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Seasons of Fidelity: Season One
No one belongs to anyone.
We claim rights second; belonging to God first.
We are born and die as individuals, and we live as such, while keeping the feelings of those we love in mind.
Often, we keep them in mind…even more than our own.
Old love. New lust. Treasured friendships. Temptation. Escapes from dulled reality. Inevitable destruction.
An anticipated reunion brings six preoccupied souls together and stirs the pot brewing with it all.
Ray, Dice, and Justice have come to age, forming an impermeable bond that has stood the storms of time and hardship.
When the trio unites after substantial time has passed, they find all rough waters aren’t left behind for the brotherhood.
Regina’s life turned out better than what was foreseen for a teenaged, single-mother.
Yet when her past is forced into her present, so are the steamy and sentimental memories.
Aleeya’s chasing dreams and thrills, and there isn’t much that can seize the free-spirit;
besides an older, already-claimed man who invites her into his dark, enchanting world.
And there’s Yael - the broken masterpiece - held together by the glue of financial stability, family structure and the American dream.
But when she meets someone who sees her well enough to spot the cracks, will she allow herself to be marveled at his mercy?
Fall into a world of tests on the morals of love and commitment.
What makes a person dishonest? Who governs the limits of loyalty?
Are we faithful or unfaithful people or do we have faithful and unfaithful moments?
Are there exceptions to the rules; cycles in a relationship that allow for forgivable circumstances?
Are there Seasons of Fidelity?
Disclaimer: This is Season One of a series. Part one ends with suspense and anticipation.
We claim rights second; belonging to God first.
We are born and die as individuals, and we live as such, while keeping the feelings of those we love in mind.
Often, we keep them in mind…even more than our own.
Old love. New lust. Treasured friendships. Temptation. Escapes from dulled reality. Inevitable destruction.
An anticipated reunion brings six preoccupied souls together and stirs the pot brewing with it all.
Ray, Dice, and Justice have come to age, forming an impermeable bond that has stood the storms of time and hardship.
When the trio unites after substantial time has passed, they find all rough waters aren’t left behind for the brotherhood.
Regina’s life turned out better than what was foreseen for a teenaged, single-mother.
Yet when her past is forced into her present, so are the steamy and sentimental memories.
Aleeya’s chasing dreams and thrills, and there isn’t much that can seize the free-spirit;
besides an older, already-claimed man who invites her into his dark, enchanting world.
And there’s Yael - the broken masterpiece - held together by the glue of financial stability, family structure and the American dream.
But when she meets someone who sees her well enough to spot the cracks, will she allow herself to be marveled at his mercy?
Fall into a world of tests on the morals of love and commitment.
What makes a person dishonest? Who governs the limits of loyalty?
Are we faithful or unfaithful people or do we have faithful and unfaithful moments?
Are there exceptions to the rules; cycles in a relationship that allow for forgivable circumstances?
Are there Seasons of Fidelity?
Disclaimer: This is Season One of a series. Part one ends with suspense and anticipation.
- GenresRomanceAfrican American
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2017
691 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Takerra Allen
25 books742 followersTakerra Allen was born in Jersey City, NJ and resides in Somerset, NJ. In addition to being an author, the 25 year old is the CEO of an all female Entertainment Company entitled Heaven Inc., and the half sister to the late renowned Tupac Shakur (sharing the same biological father, former Black Panther, William Garland).
Takerra and her business partner of Heaven Inc., have launched Angelic Script Publishing to give new edgy writers a chance to demonstrate their talent and to give readers and lovers of Contemporary Fiction, new and exciting books to fall in love with. Writing continues to be Takerra's first love however, and her work has been appraised by many veteran African-American writers.
Her first novel, Thicker Than Water, has become an underground success making it's way into mainstream recognition. Look forward to more works and projects from Takerra!
Takerra and her business partner of Heaven Inc., have launched Angelic Script Publishing to give new edgy writers a chance to demonstrate their talent and to give readers and lovers of Contemporary Fiction, new and exciting books to fall in love with. Writing continues to be Takerra's first love however, and her work has been appraised by many veteran African-American writers.
Her first novel, Thicker Than Water, has become an underground success making it's way into mainstream recognition. Look forward to more works and projects from Takerra!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
November 12, 2023
With this being my 4th read by Takerra, you’d think I’d be used to her ripping me to shreds and leaving me to put myself back together again but nope. The entire time I read this book I tried my hardest not to become attached to these characters because TA is the type to take one and deliver them to the upper room. So I braced myself but lord I was focusing on the wrong one one! Takerra why you do me like this?! 😭😭 I wasn’t ready and as much as I need to take an emotional break before diving into book 2 I can’t because I need answers ASAP!!
Seasons of Fidelity highlights 6 people that are bound by family and friendship. Ray, Dice and Justice have been thick as thieves since their early teens. The book begins with Ray’s release from prison. During his homecoming party, we get a glimpse of who these characters are. Regina, Aleeya and Yael are on the other side of this coin. This group are bound together by Ray and Regina’s connection to each other since just before his imprisonment, he made her a teen mom. Now 15 years later, their reunited and old emotions and bones begin to tumble out the closet. With the exception of Aleeya, all of these folks are in relationships or emotionally unavailable. I guess like the song says, if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with. Chyyyy these folks done remixed the song because they for everybody😩😩.
Book one has tons of character development. With each page we travel between the past and present in order to better understand who this crew is and what makes them tick. As more background information is revealed, you can’t help but to piece things together. The trauma amongst this group is thick and it seem that the more they try to dig themselves out, the deeper they’re sucked in.
Even though this is just book one, I can already tell that TA did not come to play. Welp let me strap up my boots and get ready for this war on my emotions book two is about to take me through.
Seasons of Fidelity highlights 6 people that are bound by family and friendship. Ray, Dice and Justice have been thick as thieves since their early teens. The book begins with Ray’s release from prison. During his homecoming party, we get a glimpse of who these characters are. Regina, Aleeya and Yael are on the other side of this coin. This group are bound together by Ray and Regina’s connection to each other since just before his imprisonment, he made her a teen mom. Now 15 years later, their reunited and old emotions and bones begin to tumble out the closet. With the exception of Aleeya, all of these folks are in relationships or emotionally unavailable. I guess like the song says, if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with. Chyyyy these folks done remixed the song because they for everybody😩😩.
Book one has tons of character development. With each page we travel between the past and present in order to better understand who this crew is and what makes them tick. As more background information is revealed, you can’t help but to piece things together. The trauma amongst this group is thick and it seem that the more they try to dig themselves out, the deeper they’re sucked in.
Even though this is just book one, I can already tell that TA did not come to play. Welp let me strap up my boots and get ready for this war on my emotions book two is about to take me through.
November 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This review is for all three books in the series and the same review will be posted for each individual book.
This series had my emotions all over the place. The stories were fast paced and packed with so much trauma, baggage and drama. The series starts with six main characters, Ray, Dice, Justice, Regina, Aleeya and Yael. Everyone with the exception of Yael knew each or about each during childhood. Ray and Regina are high school sweethearts and soulmates. Ray is from a single parent home and his father incarcerated. Even though his home life is the most stable, he still finds himself on the streets. Regina lives with her over zealous and religious grandmother and also assists with raising her little sister Aleeya. When Regina finds out she’s pregnant, Ray is taken away from her with a 15 year sentence. Upon his release from prison, they both want that old thing back. But Regina’s married and Ray’s in a committed relationship with his ride or die. They soon find themselves reunited by tragedy and unresolved issues for a second chance romance.
Dice is the man of the hour, pimps of all pimps and garden tool of all garden tools. Weighed down by a doormat of a girlfriend, 3 boys (2 bad ones a little Angel), and mommy issues, all Dice knows how to do is make money and fall in between legs. Aleeya is the baby of the group, with a deceased mother, absent father and hateful grandmother, she’s searching for love in all the wrong places. When Leeya and Dice meet at Ray’s welcome home celebration, the chemistry is immediate. With Aleeya being 21 and Dice in his early 30’s and being the ladies man that he is, their relationship is frowned upon. Aleeya has to decide if she’s ready to play house or continue on her path of growth and healing. Dice has met his met his match in Aleeya. He doesn’t believe in love but he’s ready to risk it in the name of.
Justice and Yeal was my least favorite story and I feel like it was enough going on in the other two stories that this one could have been admitted. Just had an abusive father that contributed to his demons but the loss of half his family made up the rest. Yael was born in Gabon, came over to visit family and met a man. she gave him her heart and upon his departure, he gave her a baby. Looking for Love and Stability, she met an older man whom she married. He gave her stability, another baby and lots and lots of a_ _ whippings. Justice and Yael meet, fell for each other and the story is just one disastrous event after another.
This review is for all three books in the series and the same review will be posted for each individual book.
This series had my emotions all over the place. The stories were fast paced and packed with so much trauma, baggage and drama. The series starts with six main characters, Ray, Dice, Justice, Regina, Aleeya and Yael. Everyone with the exception of Yael knew each or about each during childhood. Ray and Regina are high school sweethearts and soulmates. Ray is from a single parent home and his father incarcerated. Even though his home life is the most stable, he still finds himself on the streets. Regina lives with her over zealous and religious grandmother and also assists with raising her little sister Aleeya. When Regina finds out she’s pregnant, Ray is taken away from her with a 15 year sentence. Upon his release from prison, they both want that old thing back. But Regina’s married and Ray’s in a committed relationship with his ride or die. They soon find themselves reunited by tragedy and unresolved issues for a second chance romance.
Dice is the man of the hour, pimps of all pimps and garden tool of all garden tools. Weighed down by a doormat of a girlfriend, 3 boys (2 bad ones a little Angel), and mommy issues, all Dice knows how to do is make money and fall in between legs. Aleeya is the baby of the group, with a deceased mother, absent father and hateful grandmother, she’s searching for love in all the wrong places. When Leeya and Dice meet at Ray’s welcome home celebration, the chemistry is immediate. With Aleeya being 21 and Dice in his early 30’s and being the ladies man that he is, their relationship is frowned upon. Aleeya has to decide if she’s ready to play house or continue on her path of growth and healing. Dice has met his met his match in Aleeya. He doesn’t believe in love but he’s ready to risk it in the name of.
Justice and Yeal was my least favorite story and I feel like it was enough going on in the other two stories that this one could have been admitted. Just had an abusive father that contributed to his demons but the loss of half his family made up the rest. Yael was born in Gabon, came over to visit family and met a man. she gave him her heart and upon his departure, he gave her a baby. Looking for Love and Stability, she met an older man whom she married. He gave her stability, another baby and lots and lots of a_ _ whippings. Justice and Yael meet, fell for each other and the story is just one disastrous event after another.
July 30, 2024
Are you fucking serious yo??!? What the entire fuck?!
My heart hurts 😭
My heart hurts 😭
May 21, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
I have no words. This ending just wrecked me 😩😩 Takerra whyyyyyy 🥺🥺🥺😭 I should have known she would gut me at some point. Running to season 2.
I have no words. This ending just wrecked me 😩😩 Takerra whyyyyyy 🥺🥺🥺😭 I should have known she would gut me at some point. Running to season 2.
Want to read
March 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/9/2020)! 🎁
May 24, 2024
I’m not a series type of girl. Give me a standalone and leave me alone because why do I need to read countless books for me to get plot of the story? Ugh. Well here I am reading another series by Takerra Allen because I truly love being in TA Land.
First of all, I’ve never read a book where each character made me love them immediately or irked my soul every time their name came across the page. Though this book had MANY people in the story, it became very easy to keep up with each story and its POV.
Ray: MY MAN MY MAN MY MAN! He went to prison for 15 years and came out with a clear mind and ready to make amends with everybody. Something about Ray’s growth throughout this book just did something to me.
Ray and Regina: BABYYYY, the history between these 2 runs DEEEPPP!
Ray and Charisma: I understand why Ray felt like he needed to be with Charisma after he got out of prison, but it was clear they just weren’t it anymore. They never were, honestly!
Regina: I LOVE YOU! But what the fuck is going on in your house because sumn is wrong with your husband Harrison and WHY would Baby Ray feel the need to do THAT?!
Aleeya: Young, dumb, and full of cum. Seriously! I hope she grows up in book 2 and 3 because I couldn’t stand her ass in this book.
Dice: Chocolate, baby - I hate your sick ass. I don’t give a damn about your mama and daddy leaving you, you and your damn vices can go somewhere. Consenting parties or not, Dice is too grown to still only be thinking about himself in many ways. I hope he goes to see the lady in book 2 and 3 because wow!
Dice, Aleeya, Mimi: All y’all need Jesus. Nasty asses!
Justice: Love him. Mmm, he might be awkward with women, but the pain he has runs deep. What Ray did for Justice when they were kids is something that will never go unnoticed because Justice father deserved what happened to him.
Yael: Ugh. I loved her so much and my heart packed for her because her husband Craig was a piece of shit. I hope something pops off between her and Justice because I feel like they deserve one another.
Baby Ray, Ali, and Sage: The kids in this book are the cutest! Also Baby Ray drops a bomb that I didn’t see coming.
THE ENDING THOUGH!!! Takerra, I love you, but I hate you so mfking much right now. You gon’ do my heart like that? I cannot because I am in shambles.
Let me start book 2 because … WHEEEETTT???? 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
First of all, I’ve never read a book where each character made me love them immediately or irked my soul every time their name came across the page. Though this book had MANY people in the story, it became very easy to keep up with each story and its POV.
Ray: MY MAN MY MAN MY MAN! He went to prison for 15 years and came out with a clear mind and ready to make amends with everybody. Something about Ray’s growth throughout this book just did something to me.
Ray and Regina: BABYYYY, the history between these 2 runs DEEEPPP!
Ray and Charisma: I understand why Ray felt like he needed to be with Charisma after he got out of prison, but it was clear they just weren’t it anymore. They never were, honestly!
Regina: I LOVE YOU! But what the fuck is going on in your house because sumn is wrong with your husband Harrison and WHY would Baby Ray feel the need to do THAT?!
Aleeya: Young, dumb, and full of cum. Seriously! I hope she grows up in book 2 and 3 because I couldn’t stand her ass in this book.
Dice: Chocolate, baby - I hate your sick ass. I don’t give a damn about your mama and daddy leaving you, you and your damn vices can go somewhere. Consenting parties or not, Dice is too grown to still only be thinking about himself in many ways. I hope he goes to see the lady in book 2 and 3 because wow!
Dice, Aleeya, Mimi: All y’all need Jesus. Nasty asses!
Justice: Love him. Mmm, he might be awkward with women, but the pain he has runs deep. What Ray did for Justice when they were kids is something that will never go unnoticed because Justice father deserved what happened to him.
Yael: Ugh. I loved her so much and my heart packed for her because her husband Craig was a piece of shit. I hope something pops off between her and Justice because I feel like they deserve one another.
Baby Ray, Ali, and Sage: The kids in this book are the cutest! Also Baby Ray drops a bomb that I didn’t see coming.
THE ENDING THOUGH!!! Takerra, I love you, but I hate you so mfking much right now. You gon’ do my heart like that? I cannot because I am in shambles.
Let me start book 2 because … WHEEEETTT???? 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
February 5, 2019
One of the Best Books I've ever read!!!
I already love Takera Allen as an Author but this book has to be one of my favorite books of hers. There is never a full moment in this book. I love Regina & Ray's relationship & the book was just sooooo good. I'm so looking forward to the second book.
I already love Takera Allen as an Author but this book has to be one of my favorite books of hers. There is never a full moment in this book. I love Regina & Ray's relationship & the book was just sooooo good. I'm so looking forward to the second book.
October 9, 2017
This would have to be my least fav by this author. The characters felt like they were still in the beginning stages. This book was all over the place I was so disappointed
January 29, 2018
Very good book, this book was well written. The storyline was great and unpredictable. Love the characters
May 26, 2024
I JUST WANNA KNOW WHY HE WOULD DO THAT??????
May 22, 2025
The book was an ok read. It took me 3 months to finish it though. The characters are well developed, but the story dragged on a bit too much for me.
September 21, 2025
Now why would she do that 💔💔 I was already irritated with Justice seemingly moving on, and she just twisted the knife. 😒😒😒
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book. Well actually, it was the 50-11 characters being introduced in the first chapter that threw me off, but I’m happy I stuck with it. On to book two 😔
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book. Well actually, it was the 50-11 characters being introduced in the first chapter that threw me off, but I’m happy I stuck with it. On to book two 😔
July 20, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ solid read
December 8, 2025
That ending! OMFG! What tf was that? 4.5⭐️
June 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
😭😭😭 here i was thinking i was gonna get a mild book from Mrs. Allen without any tears and here she comes with the bullshit. 😭😭😭. This is the second book I’ve read of hers that she’s sent me into a tailspin at the end.
😭😭😭 here i was thinking i was gonna get a mild book from Mrs. Allen without any tears and here she comes with the bullshit. 😭😭😭. This is the second book I’ve read of hers that she’s sent me into a tailspin at the end.
May 8, 2024
I can recall starting this book maybe....2 years ago I think. I couldn't get into it in the first few pages, so I stopped. At the time I was deeply into memoirs, so that's all that had my attention at the time. I opened it a few days ago, couldn't put it down. I literally left work yesterday two hours early because I was so engrossed in the story that I was annoyed with work. Takerra Allen has a way of writing books that are realistic, relatable, soul stirring, intriguing, sexy, sexual, mesmerizing, down to earth, humorous, deep,.....I could go on and on. I understand Gee in many ways, the younger me can somewhat relate to Aleeya, I feel so bad for Yael, I love Justice, I don't really like but also highly respect Dice, and Ray reminds me of someone I know.....or knew. The end gutted me in a way that Takeera knows how to do. I'm diving right in to part 2 to continue being emotionally destroyed lol. Off to TA Land I go.......
October 27, 2018
Lawd this book. It was soo good. Made me feel like we was just living the lives of these friends. Real life stuff that happens. And everything and everyone was woven together and those semi flash back to the past gave insight to how Ray Sr, Dice,Justice, & Regina are the way they are or how something came to be. 🗣🗣I WAS NOT READY FOR THAT ENDING!!!! You will truly enjoy this book.
July 13, 2023
So much happened in this book and the ending had me acting like I was RJ's mom.
Ray and Gigi are soul mates. Dice is ...A LOT. I want Justice to have another great love. Aleeya...oh girl. Yaele, can't wait for her to be like Tina in that limo. No words for Mimi and Riz.
Takerra is my new fave. On the season 2.
Ray and Gigi are soul mates. Dice is ...A LOT. I want Justice to have another great love. Aleeya...oh girl. Yaele, can't wait for her to be like Tina in that limo. No words for Mimi and Riz.
Takerra is my new fave. On the season 2.
September 23, 2024
This is the second series I've started from Takerra Allen, and she does a great job of presenting storylines that capture your attention and keep you wrapped up in the story.
The way this first book ended, I am utterly shocked that all the thoughts I had prior are invalid and have left me heartbroken for Regina and Big Ray. 💔 Now I'm scared to even move on to the second part. 😩
The way this first book ended, I am utterly shocked that all the thoughts I had prior are invalid and have left me heartbroken for Regina and Big Ray. 💔 Now I'm scared to even move on to the second part. 😩
October 4, 2017
Regina & Ray
This was a very interesting read. That ending has me just Speechless. Wow, can't wait for the next part. Not a Dice fan, poor Yael. Sexy Ray! But I'm not sure if they'll still have the connection.
This was a very interesting read. That ending has me just Speechless. Wow, can't wait for the next part. Not a Dice fan, poor Yael. Sexy Ray! But I'm not sure if they'll still have the connection.
October 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. Great storyline and characters. Takerra never disappoints.
October 6, 2024
MY HEART 😭😭😭😭
June 18, 2025
That ending just gutted me, omfg! What was the reason?!? 🥺
November 29, 2025
what the entire fuck was that ending oh my god
November 29, 2025
Omg!!!
Takerra knows how to pull all the emotions from you!! Omg!! This ending omg!! So happy part 2 is already out!!
Takerra knows how to pull all the emotions from you!! Omg!! This ending omg!! So happy part 2 is already out!!
April 4, 2019
Wow
This book will hAve you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Wow, just wow. The ending.............I am speechless. I must read the next book.
This book will hAve you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Wow, just wow. The ending.............I am speechless. I must read the next book.
September 20, 2017
That ending broke my heart...I can't wait for more.
June 27, 2025
Seasons of Infidelity
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
“Usually when the decision is no longer yours to make…that’s the moment you realize what you really wanted.”
THIS BOOK TOOK ME THROUGH IT! I felt so many emotions while reading this. I was sad, mad at times, anxious, STRESSED!
There’s so much that happened, so much to process—I’m still trying to wrap my mind around everything. I feel like my brain can’t catch up to how this book completely took up space in my mind and altered my brain chemistry. There were so many different sensitive topics touched on in this book: child neglect, abandonment issues, daddy and mommy issues, grooming, domestic violence, infidelity, suicide!
This book was so layered. It was written absolutely amazingly. There was nothing cookie-cutter about this book—it was straight real, raw emotions! Real human and flawed characters.
I’m going to break this down because I have a lot of thoughts! There were so many amazing quotes throughout this whole book, so I’m going to break my review down starting with a quote for each character and then my thoughts.
“You know how you do, Just. You either don’t care or care too much. It’s either fuck the world or you tryna save it.”
Starting with Justice—he was my favorite! This man was like a sweet angel sent from Heaven. Beautifully flawed and broken, but a beautiful human nonetheless. My heart broke knowing the abuse that he endured as a child and had to witness his mother endure as well. And if that trauma wasn’t bad enough, he also was dealing with the loss of his wife and son in such an abrupt, tragic way.
Despite all the trauma he’d been through, he still had such a beautiful heart. I mean, this man literally made my heart melt with his kindness and selflessness. He’s exactly the kind of man a woman like Yael needed. He was so gentle and passionate with her—made her feel like the beautiful woman she is.
My heart was breaking for him because I could see that her situation was triggering his past traumas and had him spiraling. He felt like his mother was weak for staying in that situation, which made him feel like Yael was weak for staying in hers. But it takes a lot of strength to deal with domestic abuse and still get up every day. I really hope things can mend between them.
“Quand on a pas ce que l’on aime, il faut aimer ce que l’on a…”
Yael—another beautiful, broken soul whose spirit was broken down by her devil of a husband. That man seriously needs to be put down and ROIT.
My heart is breaking for her and her son and what they were being put through. It really opens your eyes to how domestic violence situations are not easy to walk away from, especially when kids are involved. This woman is sacrificing herself physically and mentally just to protect children. I really hope she gets out—and fast!
Her undeniable, tangible chemistry with Justice was beautiful. The way they gravitated toward each other, how Justice was so gentle and loving toward her—in another life, they would have been married with beautiful kids.
“Ask yourself why you make women bend to your vices as an expense for having you? Because it’s not love.”
I’m going to give some grace to Aleeya because she’s young, impressionable, and naïve. I don’t care for her relationship with Dice at all. I think the age gap is inappropriate (he’s 33, she’s 20!), especially considering that she’s Regina’s little sister. It gave me the ick.
In my opinion, relationship dynamics like that feed into the stereotype of "he has the 30-something at home but goes out looking for the young 20-something."
She was way too young for this man, and he was way too fast for her. Her brain literally couldn’t catch up with her common sense. He had her legs wide open and her head gone! Oh, girl was lowkey crashing out after he broke things off with her.
What made their relationship dynamic worse is the fact that she has abandonment and daddy issues, which is probably why she’s drawn to him since he’s older. She’s trying to numb the pain of her father’s rejection and that feeling of abandonment through men and drugs.
I also didn’t like that she knew he had a girlfriend and a whole family and still was a willing participant to be his side chick. A home can NOT be built off of another woman’s tears! And sure, you can say Mimi is stupid for allowing the shit that he does—but Aleeya allowed the shit too by having that DAMN threesome and playing on the sidelines.
“Dice wasn’t all bad. He wasn’t good, Justice would be the first to admit. But…he wasn’t the callous, soulless man-whore many believed.”
Mr. Dice Jones… I don’t like him, although I can acknowledge the fact that most of his behavior is probably due to his childhood trauma. He basically was raised in survival mode and also has abandonment issues from both his biological parents.
I truly feel like the abandonment from his mother is why he treats and disregards women the way he does. But I can also acknowledge that a man will only do what you allow. So it’s not completely his fault, but he *is* manipulative and also doesn’t have any sexual discipline or boundaries—which, to me, makes him dislikable.
I do like the loyalty that he has to his friends, but besides that, I really don’t see any redeeming qualities about him.
I don’t like the way he treats and disrespects the mother of his kids, Mimi. Cheating on her is bad enough, but to cheat on her with a young-ass 20-year-old is crazy to me. Realistically, I don’t see a 33-year-old man taking a 20-year-old seriously. How is it that the mother of your children couldn’t get you to act right, but all of a sudden this naïve 20-year-old can bring you to your knees? Yeah, okay…
What he needs is some serious therapy! Not gonna lie—I was so happy when Regina slapped the taste out of his mouth when she found out about him and Aleeya. He should have never taken things there with her in the first place. I’m mainly side-eying him in the whole situation because he’s older and should know better!
The way the girlies were hyping this man up, I thought I was about to see some pressure, but the only pressure that I seen was what he could do with his dick. Hopefully, he has some redeeming qualities in book two.
“You are an exceptional man, Raymond. You are a strong, loyal, intelligent…selfless black man,” she swore. “I may not know everything but I know that much.”
I wasn’t expecting to like Ray as much as I do, but his selflessness and loyalty are what won me over. However, I thought that whole cheating situation with him and Regina was beyond disrespectful!
And he does come off like he’s just using Charisma. I am never going to cheer on another woman being stepped on for the other woman to have the upper hand. I really wish he would have just left her in his past.
However, I can’t deny that his and Regina’s love for each other is so strong. The way they were together—it was like they basically just picked back up where they left off like nothing changed. The chemistry between these two was out of this world.
Can’t lie, my heart hurt for them being broken apart in their younger years. You could feel how strong their love was for each other even as kids. He had to make such a heartbreaking and selfless decision by letting her go. He didn’t want her to wait for him all those years. I can’t do nothing but respect that.
I loved the moments with him and little Ray. My heart hurt for him missing most of his life, too. Ray is definitely flawed and didn’t always make the best decisions, but he’s a good man. He’s human. Taking the fall for Justice like that—taking on something that life-altering at the age of 18—is very brave.
His character definitely surprised me. I didn’t think he was going to be so selfless and mature.
“A smile in the light, cry in the dark, keep everyone thriving around her type of woman.”
And lastly, Regina. I also didn’t expect to like her as much as I did. I don’t necessarily love her character, but I feel for her. Losing the love of her life, her life being altered by teen pregnancy, being a single parent, settling for someone she didn’t really love that much...
I think she’s a good woman. Like I said before, the cheating is wrong as hell! But as much as I hate to admit it, I understand why she needed it—same reason why Yael needed it, but for different and the same reasons all the same.
Seeing her trying to fight to have consistency and normalcy back in her life after things get shaken up, and trying to juggle everything, and seeing how truly unhappy she was made me feel for her.
It was beautiful seeing how Ray seemed to just make everything better in her world with just a simple “I got you” or a simple touch. Their love for each other is everything—had my heart hurting and swooning at the same time while also battling with my morals, condoning that they’re both in relationships.
I highly recommend this book. It will definitely take you through it—but it’s so worth it!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
“Usually when the decision is no longer yours to make…that’s the moment you realize what you really wanted.”
THIS BOOK TOOK ME THROUGH IT! I felt so many emotions while reading this. I was sad, mad at times, anxious, STRESSED!
There’s so much that happened, so much to process—I’m still trying to wrap my mind around everything. I feel like my brain can’t catch up to how this book completely took up space in my mind and altered my brain chemistry. There were so many different sensitive topics touched on in this book: child neglect, abandonment issues, daddy and mommy issues, grooming, domestic violence, infidelity, suicide!
This book was so layered. It was written absolutely amazingly. There was nothing cookie-cutter about this book—it was straight real, raw emotions! Real human and flawed characters.
I’m going to break this down because I have a lot of thoughts! There were so many amazing quotes throughout this whole book, so I’m going to break my review down starting with a quote for each character and then my thoughts.
“You know how you do, Just. You either don’t care or care too much. It’s either fuck the world or you tryna save it.”
Starting with Justice—he was my favorite! This man was like a sweet angel sent from Heaven. Beautifully flawed and broken, but a beautiful human nonetheless. My heart broke knowing the abuse that he endured as a child and had to witness his mother endure as well. And if that trauma wasn’t bad enough, he also was dealing with the loss of his wife and son in such an abrupt, tragic way.
Despite all the trauma he’d been through, he still had such a beautiful heart. I mean, this man literally made my heart melt with his kindness and selflessness. He’s exactly the kind of man a woman like Yael needed. He was so gentle and passionate with her—made her feel like the beautiful woman she is.
My heart was breaking for him because I could see that her situation was triggering his past traumas and had him spiraling. He felt like his mother was weak for staying in that situation, which made him feel like Yael was weak for staying in hers. But it takes a lot of strength to deal with domestic abuse and still get up every day. I really hope things can mend between them.
“Quand on a pas ce que l’on aime, il faut aimer ce que l’on a…”
Yael—another beautiful, broken soul whose spirit was broken down by her devil of a husband. That man seriously needs to be put down and ROIT.
My heart is breaking for her and her son and what they were being put through. It really opens your eyes to how domestic violence situations are not easy to walk away from, especially when kids are involved. This woman is sacrificing herself physically and mentally just to protect children. I really hope she gets out—and fast!
Her undeniable, tangible chemistry with Justice was beautiful. The way they gravitated toward each other, how Justice was so gentle and loving toward her—in another life, they would have been married with beautiful kids.
“Ask yourself why you make women bend to your vices as an expense for having you? Because it’s not love.”
I’m going to give some grace to Aleeya because she’s young, impressionable, and naïve. I don’t care for her relationship with Dice at all. I think the age gap is inappropriate (he’s 33, she’s 20!), especially considering that she’s Regina’s little sister. It gave me the ick.
In my opinion, relationship dynamics like that feed into the stereotype of "he has the 30-something at home but goes out looking for the young 20-something."
She was way too young for this man, and he was way too fast for her. Her brain literally couldn’t catch up with her common sense. He had her legs wide open and her head gone! Oh, girl was lowkey crashing out after he broke things off with her.
What made their relationship dynamic worse is the fact that she has abandonment and daddy issues, which is probably why she’s drawn to him since he’s older. She’s trying to numb the pain of her father’s rejection and that feeling of abandonment through men and drugs.
I also didn’t like that she knew he had a girlfriend and a whole family and still was a willing participant to be his side chick. A home can NOT be built off of another woman’s tears! And sure, you can say Mimi is stupid for allowing the shit that he does—but Aleeya allowed the shit too by having that DAMN threesome and playing on the sidelines.
“Dice wasn’t all bad. He wasn’t good, Justice would be the first to admit. But…he wasn’t the callous, soulless man-whore many believed.”
Mr. Dice Jones… I don’t like him, although I can acknowledge the fact that most of his behavior is probably due to his childhood trauma. He basically was raised in survival mode and also has abandonment issues from both his biological parents.
I truly feel like the abandonment from his mother is why he treats and disregards women the way he does. But I can also acknowledge that a man will only do what you allow. So it’s not completely his fault, but he *is* manipulative and also doesn’t have any sexual discipline or boundaries—which, to me, makes him dislikable.
I do like the loyalty that he has to his friends, but besides that, I really don’t see any redeeming qualities about him.
I don’t like the way he treats and disrespects the mother of his kids, Mimi. Cheating on her is bad enough, but to cheat on her with a young-ass 20-year-old is crazy to me. Realistically, I don’t see a 33-year-old man taking a 20-year-old seriously. How is it that the mother of your children couldn’t get you to act right, but all of a sudden this naïve 20-year-old can bring you to your knees? Yeah, okay…
What he needs is some serious therapy! Not gonna lie—I was so happy when Regina slapped the taste out of his mouth when she found out about him and Aleeya. He should have never taken things there with her in the first place. I’m mainly side-eying him in the whole situation because he’s older and should know better!
The way the girlies were hyping this man up, I thought I was about to see some pressure, but the only pressure that I seen was what he could do with his dick. Hopefully, he has some redeeming qualities in book two.
“You are an exceptional man, Raymond. You are a strong, loyal, intelligent…selfless black man,” she swore. “I may not know everything but I know that much.”
I wasn’t expecting to like Ray as much as I do, but his selflessness and loyalty are what won me over. However, I thought that whole cheating situation with him and Regina was beyond disrespectful!
And he does come off like he’s just using Charisma. I am never going to cheer on another woman being stepped on for the other woman to have the upper hand. I really wish he would have just left her in his past.
However, I can’t deny that his and Regina’s love for each other is so strong. The way they were together—it was like they basically just picked back up where they left off like nothing changed. The chemistry between these two was out of this world.
Can’t lie, my heart hurt for them being broken apart in their younger years. You could feel how strong their love was for each other even as kids. He had to make such a heartbreaking and selfless decision by letting her go. He didn’t want her to wait for him all those years. I can’t do nothing but respect that.
I loved the moments with him and little Ray. My heart hurt for him missing most of his life, too. Ray is definitely flawed and didn’t always make the best decisions, but he’s a good man. He’s human. Taking the fall for Justice like that—taking on something that life-altering at the age of 18—is very brave.
His character definitely surprised me. I didn’t think he was going to be so selfless and mature.
“A smile in the light, cry in the dark, keep everyone thriving around her type of woman.”
And lastly, Regina. I also didn’t expect to like her as much as I did. I don’t necessarily love her character, but I feel for her. Losing the love of her life, her life being altered by teen pregnancy, being a single parent, settling for someone she didn’t really love that much...
I think she’s a good woman. Like I said before, the cheating is wrong as hell! But as much as I hate to admit it, I understand why she needed it—same reason why Yael needed it, but for different and the same reasons all the same.
Seeing her trying to fight to have consistency and normalcy back in her life after things get shaken up, and trying to juggle everything, and seeing how truly unhappy she was made me feel for her.
It was beautiful seeing how Ray seemed to just make everything better in her world with just a simple “I got you” or a simple touch. Their love for each other is everything—had my heart hurting and swooning at the same time while also battling with my morals, condoning that they’re both in relationships.
I highly recommend this book. It will definitely take you through it—but it’s so worth it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2018
Takerra Allen still reigns supreme in my book! She brought that emotional fire to the taboo topic of infidelity!! Most think that infidelity is a simple act of selfishness or lack of respect; not true. Takerra pulls the reader into a web of relationship complexities that forces one to empathize or at least consider what makes people cheat. I loved this story and was drawn to the drama that multiple characters bring to the table. Takerra takes the reader on a mental trip (I was super excited about the cameo 😉) so that one could experience how the lives of the characters intersect as well as feed off of each another. I cannot wait until season 2 drops 🎯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
Stellar Writing but Troubling Trend
I don't want to be a whiny reader/fan, however, I have a preference when reading. I can stomach a variety of drama that is weaved into a storyline if the end justifies the means. *Spoiler Alert* There were some heavy subplots (childhood abandonment and neglect, rejection, cheating, homosexuality, degradation, physical abuse, loss, etc.) So to endure the heaviness of these multiple characters and their myriad of issues, I was hoping for a more optimistic ending not the traumatic ending of a child committing suicide.
I have seen endings like this in the last few books that I read and I don't get it--a book can be great without the added turmoil and angst. Reading is an escape for most not sure why so many writers are choosing this route and it's troubling. The book in itself was very good. I loved Ray and Regina as well as their conflicts of interest. Dice and Aleena are a train wreck but they could be the one couple that has the most promise. Justice and Yael fell short. Yael was frustrating. Her husband was horrible. Reading about the abuse was not easy but it was especially unbearable once she went back.
Finally, the transitioning or lack thereof between characters, storylines, and the past vs the present was terrible. There should have been either more chapters or the sections separated by the character. I found the lack of smooth transition quite confusing and irritating. All that being said, this is a good book that is worth reading but prepare for the heaviness and at times darkness.
I don't want to be a whiny reader/fan, however, I have a preference when reading. I can stomach a variety of drama that is weaved into a storyline if the end justifies the means. *Spoiler Alert* There were some heavy subplots (childhood abandonment and neglect, rejection, cheating, homosexuality, degradation, physical abuse, loss, etc.) So to endure the heaviness of these multiple characters and their myriad of issues, I was hoping for a more optimistic ending not the traumatic ending of a child committing suicide.
I have seen endings like this in the last few books that I read and I don't get it--a book can be great without the added turmoil and angst. Reading is an escape for most not sure why so many writers are choosing this route and it's troubling. The book in itself was very good. I loved Ray and Regina as well as their conflicts of interest. Dice and Aleena are a train wreck but they could be the one couple that has the most promise. Justice and Yael fell short. Yael was frustrating. Her husband was horrible. Reading about the abuse was not easy but it was especially unbearable once she went back.
Finally, the transitioning or lack thereof between characters, storylines, and the past vs the present was terrible. There should have been either more chapters or the sections separated by the character. I found the lack of smooth transition quite confusing and irritating. All that being said, this is a good book that is worth reading but prepare for the heaviness and at times darkness.
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