you'll enjoy the book. There wee a few smalls things that were confusing, like when did she start back working but the story is good lol.
Let me start from the beginning.... Catika is a piece of sh!t from the moment she is mentioned. To treat her daughter like garbage was heartbreaking and to just abandon all of her responsibilities on a child that she should have wanted better for seeing as though how she was raised and what she went through as a child. But that's to be expected once her truth is revealed, I had a little sympathy for her but not enough to feel sorry for how it ended for her. Eh, she deserved it lol. Nazir, that man loved that him some baby girl and I hate the jealousy of his children's mother is what ended his life.
Now, on to Yani, bka Ms. Ali lol. Baby, my heart completely breaks for her. From the beginning she was set up to fail. Searching and yearning the love and adoration from the one person in the world who completely hated her. She didn't deserve the heartache she had to deal with. A child stuck raising kids that she didn't ask to be responsible for is crazy. I love her love for her brothers though. She did the absolute best she could with the cards she was dealt. I'm happy she had Janae in her corner forever, sis was a complete fool lol but she looked out and had our girl's back always. A true ride or die, that's the kind of friend we all need.
Justice, whew that man he deserved all the love. He was yearning for a love that he didn't know existed for himself until Yani and the boys walked into his life. There was this pull from day one that had him needing to help and protect her. I liked the way he always stood his ground and firm on what he believed should be right. Now I do think he definitely let his grief cloud his judgement with that girlfriend but I was happy he finally saw the light and got rid of her trifling ass.
I love the genuineness of how their relationship grew. Started as friends and developed eventually into more. I need a part II to see how this story really ends because I know their story isn't over. The character development was nice but I want to see how the boys adjust after they move in, the relationship grow more with Nana Shelly, etc.... I want more lol this can't be the end even if the next book is about the bestie or the brothers... Something, it just can't end here....
One this book needs a trigger warning for the cutting scene also why tf was included anyway because the way I see it she needed therapy and it was literally only mentioned once to Janae…who was my favorite character for obvious reason. 😂🤷🏾♀️. Anyway aside from the grammar issues I feel like the book started well and never came full circle or when it did it was rushed, which is wild cause the boom it’s almost 400 pages. Ciyani sends much of the first part of the book doubting her skills as braider and then all of a sudden wants to open a salon on page 134 without it ever being mentioned before and it’s also mentioned in Nazirs letter but again she never verbalized that. I assume she went to school and got her license but we don’t know 🤷🏾♀️. Also the fact that, according to the timeline, Justice and Wimberly had the blow up a year prior and after the time jump had only been broken up for two months makes no sense. Either he was stupid for staying or it was a mistake. like Ciyani mentioned working at the diner after she was fired. I agree with another review that said it didn’t feel like a romance.
This one here really pulled on my heartstrings. The mention of Granny Lula was the beginning of my unraveling. It reminded me of my grandmother who is no longer with us, named Lula who we affectionally called Granny. She also loved to feed you, love on you and help you anyway she could.
Add to that all the trauma Ciyani experienced starting at a very young age at the hands of her mother, Citika and I was full on ugly crying. Even though I know that hurt and trauma can be passed on from generation to generation, I can't begin to understand how a mother could become so vicious towards an innocent child. How do you as a grown woman try to compete with a child? How do you abandon all three of your children let alone leaving you newborn infant and toddler for your 14 yo to raise? It was very clear from the beginning that Citika had some mental health issues.
However, Ciyani soon meets her Knight in shiny armor because Justice rode in on that big horse and slayed multiple hearts in the process. He was handsome, smart, and wealthy with a smidgen of thug that I didn't realize he had until towards the end. Justice had all the characteristics that most women wish for in a significant other. Not only did he capture Ciyanni's heart but that of her two little brothers as well. Justice and his family rallied around Ciyani and her brothers and showed them what Love and family was all about.
This book took me through a range of emotions. The lows from the hurt and trauma Ciyani, her brothers and Citika experienced at the hands of the people who were supposed to love them. The funny moments between Ciyani, her best friend Janae and Justice's cousins. The highs of Ciyani and Justice falling in love and the stress that made me want to pull my hair out at how poorly this book was edited. This was my first time reading this author and overall, this was a very good read. This would have been a 5-star rating for me if not for the poor editing.
Writing was made for you. You took your time in the development of the characters which was amazing leaving us with Bait for something more to come in later books. The story line however sad and traumatizing at points was unfortunately relatable to some and can be empathically understood by others. You reinforced the power of manifestation, positive energy and support. You also gave example of the power of determining your own destiny.
I love that there wasn't an overshadowing of the growing relationship with too much external drama that was unnecessary. There was the right, realistic amount of drama. This book was a prime example of illustrating that family is chosen, relatives are given. The two are often not the same.
Amazing word on this debut release. I'm excited to see the growth in your pen to come. Welcome to the building of your own table. -Mel Dau
(3.5⭐️)This was a very heartwarming story that was breaking my little social worker heart at times. I don’t typically like new adult stories, however our MCs had high levels of maturity where it made you forget they were 20 & 23 for most of the book. This was a story of perseverance & grit, and how the kindness of a stranger can change your life. I loved the way that Justice (MMC) poured into Ciyani (FMC) & helped her to reach her goals & the way that he protected her. One thing that I appreciated about this book was that the author took her time building Justice & Ciyani’s friendship, so that when the friends became lovers it was *almost* a seamless transition. I do wish there was actually a conversation about the shift though since they both had fears of ruining the friendship. Additionally, the editing could have used more work and the transitions between scenes were sometimes clumsy and made the timelines unclear at times.