"You said you wish I was a little more patient...And I just wish your heart was vacant, baby." — Teyana Taylor Sawyer "Stix" Soules is searching for peace. Due to things she cannot change, Stix had been taught to conform. After leaving the Black Lightning Motorsports Family, the spitfire mechanic has decided to focus on building her own legacy with her cousin, Shooter, at her side. Specializing in restoring old school vehicles, the community activist couldn't be happier on the business front, though her personal affairs are unraveling. Old wounds have caused her to choose a polyamorous lifestyle and Stix isn't looking to add to her tribe. Nevertheless, can countless run-ins with a persistent gentleman restore the idea of exclusivity? Yemisi Powers is seeking salvation. Growing up, the God-fearing man was rooted in his brothers' shadows but also taught the power of timing. As an adult, Yemisi swears by the notion that time is of the essence and will walk away from anyone who devalues what he can’t get back. While praying for his steps to be ordered, the ambitious officer's dreams are tainted by mischievous measures, and he's forced to evaluate his purpose. However, amid his life's alterations, Yemisi meets a complex woman that may be worth more than just his time.
I truly enjoyed this book. There was a whole lot of restoration going on, and I loved every moment of it. There is so much I can say about this book, but it would take a while. Therefore, I would say get this book. If it doesn't make you feel then you don't have a heart! Periodt!!!!!!
What a beautiful story! At first I thought, there is no way that these two will ever get together; as they are miles apart. But, faith and love always make a way. Sawyer aka Stix, was a firecracker! Walked to the beat of her own drum, didn't take ish from anyone, masked her feelings and love/commitment was a no go! Upon meeting Yesemi, she felt something, when she normally didn't have the ability to feel. He was handsome of course, but just being in his presence brought out unknown and unwanted feelings, that she didn't know how to deal with. Yesemi, a pretty straight forward guy, that just wanted to make a difference in his community by being a cop. Dealing with being an officer, and a black man, presented its own challenges; but he also had residual feelings of loss on his heart from his mother's passing. In relationships, he ran at the first hint of trouble, to protect himself from the hurt that he saw happen in his family growing up. At first, these two were a train wreck! ❤ Yesemi would beckon for Sawyer's attention, and she would shoo him away, like he was nothing. Once she actually gave him a chance, they both realized that something was there, and they had to figure out how to compromise, and find a way that would work for them both. It was a rough go, as they both had demons that they were holding close to the chest, and afraid to share. But, as the trust grew, and they began to shed the fear of rejection, the love blossomed. The way that Yesemi cared for Sawyer through all of her dark times, even when he didn't know what was up with her was just everything! It was amazing how Sawyer grew and learned that being exclusive was not a curse, and could be a great thing. She allowed Yesemi to love her, and be her light! Didn't want it to end! Great read! 👍👍👍
Whew! This one had my feelings all over the place, literally! So Yemisi is IT; he is a total book bae.. or as he was called in this one, “Officer Bae” 😍. Sawyer aka Stix had every reason that Yemisi shouldn’t pursue her. She didn’t think she was good enough and dating exclusively was a big no-no. But Yemisi was persistent and met Stix where she was and gradually was able to break down those barriers. While this is a love story, it wasn’t as traditional as we tend to read about. These two dealt with some heavy issues in their past and now they have to figure out how to love each other? What I loved the most was the whole play on Stix being into car detailing, I thought that was dope and different. She poured so much into young women and was definitely, “Woke!”. Now, this one was a little heavy at times because so many issues that we are currently facing in our country were addressed but the author did a great job tying it all together. It was a beautifully complexed love story. I enjoyed reading this one! ❤️
This story took place in North Hills, NC. Sawyer was part owner of a garage and Yemisi was a cop and they both didn't believe in love anymore until they met. After numerous run ins with each other, they finally go out and hit it off. The development of Sawyer and Yemisi relationship was interesting to read. I loved their banter with each other and how Yemisi showed Sawyer that he really wanted her and the Sawyer deciding to be in a relationship. This story was so good from the beginning to end. I enjoyed the relationship between Sawyer and Yemisi. The author gave us a taste of what is going on in the world right now and it was well written. I love a great love story and this was it and so much more. Love is patient and love is kind, that sums up this story!!! Tucora Monique you have a new fan!! Thank you for this excellent read!!!
I believe this was my first read by this author and I enjoyed it. I think because this wasn't an instalove or the typical bad boy/good girl story. These two carried heavy baggage. Sawyer was deeply flawed and some of her issues resonated with my own. I loved that Yesimi was confident and persistent enough for both of them. The nod to today's cultural and societal issues was weaved into this story very well. I think the author did a good job of character and plot development. This was not necessarily a "feel good" romance, because it dealt with some emotionally heavy issues. But, I absolutely applaud the author for showing the importance of therapy as it pertains to maintaining our mental health in the black community. I recommend this book to those who like atypical romance novels.
I love a good romance with not only hope but faith, that’s what you get with this story. There is so much more than romance laced in these pages. Tackling issues we as African Americans face daily. Mental struggles, commitment struggles and the many different ways they can be displayed, and childhood trauma all play a factor in the wounds that can bleed out on us in our adult lives. This story takes you on a journey of wounded souls healed through embracing imperfection through love and faith.
This was a great read. Very well written, great storyline and character development. I really enjoyed Yemisi and Stix story. They both had their flaws but what better way to find someone who can relate because you can help each other overcome what's been holding you back. For Stix it was finding love and Yemisi just wanted to do what he loved and not follow what others in his circle were doing. They were definitely supposed to be together and I was happy that they chose to be that shoulder to lean on for each other.
Two souls, Stix and Yemise captivated with each other by accident but scared . Both, like most of us have scars and flaws. But they are exactly what the other one needs. Will they learn to love in spite of? An empowering story of love being restored from past entanglements. Along their journey, we see the healing. I cried and rejoiced with them. We see the need for therapy too. A well written story I absolutely loved and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Yemisi and Sawyer aka Stix. Their paths crossed yet Sawyer was not trying to fall for the charming Yemisi. They both had complications in their life. Stix was battling internal issues while being on the frontline battling external ones related to racism and injustice. Yemisi was fighting battles of conscious and will. Funny, those same battles helped them be more in tune with one another. Yemisi went in to prove to Stix that he was everything she didn't even know she needed. Great story.
Sawyer was a complicated women that did not want true, lasting love. Yemisi was a man that knew what he wanted. He wanted Sawyer and proved that he was the man to make her a believer in love. I enjoyed the references to current issues happening today. Good job Tucora.
I had one opinion when I started this story, and a totally different view at the stories conclusion. The BLM part and the narrative so close to today's incidents, I stopped a few times to catch my breath. The love story helped to bring more light to a much darker subject. A great read.
Yemisi offered the feelings of what it feels to be driven but not fully accepted. Sawyer labeled as different but finds her way to her true self after trial and error. Together they are able to bear each other's shortcomings and learn to love building with each other. This book makes you feel from various angles and worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book had me in tears. Stix have been through so much in her life. She was afraid to love. Yemisi comes thru and she finds herself falling in love. With love anything is possible.
I love the way this writer makes me feel. Each entry of love, defiance, confusion, and healing draws on my empathy. These characters are real people and I can’t wait to see what other lives I’ll get to read through.
To be honest, I'd planned to give this book 4 stars because it could use some very light editing. However!, this story was too awesome, and the power that workedth in me would not allow me to give it anything less than what it deserves---5 stars.
I loved this book. Both Yesimi and Stix were flawed people that deserved love. They let go of their insecurities to find it and it was a wonderful journey to witness.
Stix didn't know why Powers had her mesmerized but it was a part of God's plan to help her restore herself.. Everything worth having is worth working for...
This book touch on some of what is going on today with racism, killing of unarmed people of color, the cost of prescription drugs and mental illness. It ends with two some what broken people coming together supporting and loving each other.
Truly a great balance of restoration from the standpoint of emotional trauma and depression. God is more than a conquer He is Awesome. Trust in His love and He will restore your peace.
Faith is the base of everything. When you meet someone who truly touches your soul and you got faith, anything can happen. I was happy Sawyer and Cop Bae got together. They accepted each flaws and all.