***FULL STANDALONE***Aashiem Cazier grew up in a household with his father, who happens to be the chief of police, his mother, and two sisters. His middle-class upbringing is a far cry from the life that most of his peers lived in the hood, but his family's social status didn't stop Aashiem's love for fast money and his fascination with the allure of the game. Tired of being broke and under the roof of his strict father, on his eighteenth birthday, Aashiem takes part in a caper that changes the course of the rest of his life. Once life begins to change for Aashiem, he meets a beautiful self-made shawty with the Nola accent: Hysia. The slightly older woman is a bit intimidating but too intriguing for Aashiem to pass by. With a lot to learn about grown women and facing the obstacles that come along with getting his weight up, Aashiem soon learns that you can't play kid games with grown women and to watch who he calls a friend. A friend may be the very thing to cause the demise of Aashiem's relationship with Hysia and take his freedom, if it doesn't kill him first. Hysia was seven years old when Hurricane Katrina hit, and she watched her mother die right in front of her. At the age of eighteen, she becomes responsible for her younger sister, Hydia, and hustler becomes Hysia's middle name. She believes in securing her own bag and not having to depend on anybody for anything. Putting her dreams on hold, she goes hard to send her sister off to college. Hysia wasn't looking for love when she met the caramel colored, dreaded up Aashiem, but he was too charming for her to resist. Even after several red flags were noticed, Hysia couldn't break free from the spell that was him. Hysia is as strong as they come, but she has one weakness. Something that only she and her sister know about. It's the very thing that makes Hysia terrified of being alone. That vulnerability allows her to fall hard for Aashiem. So hard that when she finds out about a secret that he's been keeping, it literally feels like she's dying inside, but somehow, she must pick up the pieces. Love isn't always pretty. But if it's true love, it will always prevail.
To see the growth in Aashiem was impeccable I highly recommend this book HE was young AND immature but HE knew what HE wanted and CHANGE for THE better
This book had a lot of back and forth between Aashiem and Hysai... These two just could not get it right... For one Aashiem was young and lied about it so they already started off on the wrong foot... But Aashiem was out there making moves for himself... I hated to see the relationship that he had with his father... But as a patent I can understand only wanting what is best for your child... As a child you feel like your parents are just being mean but that is not always the case... Now Aashiem and his friend Shottie went out there and robbed a place just to get their money started and get on their feet... This was the beginning of the end for this friendship... I was looking at Shottie sideways with the way he was moving... I was like how is he out here mad because he went out and spent all his money on clothes and stupid stuff but Aashiem decided to invest his money and make more to upgrad himself... He is not Aashiem's child so taking care of him was not Aashiem's responsibility... But Shottie felt entitled... Like Aashiem should just hand him everything... Aashiem was a good friend to Shottie because he bought him food to eat , let him crash at his house and even entertain females at his house... But to Shottie that still was not enough... See with friends like Shottie you definitely dont need enemies... I loved how Hysai was about her business and holding everything down for her sister Hydia.... She was out here doing her thing but one night at work she met Aashiem and her life changed from there... No matter how much she kept trying to fight it she just could not... Yes Aashiem kept messing up... But by this time the bond that they had was just to strong to just walk away the way she tried time and time again... In the end with lots of drama and hard work things worked out the way they were suppose to and they finally found the happiness they deserved...
I enjoyed this read and the way Aashiem grew after getting with Hysia. His attitude and temper were horrible at times and I thought for sure it would get to the point where Hysia would throw in the towel. Shottie was foul on so many levels and allowed his envy to lose more than just his best friend. I didn't like Carla but I was glad she realized she'd never mean as much to Aashiem as Hysia. Chucky should've stayed where he was and allowed Hysia to enjoy her life. Hydia was very mature for her age and I wish there was a little more about her and Benji. Secrets threatened to tear Aashiem and Hysia apart a few times but I'm glad they worked it out to the point they realized they only wanted each other and did what was necessary to keep their relationship in tact.
I enjoyed reading this book, but the back and forth between Aashiem and Hysia was a bit much. I’m glad that they got their happily ever after though. Hysia actually helped Aashiem grow up and want more for himself. With friends like Shottie, he didn’t need any enemies, but I was surprised that his own brother took him out. I would be side eyeing him as well. Hydia went through a lot which in turn made her a strong, mature and smart young lady. I would love to here more about her and Benji.
I really enjoyed reading this book it was very interesting dealing with young man's first love & how he grew into a man though it all. So glad everything worked out for the best for everyone. Hydria finally got a good man & planning a wedding. Aashiem & Hysia finally got it together love is a wonderful thing no matter what the age different is.
I really enjoyed this standalone. It was nice watching Aashiem grow up from being and boy to a man. He did have some struggles but he stood up. Hysia being older waited on him to get his act together and even through sickness she was able to take care of her sister. Don't be mad a me Natisha Raynor but I want Benji and Hydia story boo.
Hysia was a good one for all the second chances she was dishing out but, when you love someone you just love them. Aashiem was a hustler who was determined to make it and that's what I liked about him his spirit and motivation. I am glad Hydia found true love and it was in her face the whole time.
Aashiem and Hysia......Wow is all I can say. They really went through some things to be together. The beauty of it all is love is like that sometimes. There are things you go through but you work at fixing them. At a young age they were able to get it together. It took time but nonetheless it happened. I loved reading about them and their crazy journey.
I really enjoyed this book. I wIsh it wasn’t a stand alone because it was so good I want more. I loved Aashiem and Hysia together. This is most definitely a must read...you won’t be disappointed at all...Great job Natisha as usual...
Aashiem was a mess, he couldn’t get right for nothing but I’m glad that he realized the error of his ways and changed. Shottie karma got him, he had the green eyed monster living in him for too long....
I loved the growth in aashiem at first he was letting his temper and his age get the best of him. Hysia was a grown woman about her business the two of them meshed well together I'm just glad that aashiem decided to mature . As for Shotta he got his justice .
My gosh!! These sisters had one another’s back!! I love the love that she shared with him even tho he was 2 years young!! I feel a spin off coming from her sister and benji
This was the best standalone i read so far, plus I can relate to Hysia story I suffer from the same disease . I was happy that Aashiem & Hysia had a forever after even Hydia. Can't wait to read more by this Author.
Aashiem had a whole lot of growing up to do. But him and Hysia made a great couple she was just so maturity for her age. I'm glad Aashiem got it together though.
Through all the chaos and turmoil not to mention the foes Aashiem & Hysia fought a good fight and the end results were what they wanted . Love is crazy but when it’s real it’s hard to fight ! So happy for Hydia & Benji he shot his shot and scored . As for shottie a snake always meet there demise and he was a snake for sure . Thanks for always keeping me intrigued from beginning to end
Carla better be glad she was cool because she was on her way down a flight of stairs. I love this book Aashiem wasn't a bad person just a young boy trying to find his way. The book shows growth for Shiem and Hy!