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Roseville #1
Brown Sugar
Shiloh Hurston, a 27-year-old bank teller, and poet is left piecing the remnants of her heart back together after ending a volatile and unsatisfying relationship. During her sabbatical from love, she finds healing in performing poetry at Ray's, a lounge located in the small town of Roseville. What started as an escape turned into a secret admiration for another performer and crowd favorite, Marquis Kent.
Marquis Kent, a 28-year-old carpenter, and reformed preacher's kid is desperately in need of a fresh start, and moving from his hometown to Roseville was the first step to a new life. He too finds relief in performing acoustic covers of his favorite songs at Ray’s. His sultry voice paired with his southern charm made him a crowd favorite, including the person he least expected – Shiloh.
To Marquis, Shiloh is the perfect woman who has it all together – a woman clearly out of his league. To Shiloh, Marquis is just another heartbreak waiting to happen, but she can no longer resist the temptation...
A serendipitous encounter opens their eyes to the realization that they have more in common than what meets the naked eye. But are they willing to put their apprehensions aside and explore what could be?
brown sugar is a novella
Marquis Kent, a 28-year-old carpenter, and reformed preacher's kid is desperately in need of a fresh start, and moving from his hometown to Roseville was the first step to a new life. He too finds relief in performing acoustic covers of his favorite songs at Ray’s. His sultry voice paired with his southern charm made him a crowd favorite, including the person he least expected – Shiloh.
To Marquis, Shiloh is the perfect woman who has it all together – a woman clearly out of his league. To Shiloh, Marquis is just another heartbreak waiting to happen, but she can no longer resist the temptation...
A serendipitous encounter opens their eyes to the realization that they have more in common than what meets the naked eye. But are they willing to put their apprehensions aside and explore what could be?
brown sugar is a novella
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2019
159 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 13, 2021
Brown Sugar was adorably sweet. The storyline was engaging and relatable. It gave me all the Love Jones feels. Shilo and Marquis were definitely channeling their inner Nina and Darius. I enjoyed watching their love journey unfold. I can't wait to read Summer and Ryder's story in the next book.
April 1, 2023
Short and sweet, but I do wish it was a teensy bit longer so I could connect with the characters better. Still looking forward to the next one.
April 29, 2022
Brown Sugar
I really enjoyed this story..l enjoyed the fact that both Marquis & Shi were creatives and that’s what brought them together.
I really enjoyed this story..l enjoyed the fact that both Marquis & Shi were creatives and that’s what brought them together.
April 30, 2019
Marq + Shi >>
April 29, 2019
I got a love jones....
Wow. Sometimes a story doesn’t need to be dragged out and you my love did an amazing job at capturing the essence of Marq and Shi. Their story is just something I wished could happen to me in real life lol. Sometimes a night full of adventure can lead to so much more and their happy ending was just the icing on the cake. My heart is full! 🥰
Wow. Sometimes a story doesn’t need to be dragged out and you my love did an amazing job at capturing the essence of Marq and Shi. Their story is just something I wished could happen to me in real life lol. Sometimes a night full of adventure can lead to so much more and their happy ending was just the icing on the cake. My heart is full! 🥰
January 28, 2021
Dope first read! This was a super cute novella about finding love again. I really love Shiloh and Marq who were both in a transitional stage in life and welcomed the changes that came with it. The flow was perfect and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
December 3, 2019
So so sweet 🥰🥰
I'm kind of surprised but I enjoyed this book very much. It just goes to show you that a good author can put a lot into a small book and D. Rose has done that with this book. Shiloh and Marquis come together in a club where she performs her poems and he sings. The two of them coming together is just what they need from each other.
I'm kind of surprised but I enjoyed this book very much. It just goes to show you that a good author can put a lot into a small book and D. Rose has done that with this book. Shiloh and Marquis come together in a club where she performs her poems and he sings. The two of them coming together is just what they need from each other.
April 5, 2020
This was one of the books that was given freely by the author during the Corona chronicles. When we approach writings, we come with our own biases. I was immediately rubbed the wrong was when I saw Shiloh's past with a married man. I kept reading. When you want more for your life, you have to be honest and willing to do the hard work. I am glad I kept reading. I did not like Shiloh's mother but after reading about what her mother modeled, I better understood Shi. I love Marquis from the beginning and I am glad about how the story ended.
February 18, 2022
For a novella I was surprised how sweet and adorable it was.
Shi and Marq’s connection was electrifying.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere of Roseville and the cozy small town vibes with the crew was heartwarming and comforting. I really enjoyed it!
For those of you who like steam and spicy, there isn’t any in here but I would 100% read this if you’re looking for sweet and easy.
Shi and Marq’s connection was electrifying.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere of Roseville and the cozy small town vibes with the crew was heartwarming and comforting. I really enjoyed it!
For those of you who like steam and spicy, there isn’t any in here but I would 100% read this if you’re looking for sweet and easy.
January 6, 2023
Poetry, music, love. What a delightful recipe! A quick read but so immersive. D.Rose has a style that is unique to her. And i very much enjoy how she incorporates music into her work so seamlessly. The connection between the two MCs was soul touching and so cozy.
April 30, 2019
Healed hearts
Cute love story... Loved the fact these were regular blue collared folks with real pasts and situations. Can't wait until book 2.
Cute love story... Loved the fact these were regular blue collared folks with real pasts and situations. Can't wait until book 2.
April 30, 2019
Brown Sugar
Shiloh and Marq were meant to meet. They made a great couple. I'm glad Shiloh out her fears aside. Great job.
Shiloh and Marq were meant to meet. They made a great couple. I'm glad Shiloh out her fears aside. Great job.
May 26, 2019
Perfection
I loved the book from beginning to end. The characters are realistic and the drama was also realistic. I enjoyed watching the story unfold.
I loved the book from beginning to end. The characters are realistic and the drama was also realistic. I enjoyed watching the story unfold.
Want to read
March 24, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2020)! 🎁
October 28, 2021
Lovely!!
Shiloh and Marq made an adorable + sexy couple! I’d happily read more about folks from this cute little town. I hope book 2 is out already!
Shiloh and Marq made an adorable + sexy couple! I’d happily read more about folks from this cute little town. I hope book 2 is out already!
December 13, 2022
One night led to the love story of Marq and Shi. Short and sweet
August 22, 2024
cute Story
This book was a overall cute story. The story was really cute and fun to read. I feel like this couple really bonded throughout the book.
This book was a overall cute story. The story was really cute and fun to read. I feel like this couple really bonded throughout the book.
April 13, 2025
This was a really sweet love story!
I love the way the MMC and FMC met, I loved the way they admired each other for months through their craft, the FMC being a poet, and the male being a singer who also plays the guitar.
both the FMC and MMC has been through a lot in their lifetime and were able to see each other and bond that way. I love the way this author uses music, which gave the story a 90s kind of love story.
this was my first read by the author, but I enjoyed her style of writing and cant wait to dive into the other books.
I love the way the MMC and FMC met, I loved the way they admired each other for months through their craft, the FMC being a poet, and the male being a singer who also plays the guitar.
both the FMC and MMC has been through a lot in their lifetime and were able to see each other and bond that way. I love the way this author uses music, which gave the story a 90s kind of love story.
this was my first read by the author, but I enjoyed her style of writing and cant wait to dive into the other books.
May 6, 2020
Sweet story
I enjoyed this cute story about Shiloh and Marq. I kept thinking some drama was coming but it didn't and who doesn't love a good happy ending. I also loved the name brown sugar.
I enjoyed this cute story about Shiloh and Marq. I kept thinking some drama was coming but it didn't and who doesn't love a good happy ending. I also loved the name brown sugar.
May 6, 2019
4.5 Beautiful Stars!
Oh, this book was sexy, sultry, and smooth...and so, so sweet. I loved Shiloh and Marquis. When I mentioned before I read this novella that the blurb gave me Love Jones vibes, I wasn't wrong. When Shiloh was on that stage reciting her poetry, it flowed freely and so beautifully, and just as Marquis said-straight from the heart. And even though I couldn't actually hear Marquis's voice as he sang, I could hear it. You know what I mean?! The author's imagery brought that to life for me, and I know-without a shadow of a doubt-that the sultry and smooth I used to describe this story earlier came through whenever Marquis was on that stage singing.
"Marq. In the six months that he’d been performing here, he’d become a guilty pleasure of mine. There was something about his acoustic renditions of songs that ignited a fire within my soul. He had a special mystique that pulled me in like a magnet every time he entered the room."
These two had chemistry in spades. You felt it practically pop off in the atmosphere every time Shiloh and Marquis caught each other's eye. I enjoyed their instant connection, their conversations, and the way they felt comfortable opening up to each other.
"Shiloh was my brown sugar. Sweet, addictive, and she provided me with a high I hadn’t felt since I was a young boy running wild trying to ignore the grief I was experiencing after losing my mother."
It was so refreshing to see these two own up to their problems and mistakes of the past without sounding bitter, or wallowing in self-pity. I loved that neither one of them felt it necessary to pass judgment on each other.
I absolutely adored Shiloh and Marquis, and I wish their story wasn't so short. I would have loved for her no good ex to have really been dealt with for all the trouble he put Shiloh through; especially when she was merely trying do the right thing and not fall back into her pattern of terrible men. He was purely selfish, and I hate that she even had to deal with him in the first place.
There were some grammatical errors, but other than that, this novella was simply divine.💖
Oh, this book was sexy, sultry, and smooth...and so, so sweet. I loved Shiloh and Marquis. When I mentioned before I read this novella that the blurb gave me Love Jones vibes, I wasn't wrong. When Shiloh was on that stage reciting her poetry, it flowed freely and so beautifully, and just as Marquis said-straight from the heart. And even though I couldn't actually hear Marquis's voice as he sang, I could hear it. You know what I mean?! The author's imagery brought that to life for me, and I know-without a shadow of a doubt-that the sultry and smooth I used to describe this story earlier came through whenever Marquis was on that stage singing.
"Marq. In the six months that he’d been performing here, he’d become a guilty pleasure of mine. There was something about his acoustic renditions of songs that ignited a fire within my soul. He had a special mystique that pulled me in like a magnet every time he entered the room."
These two had chemistry in spades. You felt it practically pop off in the atmosphere every time Shiloh and Marquis caught each other's eye. I enjoyed their instant connection, their conversations, and the way they felt comfortable opening up to each other.
"Shiloh was my brown sugar. Sweet, addictive, and she provided me with a high I hadn’t felt since I was a young boy running wild trying to ignore the grief I was experiencing after losing my mother."
It was so refreshing to see these two own up to their problems and mistakes of the past without sounding bitter, or wallowing in self-pity. I loved that neither one of them felt it necessary to pass judgment on each other.
I absolutely adored Shiloh and Marquis, and I wish their story wasn't so short. I would have loved for her no good ex to have really been dealt with for all the trouble he put Shiloh through; especially when she was merely trying do the right thing and not fall back into her pattern of terrible men. He was purely selfish, and I hate that she even had to deal with him in the first place.
There were some grammatical errors, but other than that, this novella was simply divine.💖
August 2, 2020
This was lovely.
This book will give you smoky, sultry jazz vibes throughout the book and the romance is reflected in this too.
We do come into the beginning of Shi and Marq's first verbal encounter but the build up has been happening for a few months before the story starts, which I liked. This story is told in a really sensual way from the introduction to Marquis to the chemistry between these two characters before they even speak. I flew head over heels for Marq and I'm not mad about it.
This was such a quick story, I loved rooting for them do quickly and immediately being satisfied by the end.
I just wished it was fleshed out into a longer book, I think there could have been more to work through with Shi's relationship with her mother and men in her life. So much to unpack there that could have added to the dramatic storytelling and development of Shi's character. I'm not sure what changed for Shi's mom or why Shi decided to focus on her own failings in her last relationship when admitting everything to Marquis when she probably could have spoken about her relationship and issues with men overall.
Basically, I liked this story and loved the characters - I want a bigger version of this story!!
This book will give you smoky, sultry jazz vibes throughout the book and the romance is reflected in this too.
We do come into the beginning of Shi and Marq's first verbal encounter but the build up has been happening for a few months before the story starts, which I liked. This story is told in a really sensual way from the introduction to Marquis to the chemistry between these two characters before they even speak. I flew head over heels for Marq and I'm not mad about it.
This was such a quick story, I loved rooting for them do quickly and immediately being satisfied by the end.
I just wished it was fleshed out into a longer book, I think there could have been more to work through with Shi's relationship with her mother and men in her life. So much to unpack there that could have added to the dramatic storytelling and development of Shi's character. I'm not sure what changed for Shi's mom or why Shi decided to focus on her own failings in her last relationship when admitting everything to Marquis when she probably could have spoken about her relationship and issues with men overall.
Basically, I liked this story and loved the characters - I want a bigger version of this story!!
April 6, 2025
Cute story. I like them together. A few missed periods I saw while reading. And for some reason (not sure if it’s just my kindle) chapter 6 came before chapter 5.
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Now you were just talking about how he was probably a player. Asking women to stay until the end and then they’d go home with him. But then you do it! And then had to go down an alley! Please be safe out here!
Oh so she’s got one of those mama’s like Savannah’s mama from Waiting To Exhale! “He’s a good man, Savannah! He’s just in a bad situation right now and he’s trying to get out of it!” Well you know what to say, Shiloh! “Well why don’t you fxcking marry him then!” 🤣🤣🤣
Wait Greg is 20 years older than Shiloh?? And not only is her mama cool with that but also that he was married! Now he’s divorced. Well that’s what you should have done in the first place! Sorry but ain’t no doubling back!
I don’t know if it’s just my kindle but chapter 6 came before chapter 5. I didn’t even pay attention to it but while reading chapter 5 I kept thinking shouldn’t this have came before the previous chapter. Smh.
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Now you were just talking about how he was probably a player. Asking women to stay until the end and then they’d go home with him. But then you do it! And then had to go down an alley! Please be safe out here!
Oh so she’s got one of those mama’s like Savannah’s mama from Waiting To Exhale! “He’s a good man, Savannah! He’s just in a bad situation right now and he’s trying to get out of it!” Well you know what to say, Shiloh! “Well why don’t you fxcking marry him then!” 🤣🤣🤣
Wait Greg is 20 years older than Shiloh?? And not only is her mama cool with that but also that he was married! Now he’s divorced. Well that’s what you should have done in the first place! Sorry but ain’t no doubling back!
I don’t know if it’s just my kindle but chapter 6 came before chapter 5. I didn’t even pay attention to it but while reading chapter 5 I kept thinking shouldn’t this have came before the previous chapter. Smh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2021
I hate being unnecessarily mean because I just didn’t enjoy the book, especially because I’m in probably one of the biggest reading slumps of my life. (Gotta love school). But I only finished this book because I felt like I had to with it being so short. It wasn’t unenjoyable, I was just bored. Everything was told and not really felt and with novellas like this emotion, angst and chemistry feels like it needs to be the biggest height of the book, possibly even more than the plot. I couldn’t connect with the characters really because of these two problems (too much tell, no show and lack of chemistry) so it’s three stars. But the concept was cute but nothing really pushed it over the edge for me. Even, unfortunately, the sex scene didn’t do me in and honestly that could’ve save it for me but there was no passion. Just…bleh. So, on to the next. Cute cover though!
March 5, 2022
Short and sweet.
Okay I only gave this book 4 stars because I wasn’t expecting it to be so short I was just getting my ruthenium seeing how Shiloh and Marq’s relationship was growing and then it ended. 😒
I hope I will have the opportunity to find out more about their budding romance in book two. I have to assume the purpose of this book is to introduce the readers to Roseville and some of the key characters in this series. With that being said on to book two hoping to find out more about Shiloh and Marq ❤️❤️
Okay I only gave this book 4 stars because I wasn’t expecting it to be so short I was just getting my ruthenium seeing how Shiloh and Marq’s relationship was growing and then it ended. 😒
I hope I will have the opportunity to find out more about their budding romance in book two. I have to assume the purpose of this book is to introduce the readers to Roseville and some of the key characters in this series. With that being said on to book two hoping to find out more about Shiloh and Marq ❤️❤️
November 12, 2019
Cute
Shiloh and Marquis had a short, whirlwind but natural transition in their relationship and I enjoyed the journey. Only a few details were worrisome to me and that's the reason for 4 stars - most of the book her skin is described as brown, so I had an image in my head, then she's described as having caramel skin, that threw me off. Just little inconsistencies, but still very enjoyable.
Shiloh and Marquis had a short, whirlwind but natural transition in their relationship and I enjoyed the journey. Only a few details were worrisome to me and that's the reason for 4 stars - most of the book her skin is described as brown, so I had an image in my head, then she's described as having caramel skin, that threw me off. Just little inconsistencies, but still very enjoyable.
March 9, 2022
Sweet
This is a really sweet novella. It’s so perfectly paced to show Shiloh and Marquis getting to know each other outside of Open Mic Night, a small conflict, and them communicating and working towards a future together. I really enjoyed this and how light a story it is overall. Definitely recommend if you want a quick, sweet story of two people with a painful past connecting and finding their way towards a happy future.
This is a really sweet novella. It’s so perfectly paced to show Shiloh and Marquis getting to know each other outside of Open Mic Night, a small conflict, and them communicating and working towards a future together. I really enjoyed this and how light a story it is overall. Definitely recommend if you want a quick, sweet story of two people with a painful past connecting and finding their way towards a happy future.
April 29, 2025
A banker by day and poet by night, Shiloh finally gets the courage to sit next to Marquis - a carpenter by day and singer by night.
Such a cute novella with believable interactions and dialogue. I appreciated how they were able to come to a resolve after experiencing their first dilemma. It wasn’t a full on conflict, but definitely something they both had to navigate together.
Cute and to the point!
Such a cute novella with believable interactions and dialogue. I appreciated how they were able to come to a resolve after experiencing their first dilemma. It wasn’t a full on conflict, but definitely something they both had to navigate together.
Cute and to the point!
May 1, 2019
This was short and sweet yet super excited to get more for this couple and those to come!!
Brown sugar was sweet and to the point. I loved the happy for now ending. It speaks of what's to come between Shiloh and Marq. Marq seems like pretty good guy. I see the cycle being broken with Shiloh on dating married men. Her momma was wrong for that. This was a great read!
Brown sugar was sweet and to the point. I loved the happy for now ending. It speaks of what's to come between Shiloh and Marq. Marq seems like pretty good guy. I see the cycle being broken with Shiloh on dating married men. Her momma was wrong for that. This was a great read!
May 1, 2019
Brown Sugar Sweet!
What a delightful story! I love that Shi and Marq connected through mutual admiration of each other's work. It seems that their paths crossed at the right time when both were healed from their past and wanting to move on to better. Great story and I hope to see more of The Crew!
What a delightful story! I love that Shi and Marq connected through mutual admiration of each other's work. It seems that their paths crossed at the right time when both were healed from their past and wanting to move on to better. Great story and I hope to see more of The Crew!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews