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Is She The Reason
Yara Moreland was a complex woman, full of mystery, compassion and way too much love. She would do anything for her husband, including going to jail for ten years. When she's released things aren't the same and she's left confused and wondering whose to blame. Kamala Crawford is madly in love with Kadeem, she's counting down the days that his wife is released from prison so that he can divorce her and they can get married and live happily ever after. Kadeem Moreland mind is somewhere lost in the jungle, he fails miserably at being a father to his three children, leaving them in the care of his mother. Is She The Reason gives you perspective from everyone included in this love triangle. Will karma keep Kamala's wishes from coming true? Will Yara seek revenge on her husband? Or will she realize that their love was never real to begin with? National Best-Selling Author Nako is back with a spell-binding novel that captures the attention and hearts of her readers. Author's Is She The Reason is a full-length standalone. Characters were previously mentioned in Creme De La Creme, however you do not have to read the story to enjoy Is She The Reason.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
535 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2018
958 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Nako
105 books439 followersNakoreya “Nako” Roberson is a native of Atlanta, Georgia studying Mass Communications, Political Science, and Spanish at the illustrious Jackson State University. Upon signing her publishing deal in December 2014, her first book debuted on Amazon.com only one month later and she’s written thirty-three (33) novels to date. She’s become an accomplished and successful author overnight and is planning on additional releases within this year.
Her first national release, The Connect’s Wife, ranked within the top one hundred (100) releases and was number one (#1) in the following categories: African American Romance, Urban Fiction, and African American Fiction. At twenty-two, Nako has already made her mark on the literary world. Through the formation of her newly-established publishing company, NakoEXPO, she’s dedicated and determined to assist other talented authors in the literary world to bring their projects to fruition. Her ultimate goal is to assist other authors in realizing their true potential and change the world one novel at a time.
CEO of NakoEXPO Publishing
● Successfully published and released seventeen novels
● Eight Best-selling novels
● Sold 50,000 copies of her debut novel, The Connect’s Wife, within the first six months
● Nominated for E-Book of the Year and Reader’s Choice Awards (Other nominees are New York Times Best-sellers and Nako is the youngest nominee in both categories)
● Author of The Connect’s Wife series, The Chanel Cavette Story, If We Ruled the World, and Love in the Ghetto
● Founder of mentorship program entitled, Molding Girls into Jacksonian Women
● Over three hundred (300) girls have been mentored since the organization’s inception in 2014
AREAS OF INTEREST
● Keynote Speaker – Topics range from Publishing, Character Development, and Pursing Your Dreams
● Philanthropist- Bullying, Overcoming Low Self-Esteem, and Navigating through Toxic Relationships
● January 2014, launched The Passport, a personal guide for women striving to find their “stamps” in life. Once a month, Nako releases a “stamp” to her followers geared towards reaching contentment.
www.NakoEXPO.com
cometoatlanta@gmail.com for BOOKING
Her first national release, The Connect’s Wife, ranked within the top one hundred (100) releases and was number one (#1) in the following categories: African American Romance, Urban Fiction, and African American Fiction. At twenty-two, Nako has already made her mark on the literary world. Through the formation of her newly-established publishing company, NakoEXPO, she’s dedicated and determined to assist other talented authors in the literary world to bring their projects to fruition. Her ultimate goal is to assist other authors in realizing their true potential and change the world one novel at a time.
CEO of NakoEXPO Publishing
● Successfully published and released seventeen novels
● Eight Best-selling novels
● Sold 50,000 copies of her debut novel, The Connect’s Wife, within the first six months
● Nominated for E-Book of the Year and Reader’s Choice Awards (Other nominees are New York Times Best-sellers and Nako is the youngest nominee in both categories)
● Author of The Connect’s Wife series, The Chanel Cavette Story, If We Ruled the World, and Love in the Ghetto
● Founder of mentorship program entitled, Molding Girls into Jacksonian Women
● Over three hundred (300) girls have been mentored since the organization’s inception in 2014
AREAS OF INTEREST
● Keynote Speaker – Topics range from Publishing, Character Development, and Pursing Your Dreams
● Philanthropist- Bullying, Overcoming Low Self-Esteem, and Navigating through Toxic Relationships
● January 2014, launched The Passport, a personal guide for women striving to find their “stamps” in life. Once a month, Nako releases a “stamp” to her followers geared towards reaching contentment.
www.NakoEXPO.com
cometoatlanta@gmail.com for BOOKING
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
June 5, 2023
One very important question I always ask myself when reading a book is “did this book make me feel?” Well let me tell you reading “Is She the Reason?” will make you feel all the things for all the people! Anger was an emotion that I felt through most of this book.
*** SPOILERS BELOW****
Yara and Kadeem were deep in that thang! Deep in love and even deeper in the streets. They had three beautiful daughters and were living their dream life. A life that was afforded to them through illegal dealings. Life was lavish and they couldn’t have had it better! All of that came crashing down when the FEDs raided their home and was dropping big boy numbers on them for the crimes they committed. When it was all said and done the 03 Bonnie and Clyde were sentenced to 10 years in jail. Yara was a rider and was prepared to eat that time all in the name of love and loyalty. Leaving behind her girls to be cared for by her mother in law, she set out to serve her sentence.
10 years later, Yara is a free woman and ready to reunite with her children and the love of her life who up to this point should’ve also been in jail right?! Wrong!! Kadeem got out of jail a year into his sentence on a technicality that somehow didn’t swing in Yara’s favor! When I tell you Kadeem’s betrayal throughout this entire book had me 38 hot!!! I was HOT!!! He was the lowest of the low in how dirty he did Yara! Imagine coming home to adult children (21,18&14) that want nothing to do with you to finding out that everyone lied to you!!
This was a looooooong journey of healing for Yara! Kadeem played in her face this entire book and was real shady with how he treated Yara! To make matters worse Yara was released to find that Kadeem was engaged to be married!!! I really felt for Yara as she struggled to regain her footing in the world that seemed to go on without her. She had a battle regaining the trust and love of her girl but she was shown favor! Opportunities fell in her life and the blessings she received were in abundance.
Is she the reason could have easily been a 5 star read but here’s where things fell short. The author based a good chunk of the book on this technicality for Kadeem’s early released but never disclosed to readers what it was. When Yara was able to see the case files, something was revealed that had murder in her veins. The author never revealed what she saw in those files. I don’t think Ayanna’s attack was a necessary part of the story. And if it was I would’ve loved to see her and Yara work through her pain together since she experienced something similar while in prison. That was a missed bonding opportunity between the two. Kamala really went through this family like a tornado and walked away unscathed and ion like det! Lastly the baby! Kadeem and Yara had a son that was “kidnapped” and towards the end of the book, we find out that Kadeem found him or knew where he was the whole time but never said anything. Where was the baby? What happened to him and why didn’t we get closure on that situation especially since Quentin also knew after he dug into Yara’s background. Maybe the author didn’t want to expose Yara to the grief but she could’ve shared that with the readers. I don’t enjoy reading 531 pages in a book to still have unanswered questions.
This is my second book by this author and I’m starting to see a habit of her rushing certain details in her books. The foundation for an amazing book was there but a few areas missed the mark. Nako has one more chance from me before I shelf her catalog. This book is 5 years old so I’m hoping to see major growth in her new release.
*** SPOILERS BELOW****
Yara and Kadeem were deep in that thang! Deep in love and even deeper in the streets. They had three beautiful daughters and were living their dream life. A life that was afforded to them through illegal dealings. Life was lavish and they couldn’t have had it better! All of that came crashing down when the FEDs raided their home and was dropping big boy numbers on them for the crimes they committed. When it was all said and done the 03 Bonnie and Clyde were sentenced to 10 years in jail. Yara was a rider and was prepared to eat that time all in the name of love and loyalty. Leaving behind her girls to be cared for by her mother in law, she set out to serve her sentence.
10 years later, Yara is a free woman and ready to reunite with her children and the love of her life who up to this point should’ve also been in jail right?! Wrong!! Kadeem got out of jail a year into his sentence on a technicality that somehow didn’t swing in Yara’s favor! When I tell you Kadeem’s betrayal throughout this entire book had me 38 hot!!! I was HOT!!! He was the lowest of the low in how dirty he did Yara! Imagine coming home to adult children (21,18&14) that want nothing to do with you to finding out that everyone lied to you!!
This was a looooooong journey of healing for Yara! Kadeem played in her face this entire book and was real shady with how he treated Yara! To make matters worse Yara was released to find that Kadeem was engaged to be married!!! I really felt for Yara as she struggled to regain her footing in the world that seemed to go on without her. She had a battle regaining the trust and love of her girl but she was shown favor! Opportunities fell in her life and the blessings she received were in abundance.
Is she the reason could have easily been a 5 star read but here’s where things fell short. The author based a good chunk of the book on this technicality for Kadeem’s early released but never disclosed to readers what it was. When Yara was able to see the case files, something was revealed that had murder in her veins. The author never revealed what she saw in those files. I don’t think Ayanna’s attack was a necessary part of the story. And if it was I would’ve loved to see her and Yara work through her pain together since she experienced something similar while in prison. That was a missed bonding opportunity between the two. Kamala really went through this family like a tornado and walked away unscathed and ion like det! Lastly the baby! Kadeem and Yara had a son that was “kidnapped” and towards the end of the book, we find out that Kadeem found him or knew where he was the whole time but never said anything. Where was the baby? What happened to him and why didn’t we get closure on that situation especially since Quentin also knew after he dug into Yara’s background. Maybe the author didn’t want to expose Yara to the grief but she could’ve shared that with the readers. I don’t enjoy reading 531 pages in a book to still have unanswered questions.
This is my second book by this author and I’m starting to see a habit of her rushing certain details in her books. The foundation for an amazing book was there but a few areas missed the mark. Nako has one more chance from me before I shelf her catalog. This book is 5 years old so I’m hoping to see major growth in her new release.
June 4, 2023
Great Plot....Terribly Developed Story
The plot was amazing, which is the reason for me picking this book....I'm thinking this would’ve really been a great story....HOWEVER, the cultivation and development of the story was lackluster....the story in my opinion wasn't developed….At All!….I believed the author had ample time....this was a 13 hour audiobook...there were a lot of issue left unresolved, there were people in certain scenes of the story that made no sense at all! One of the man characters was a man named Kadeem...there were a lot of things left out about him, his mother and his father...as well as the weird relationship between his parents....those issue were presented throughout the story...but never actually addressed....the story between the two (2) main characters Kadeem & his Wife/ex-wife Yara was poorly resolved....Yara's storyline was sort developed of all of the characters...as well as her & Kadeem's oldest daughter Ameena & youngest daughter (I forget her name).....the story briefly spoke about the couple's son...however, that was something else mentioned, but wasn't developed. Their middle daughter didn't have a developed story either....I really don't understand how I spent those 13 hours....the story talked about basically the same thing over and over....I don't understand how the father's fiancée Kamala was able to get away with all of the BS she got away with....and the icing on the cake…. the narration was terrible!
The plot was amazing, which is the reason for me picking this book....I'm thinking this would’ve really been a great story....HOWEVER, the cultivation and development of the story was lackluster....the story in my opinion wasn't developed….At All!….I believed the author had ample time....this was a 13 hour audiobook...there were a lot of issue left unresolved, there were people in certain scenes of the story that made no sense at all! One of the man characters was a man named Kadeem...there were a lot of things left out about him, his mother and his father...as well as the weird relationship between his parents....those issue were presented throughout the story...but never actually addressed....the story between the two (2) main characters Kadeem & his Wife/ex-wife Yara was poorly resolved....Yara's storyline was sort developed of all of the characters...as well as her & Kadeem's oldest daughter Ameena & youngest daughter (I forget her name).....the story briefly spoke about the couple's son...however, that was something else mentioned, but wasn't developed. Their middle daughter didn't have a developed story either....I really don't understand how I spent those 13 hours....the story talked about basically the same thing over and over....I don't understand how the father's fiancée Kamala was able to get away with all of the BS she got away with....and the icing on the cake…. the narration was terrible!
June 5, 2023
What is the reason I still have questions??
There is no question that I was locked into the story. I felt Yara's plight and I was saddened that she allowed her husband fboy Kadeem to lead her down the wrong path. He used her and took everything that she gave him for granted. Yara was the epitome of ride or die chick and was ready to do a 10 year bid alongside her husband ..so she thought. Yes I'm spilling hot tea ☕
When I tell you Kadeem is the president of trifling fboys, I mean it with everything in me. This trash as$ mf somehow avoids his bid and does not do his due diligence to get his wife out. Then on top of that he doesn't even attempt to take care of their children. He leaves them with his mother. The icing on the cake is that he is a LIAR and has everybody lying to Yara. Then on TOP of that the mf is engaged. How you engaged and you still married sir?? How does that work. Talking about a bi#$h as$ 🥷🏾.
This story had a lot of potential, but it lacked balance between the main characters storylines and inserted too many of the subcharacters. There was a big span of time where we didn't hear from Kadeem, the other mc for the longest time...it was like he fell off a cliff, hence the imbalance.
The author needed to pick a side with Yara. One minute she was a good mom, and in the next minute she is missing out on pivotal moments in her children's lives and she is FREE. Like I didn't get that at all. Two of her daughters had traumatic experiences and she was barely present. Like tf...make this make sense. Then there was all these substories with the older daughter and Kadeem's parents that felt wasteful to me.
More time could have been spent properly closing loops. Why did we not learn what was in Yara's case files? she was almost ready to go back to jail but we don't know why?? What really happened to their son, and why did he have 2 different names? One moment he was KJ and the next he was Aiden. I didn't like how vague that was left. Kadeem got his karma, but I need somebody to explain how trash as$ Kamala got a pass when she was just as grimey. I didn't like anything about her. Clearly the author did a good enough job for me to be passionate about the characters, but I think a solid editor and outline would have helped her connect the story better. With 581 pages I should have no questions left.
There is no question that I was locked into the story. I felt Yara's plight and I was saddened that she allowed her husband fboy Kadeem to lead her down the wrong path. He used her and took everything that she gave him for granted. Yara was the epitome of ride or die chick and was ready to do a 10 year bid alongside her husband ..so she thought. Yes I'm spilling hot tea ☕
When I tell you Kadeem is the president of trifling fboys, I mean it with everything in me. This trash as$ mf somehow avoids his bid and does not do his due diligence to get his wife out. Then on top of that he doesn't even attempt to take care of their children. He leaves them with his mother. The icing on the cake is that he is a LIAR and has everybody lying to Yara. Then on TOP of that the mf is engaged. How you engaged and you still married sir?? How does that work. Talking about a bi#$h as$ 🥷🏾.
This story had a lot of potential, but it lacked balance between the main characters storylines and inserted too many of the subcharacters. There was a big span of time where we didn't hear from Kadeem, the other mc for the longest time...it was like he fell off a cliff, hence the imbalance.
The author needed to pick a side with Yara. One minute she was a good mom, and in the next minute she is missing out on pivotal moments in her children's lives and she is FREE. Like I didn't get that at all. Two of her daughters had traumatic experiences and she was barely present. Like tf...make this make sense. Then there was all these substories with the older daughter and Kadeem's parents that felt wasteful to me.
More time could have been spent properly closing loops. Why did we not learn what was in Yara's case files? she was almost ready to go back to jail but we don't know why?? What really happened to their son, and why did he have 2 different names? One moment he was KJ and the next he was Aiden. I didn't like how vague that was left. Kadeem got his karma, but I need somebody to explain how trash as$ Kamala got a pass when she was just as grimey. I didn't like anything about her. Clearly the author did a good enough job for me to be passionate about the characters, but I think a solid editor and outline would have helped her connect the story better. With 581 pages I should have no questions left.
July 17, 2019
Wow....where do I start!? Everything about this book had my attention from page 1. The way Kadeem did Yara had me mad! He was truly a POS with little to no care about anyone. I loved Yara and how she held her own, got on her feet, fought through her hurt, and bossed up and allowed a real man to love her. The things that her daughters were going through were real life situations that made reading this story that much better. I loved Charlie and KK and loved how they loved Yara. Kamala seemed to be genuine in the beginning, but in reality she was ready to flow whichever way the best wind blew. There was soooooooooooooooo much family drama which always makes for a great read! Nako's way of being so very descriptive in her writing is absolutely amazing. I truly felt like I was watching a movie. I was upset when my kindle said 74% because I realized I was almost done and I didn't want the story to end. A must read for sure!
September 2, 2024
I started the book and immediately was like…. Okay this plot gone be good. I continued page after page simply bc Kadeem had audacity. As I continued I kept asking myself, how is this book making me feel? Why am I continuing to folio the page?
So Yara spends 10 years in prison for a crime that her and her husband committed, that right there out a bad taste in my mouth immediately and Nako did a good job of writing Kadeem in a way that kept me in constant hate for this man, and I side eyed Yara on several occasions.
I truly enjoyed this story but I feel several pieces were missing. The plot of the story was good but development of this story was lacking. It felt as though she kept having these pivotal plot twist yet they were never fully complete.
For example, mentioning who testified in the trial, have Yara so fired up she drove to this persons home to kill her, yet she never reveals who that person was and why Yara reacted the way she did.
Another issue for me was the lack of order when switching POVs. The chapter structure was all wrong, I feel the chapters should have been named by the person speaking it took a minute to determine who was talking bc the time jumps where all over the place and the character within a chapter just kept changing.
The faith elements of this book I truly enjoyed! The story of Yara being harmed by the church and questioning her faith was a true testament to how many people battle with their relationship with God.
It’s so much more I can say about them daughters, Yara as a mother and that relationship between Kadeem and Kamala but that would spoil the book and I don’t want to do that.
This book was over 500 pages, was it worth a read? I would say yes, did I walk away feeling like I got the ending I wanted? I would say maybe..
Give it a read
3.5🌟
So Yara spends 10 years in prison for a crime that her and her husband committed, that right there out a bad taste in my mouth immediately and Nako did a good job of writing Kadeem in a way that kept me in constant hate for this man, and I side eyed Yara on several occasions.
I truly enjoyed this story but I feel several pieces were missing. The plot of the story was good but development of this story was lacking. It felt as though she kept having these pivotal plot twist yet they were never fully complete.
For example, mentioning who testified in the trial, have Yara so fired up she drove to this persons home to kill her, yet she never reveals who that person was and why Yara reacted the way she did.
Another issue for me was the lack of order when switching POVs. The chapter structure was all wrong, I feel the chapters should have been named by the person speaking it took a minute to determine who was talking bc the time jumps where all over the place and the character within a chapter just kept changing.
The faith elements of this book I truly enjoyed! The story of Yara being harmed by the church and questioning her faith was a true testament to how many people battle with their relationship with God.
It’s so much more I can say about them daughters, Yara as a mother and that relationship between Kadeem and Kamala but that would spoil the book and I don’t want to do that.
This book was over 500 pages, was it worth a read? I would say yes, did I walk away feeling like I got the ending I wanted? I would say maybe..
Give it a read
3.5🌟
December 26, 2022
Yara! Yara! Yara! This read was not long enough for me. I wanted more Yara. She endured so much but yet she remained strong and ten toes down. Never succumbing to and begging Kadeem for another chance, to leave his fiance, or for closure. She is definitely what you call strength of a woman. I'm so glad her relationship with her kids blossomed. I was kind of leary at first because they didn't seem to care when she first got home. Kadeem was selfish and a poor excuse of a man. He left his kids to be raised by his mother while he was living the life with his newfound woman. I don't agree with his sentence because he did what any real father would do. Giselle showing Yara love was everything!!! Quentin, Lord where is my Quentin!! He was what Yara needed and more. A breath of fresh and a man with purpose, love, and grace. He was very understanding. Miko hasn't changed a bit. Now seeing my girl Lo pop up dropping jewels was definitely the highlight of this read to me. I love me some Lo. Overall this read was really good, but thats a given though because Nako never disappoints!!
February 2, 2024
OH HOW THE MF TABLES TURN!
June 5, 2023
If you have time to waste
This book gave me a headache. It was so disjointed and not mapped out very well. It gave a lot of unnecessary information and side stories and left out two critical pieces of information. What happened to the son? What information did Yara gain from the files?
This book gave me a headache. It was so disjointed and not mapped out very well. It gave a lot of unnecessary information and side stories and left out two critical pieces of information. What happened to the son? What information did Yara gain from the files?
June 30, 2020
All Hail the Queen!
Round of applause to Nako for penning such an addictive and inspiring read! Yara Moreland is the definition of resilient. My girl served 10 years in jail, all in the name of love. However, she comes home with dreams of picking up where she left off in her loved ones life. But her "man" (if you can call him that) has something different in mind AND homeboy got more secrets than Victoria. Her daughters are no longer small children and are having to reestablish or build relationships with their mother. Yara has to figure out how to get over betrayal, heartbreak, PTSD, and a troubled upbringing before her life turns for better days. Find out what therapy and a praying boyfriend can get you. One word... INSPIRATIONAL!
Round of applause to Nako for penning such an addictive and inspiring read! Yara Moreland is the definition of resilient. My girl served 10 years in jail, all in the name of love. However, she comes home with dreams of picking up where she left off in her loved ones life. But her "man" (if you can call him that) has something different in mind AND homeboy got more secrets than Victoria. Her daughters are no longer small children and are having to reestablish or build relationships with their mother. Yara has to figure out how to get over betrayal, heartbreak, PTSD, and a troubled upbringing before her life turns for better days. Find out what therapy and a praying boyfriend can get you. One word... INSPIRATIONAL!
March 21, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ there’s still so many things left unanswered 🤯😡
July 30, 2020
I read this book in three days...Stayed up till 5am one morning...I really loved how the author depicted each character in her story. My take-aways: When loved properly a persons beauty & talents blossoms, always love yourself more than anybody else, it’s never to late to fulfill your wildest dreams & goals! Read it- you won’t be sorry!
April 6, 2018
💜💜💜💜
Nako everytime you write a book i can literally feel your growth in these books! It’s amazing how you touch so many subjects in your book! Most of all i love the black girl magic 💜💜💜💜
Nako everytime you write a book i can literally feel your growth in these books! It’s amazing how you touch so many subjects in your book! Most of all i love the black girl magic 💜💜💜💜
June 3, 2018
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Words can not express how this book was Everything! Quentin where are you in real life?!? I can’t believe she went through all that she had and still came out on top. So many emotions from this book. I definitely hav to read this author again
Words can not express how this book was Everything! Quentin where are you in real life?!? I can’t believe she went through all that she had and still came out on top. So many emotions from this book. I definitely hav to read this author again
December 31, 2025
Everything!
January 14, 2021
SPOILERS AHEAD PEEEEEP
Man that was heavy , first let me say girl I loved how Yara handled that shit with kadeem
Kadeem was a heartless asshole , and I just felt sad for him at the end ‘
Kamala oh Kamala I could see that bitch was no good , man karma is bitch and she will get her day .
Oooh let’s come to my baby and my favorite person in the whole book Mr Facts , I loved how real and steady and sweet he was with Yara and her daughters .
Then comes the daughters , first of all I understand that they were children and they didn’t have to choose one parent over another but lying to ur mother and hiding the truth from that gutted me , especially meme who was visiting her mom .
Ayanna I didn’t like her in the book , she was cold and detached from everyone but I felt so bad what happened to her .
Yanise the youngest daughter was the most likable in my idea when it comes to the daughters of Yara and I just felt for the girl but I loved how straight she was with everyone specially when she told her mom the truth about him and that he was engaged.
This was my first book by this author and even though I didn’t like her writing style that much , the story was just amazing.
Man that was heavy , first let me say girl I loved how Yara handled that shit with kadeem
Kadeem was a heartless asshole , and I just felt sad for him at the end ‘
Kamala oh Kamala I could see that bitch was no good , man karma is bitch and she will get her day .
Oooh let’s come to my baby and my favorite person in the whole book Mr Facts , I loved how real and steady and sweet he was with Yara and her daughters .
Then comes the daughters , first of all I understand that they were children and they didn’t have to choose one parent over another but lying to ur mother and hiding the truth from that gutted me , especially meme who was visiting her mom .
Ayanna I didn’t like her in the book , she was cold and detached from everyone but I felt so bad what happened to her .
Yanise the youngest daughter was the most likable in my idea when it comes to the daughters of Yara and I just felt for the girl but I loved how straight she was with everyone specially when she told her mom the truth about him and that he was engaged.
This was my first book by this author and even though I didn’t like her writing style that much , the story was just amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2025
Fire
I was falling in a slump. Couldn't find anything that would stick. Then I found their gem sitting on my TBR list. I can't believe I bought it and never read it. I will say at some points I felt like Yara was ticking me off. She wasn't with her girls enough for me after doing 10 years. But she got it together. This was str8 FIRE
I was falling in a slump. Couldn't find anything that would stick. Then I found their gem sitting on my TBR list. I can't believe I bought it and never read it. I will say at some points I felt like Yara was ticking me off. She wasn't with her girls enough for me after doing 10 years. But she got it together. This was str8 FIRE
January 18, 2026
Karma is a _____!
This book started off rocky and had me looking at a lot of people sideways! However, I do appreciate the fact that everyone that was done wrong got the HEA they deserved. Kadeem wasn’t $#!+ from beginning to end and I thought he would have at let got his act together towards the end but nope! Overall I enjoyed this book and it kept me motivated to finish.
This book started off rocky and had me looking at a lot of people sideways! However, I do appreciate the fact that everyone that was done wrong got the HEA they deserved. Kadeem wasn’t $#!+ from beginning to end and I thought he would have at let got his act together towards the end but nope! Overall I enjoyed this book and it kept me motivated to finish.
April 14, 2018
I absolutely love
I feel in love with this story and I absolutely love Zara. I’m sure that many woman can identify with giving our all to the wrong man. God definitely brought her through like the story says sometimes God has to sit you down so that he can bless you and help you get to your purpose. I love the love story of Quentin and Zara they were so great together. I couldn’t stand Kadeem almost immediately couldn’t stand Kadeem he was so shady and I didn’t really like Kamala just because I felt she was selfish and not listening to her man. She was being shady to Zara for no reason when she was in the wrong. I’m so upset about Marsha and I can related I’ve lost my own Sister/cousin in that way to a selfish crazy man and my family didn’t no what was going on or we would have stopped it. Over all I love everything you write and I’m never disappointed. I wish we could get more from this story because I would love to see more from all of them. Can’t wait until you drop your next jewel on us.
I feel in love with this story and I absolutely love Zara. I’m sure that many woman can identify with giving our all to the wrong man. God definitely brought her through like the story says sometimes God has to sit you down so that he can bless you and help you get to your purpose. I love the love story of Quentin and Zara they were so great together. I couldn’t stand Kadeem almost immediately couldn’t stand Kadeem he was so shady and I didn’t really like Kamala just because I felt she was selfish and not listening to her man. She was being shady to Zara for no reason when she was in the wrong. I’m so upset about Marsha and I can related I’ve lost my own Sister/cousin in that way to a selfish crazy man and my family didn’t no what was going on or we would have stopped it. Over all I love everything you write and I’m never disappointed. I wish we could get more from this story because I would love to see more from all of them. Can’t wait until you drop your next jewel on us.
August 1, 2019
What a phenomenal read!
So glad Yara begin to heal, forgive, and love, again. Her girls was her strength and pride and joy. Always told them the truth and stayed schooling them. Quentin was her solace and glue that help mend her heart! When he took her to church and they prayed over her, My God! So glad they had a happy ending.
Now Kadeem heartless, selfish, lying azz punk! How can you call yourself a man?Left your wife to rot in prison for 10yr. Had your Mama raise y’all 3 daughters while him and Kamala played house on the other side of town. Karma came back to him slapping him right in the face. Kamala I truly believe she had something to do with Kadeem and Yara case. He doing 1yr and Yara served 10 wasn’t right. Kamala is a snake!
A quote I read in another book of Nako says
“Never leave the one you love for the one you like, it usually doesn’t turn out right.”
So glad Yara begin to heal, forgive, and love, again. Her girls was her strength and pride and joy. Always told them the truth and stayed schooling them. Quentin was her solace and glue that help mend her heart! When he took her to church and they prayed over her, My God! So glad they had a happy ending.
Now Kadeem heartless, selfish, lying azz punk! How can you call yourself a man?Left your wife to rot in prison for 10yr. Had your Mama raise y’all 3 daughters while him and Kamala played house on the other side of town. Karma came back to him slapping him right in the face. Kamala I truly believe she had something to do with Kadeem and Yara case. He doing 1yr and Yara served 10 wasn’t right. Kamala is a snake!
A quote I read in another book of Nako says
“Never leave the one you love for the one you like, it usually doesn’t turn out right.”
April 9, 2018
ISTR
The first couple pages had me in my feelings EARLY! Lol. This book was straight fire. It flowed so well. I love Yara and i hated Kadeem. He did Yara so dirty it was disgusting. I'm so glad she wasn't with the drama and she really did glow up in the most amazing way. I'm glad the girls finally game came around stopped being so resentful. Kadeem got all his karma by the end and that's all I really wanted lol. Kamala she tried to hard and Charlie was spot on with her assumptions about her. This was a well-written book about overcoming betrayal and finding real happiness within yourself. I loved it
The first couple pages had me in my feelings EARLY! Lol. This book was straight fire. It flowed so well. I love Yara and i hated Kadeem. He did Yara so dirty it was disgusting. I'm so glad she wasn't with the drama and she really did glow up in the most amazing way. I'm glad the girls finally game came around stopped being so resentful. Kadeem got all his karma by the end and that's all I really wanted lol. Kamala she tried to hard and Charlie was spot on with her assumptions about her. This was a well-written book about overcoming betrayal and finding real happiness within yourself. I loved it
April 10, 2018
YAASSS YARA👏👏👏👏
Nako has done it again with an amazing book. Very well written. This book will definitely have you feeling all kinds of emotions from anger, hurt, laughter and even shedding a few tears. I love Yara's story, a women who has basically gone through hell and was determined to bounce back and be even better for herself and her daughters. I was so engrossed in her story that I didn't want it to end. An amazing story definitely worth recommending. Congratulations Nako on another best seller.
Nako has done it again with an amazing book. Very well written. This book will definitely have you feeling all kinds of emotions from anger, hurt, laughter and even shedding a few tears. I love Yara's story, a women who has basically gone through hell and was determined to bounce back and be even better for herself and her daughters. I was so engrossed in her story that I didn't want it to end. An amazing story definitely worth recommending. Congratulations Nako on another best seller.
May 16, 2018
Loved it!
I love how Yara developed, the progression of her development and the slow unbending of her daughters. I appreciated her ability to move on and her ultimate outcome.
I love how you keep all of your characters from previous books making appearances. Basically, I love your style!!!
I love how Yara developed, the progression of her development and the slow unbending of her daughters. I appreciated her ability to move on and her ultimate outcome.
I love how you keep all of your characters from previous books making appearances. Basically, I love your style!!!
July 13, 2018
I loved this book. Yara went through so much, but still got her happy ending. It was nice to see people from the Underworld and Giselle in this book. Wish there was more on Yara but I’m happy with this standalone.
April 23, 2020
COOL STORY
I will say karma will catch you at the end. I almost felt bad for Kadeem but not really!! Good read!!
I will say karma will catch you at the end. I almost felt bad for Kadeem but not really!! Good read!!
March 4, 2024
Wow. This book was a journey! From the very beginning it gave me “Lucious and Cookie Lyon” vibes cerca Season 1 Empire and I loved that.
My biggest issue and the reason I gave it 4 stars was that this was a really HARD read for me — and not hard in the sense of the subject matter (although I do think Trigger Warnings should be in the beginning of this book) — hard in the sense that as someone with ADHD, the structure of the writing was extremely hard and even confusing at time.
I know a lot of people dislike dual POVs and personally, I don’t mind them. But this was not that. This was more like everyone’s (and I do mean every single character in this book, and there were a lot) POVs in one chapter. In one page. In one paragraph without differentiating who was speaking. I found myself literally so confused at times when mid conversation the POV would switch with no warning. It literally can be frustrating for those of us who already have focus challenges and although I loved every minute of this story, that, coupled with this being a pretty hefty read (at 500+ pages), I definitely would feel obligated to explain this to someone before diving in.
Luckily the story line is so compelling you want to push through the confusion.
Not to mention the main plot of the book… the “technicality” Kadeem was released on… we never got an answer for. This was extremely frustrating.
Lastly… QUENTIN, QUENTIN, QUENTIN!!! Whew. He truly reignited my love for billionaire baes.
Kadeem on the other hand… I don’t know if I’ve ever been so happy to see karma come back for someone. Although I will amend my earlier statement of saying he was unredeemable. While I would say he “redeemed” himself in the end, he definitely got a little empathy from me…. JUST a little.
My biggest issue and the reason I gave it 4 stars was that this was a really HARD read for me — and not hard in the sense of the subject matter (although I do think Trigger Warnings should be in the beginning of this book) — hard in the sense that as someone with ADHD, the structure of the writing was extremely hard and even confusing at time.
I know a lot of people dislike dual POVs and personally, I don’t mind them. But this was not that. This was more like everyone’s (and I do mean every single character in this book, and there were a lot) POVs in one chapter. In one page. In one paragraph without differentiating who was speaking. I found myself literally so confused at times when mid conversation the POV would switch with no warning. It literally can be frustrating for those of us who already have focus challenges and although I loved every minute of this story, that, coupled with this being a pretty hefty read (at 500+ pages), I definitely would feel obligated to explain this to someone before diving in.
Luckily the story line is so compelling you want to push through the confusion.
Not to mention the main plot of the book… the “technicality” Kadeem was released on… we never got an answer for. This was extremely frustrating.
Lastly… QUENTIN, QUENTIN, QUENTIN!!! Whew. He truly reignited my love for billionaire baes.
Kadeem on the other hand… I don’t know if I’ve ever been so happy to see karma come back for someone. Although I will amend my earlier statement of saying he was unredeemable. While I would say he “redeemed” himself in the end, he definitely got a little empathy from me…. JUST a little.
June 30, 2020
Wow! This was the first Nako book that I have read, and boy did it take me on a journey.
I read this book because a friend of mine said that it was a must read, so I went ahead and picked it up. And let me tell you, the first two chapters had me so worked up with anger that I COULD NOT continue reading. Kadeem was a price of shit and I hated his freaking guts. My friends literally had to talk me into keep going because I was so upset, but about half way through I couldn't put it down.
Yara has made my favorites characters list. She was so strong, fly, ambitious, and just a complete boss. She spent ten years behind bars, got out and bossed the fuck up on everyone that did her wrong. Especially her pussy ass, ain't shit ass husband. I can't f-ing stand him.
I don't think I have ever hated a character as much as I hate Kadeem. Had I been Yara I would have been murked his ass and been right back in jail, that's how upset he made me.
I was just grateful that Yara wasn't dumb and was able to work on herself, get some help, become the mom that she always wanted and needed to be. And baby found true love from a REAL man.
I give this book five stars because though the situations were tense, it had a beautiful message behind it, and Nako had dropped so many gems in this book that were so relatable that I highlighted so much stuff in it. I will say though, I won't be rereading it. The emotions it evoked in me is entirely too intense for me, and I'm not putting myself through that again lol.
Great read, and I highly recommend you give it a read.
I read this book because a friend of mine said that it was a must read, so I went ahead and picked it up. And let me tell you, the first two chapters had me so worked up with anger that I COULD NOT continue reading. Kadeem was a price of shit and I hated his freaking guts. My friends literally had to talk me into keep going because I was so upset, but about half way through I couldn't put it down.
Yara has made my favorites characters list. She was so strong, fly, ambitious, and just a complete boss. She spent ten years behind bars, got out and bossed the fuck up on everyone that did her wrong. Especially her pussy ass, ain't shit ass husband. I can't f-ing stand him.
I don't think I have ever hated a character as much as I hate Kadeem. Had I been Yara I would have been murked his ass and been right back in jail, that's how upset he made me.
I was just grateful that Yara wasn't dumb and was able to work on herself, get some help, become the mom that she always wanted and needed to be. And baby found true love from a REAL man.
I give this book five stars because though the situations were tense, it had a beautiful message behind it, and Nako had dropped so many gems in this book that were so relatable that I highlighted so much stuff in it. I will say though, I won't be rereading it. The emotions it evoked in me is entirely too intense for me, and I'm not putting myself through that again lol.
Great read, and I highly recommend you give it a read.
September 1, 2024
Was she the reason? What was the reason?
Let me start this review off by saying Nako does redemption so well! On top of that, the faith elements are my fav! Like she really be preaching in these books.
Now let’s talk about it!
This book took me through it, and I couldn’t stop reading. All 533 pages in 24 hours.
I was hurting for Yara. She didn’t deserve the way Kadeem did her. TEN YEARS????!!! I’m still hot about that! I’m lowkey still mad at the family too but if she forgave them I guess I can too. 🤨
I loved how Yara called Miko and literally went up up up! Marsha was amazing. That’s what real friends are for. I really hate that it all had to end like that for them.
I can’t even get into how amazing Quentin was! That’s a man honey! Don’t play with it, don’t play with it!!!
Kadeem……..
Kamala…….
I have so many thoughts but it’ll just spoil the book lol.
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars for me is because I still have a few questions (these could be spoilers so read with caution)
- What exactly was in the case file? I assumed it was the aunt but I don’t like assuming.
- Was she really the reason?? Why she got to run off and be happy in the end?
- KK and Charlie? They were brought up very often but ummmm like it’s just over?
- AIDEN?? Hellooooooooo. What happened?
- I still don’t understand Kamala’s why. Did she just want to be loved that bad? Or was there more to it?
Nevertheless, even with some puzzle pieces missing I enjoyed this book! Nako definitely sucked me into her world and then spit me back out. 😭
Let me start this review off by saying Nako does redemption so well! On top of that, the faith elements are my fav! Like she really be preaching in these books.
Now let’s talk about it!
This book took me through it, and I couldn’t stop reading. All 533 pages in 24 hours.
I was hurting for Yara. She didn’t deserve the way Kadeem did her. TEN YEARS????!!! I’m still hot about that! I’m lowkey still mad at the family too but if she forgave them I guess I can too. 🤨
I loved how Yara called Miko and literally went up up up! Marsha was amazing. That’s what real friends are for. I really hate that it all had to end like that for them.
I can’t even get into how amazing Quentin was! That’s a man honey! Don’t play with it, don’t play with it!!!
Kadeem……..
Kamala…….
I have so many thoughts but it’ll just spoil the book lol.
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars for me is because I still have a few questions (these could be spoilers so read with caution)
- What exactly was in the case file? I assumed it was the aunt but I don’t like assuming.
- Was she really the reason?? Why she got to run off and be happy in the end?
- KK and Charlie? They were brought up very often but ummmm like it’s just over?
- AIDEN?? Hellooooooooo. What happened?
- I still don’t understand Kamala’s why. Did she just want to be loved that bad? Or was there more to it?
Nevertheless, even with some puzzle pieces missing I enjoyed this book! Nako definitely sucked me into her world and then spit me back out. 😭
April 29, 2022
Yara and Kareem Moreland were living the fast life, which resulted in a government funded extended vacation. The only thing that kept Yara going was reuniting with her husband and three daughters. Little did she know, her freedom also meant that her life would come to a screeching halt. But one thing about this young lady…she is a fighter, and she fought like hell to regain her life. Some relationships were restored, while others were put to rest, and then there were those that were birthed out it all. She let women everywhere know that anything is possible.
Kadeem is the walking posterboard for an "Ain't Ish Man! " He has been living a double life for way too long, and runs for the hills when it finally hits the fan. What he didn't expect was the aftereffects of his lies, the multiple people hurting, or his renewed feelings. One word to describe the outcome: KARMA!
I wish that I had an ounce of feeling for Kamala, but that conniving heifer got everything that she deserved out of this ordeal, and more. When her support mattered the most, her true colors showed themselves.
From the very beginning of this book, I was pissed off with everyone in the Moreland family, who sat back and lied to Yara about her husband, marriage, and life! The more I read, the weight of Yara's life began to lighten and I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎book by @iamnakoexpo @nakosreadinggroup, and can't wait to dive into more of her catalog.
Kadeem is the walking posterboard for an "Ain't Ish Man! " He has been living a double life for way too long, and runs for the hills when it finally hits the fan. What he didn't expect was the aftereffects of his lies, the multiple people hurting, or his renewed feelings. One word to describe the outcome: KARMA!
I wish that I had an ounce of feeling for Kamala, but that conniving heifer got everything that she deserved out of this ordeal, and more. When her support mattered the most, her true colors showed themselves.
From the very beginning of this book, I was pissed off with everyone in the Moreland family, who sat back and lied to Yara about her husband, marriage, and life! The more I read, the weight of Yara's life began to lighten and I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎book by @iamnakoexpo @nakosreadinggroup, and can't wait to dive into more of her catalog.
August 28, 2025
A complete waste of my time. I really don’t understand how publishers and editors green light books with plot holes.
This could have easily been a five star book, however; what was the point of mentioning Kadeem’s early release from prison because of an eyewitness if said eyewitness was never revealed? Yara was fuming when she went through his case file and we never got to find out why.
What happened to baby KJ who Kadeem found in an abandoned house? And how did his name go from KJ to Aiden?
Just pure laziness. It’s disrespectful to the readers. 500+ pages of pure and utter bullsh*t.
I’m not done. I don’t believe there was a trigger warning. Yana’s trauma was unnecessary and excessive. Train & needed stitches? And I’m supposed to believe Kadeem found all for men responsible and k*lled them? It would have been more realistic if he went to prison for killing his friend.
I’m not reading shit else from this author.
This could have easily been a five star book, however; what was the point of mentioning Kadeem’s early release from prison because of an eyewitness if said eyewitness was never revealed? Yara was fuming when she went through his case file and we never got to find out why.
What happened to baby KJ who Kadeem found in an abandoned house? And how did his name go from KJ to Aiden?
Just pure laziness. It’s disrespectful to the readers. 500+ pages of pure and utter bullsh*t.
I’m not done. I don’t believe there was a trigger warning. Yana’s trauma was unnecessary and excessive. Train & needed stitches? And I’m supposed to believe Kadeem found all for men responsible and k*lled them? It would have been more realistic if he went to prison for killing his friend.
I’m not reading shit else from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Why do I still have questions after 500+ pages? This started out catching my attention because of the plot, but then I was lost through POV switching, dropping bombs, but never fully getting any answers. I felt like trauma was being thrown into the story for the sake of it at one point. For example, why did Ayanna experience such a traumatic event and why didn’t we see her and Yara grow closer after this? The whole 4th child and kidnapping with no closure was just unnecessary. What was Kamala’s reason for leaving Kadeem? It was just a lot without a clear point and closure. I did enjoy the faith elements and seeing Yara grapple with her relationship with God and religion. Quentin was a great addition to her life.🖤
Why do I still have questions after 500+ pages? This started out catching my attention because of the plot, but then I was lost through POV switching, dropping bombs, but never fully getting any answers. I felt like trauma was being thrown into the story for the sake of it at one point. For example, why did Ayanna experience such a traumatic event and why didn’t we see her and Yara grow closer after this? The whole 4th child and kidnapping with no closure was just unnecessary. What was Kamala’s reason for leaving Kadeem? It was just a lot without a clear point and closure. I did enjoy the faith elements and seeing Yara grapple with her relationship with God and religion. Quentin was a great addition to her life.🖤
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