And Then You Loved Me

by Asia Monique

Henley Cooper and Shareef Black hadn’t meant to fall in love, but their history ran deep and their feelings even deeper. For these two lovers, it was evident that their past shaped their present and would ultimately be the deciding factor in their These characters, along with others mentioned, were introduced in ‘Love and Law’ and ‘Craving A Thug’s Love’. It is not required but highly recommended to read those novels before or after indulging in this short.The Shorties Series is not a continuation of the same story.

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2021

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting to like Henley and Shareef so much. They were so stinkin’ adorable. Theirs was another relationship that spanned from teenagers to adults. Henley has been in love with Shareef since she was 15 years old but, she would never admit it because, she was afraid it would ruin her friendship with Amina. Shareef was in love too but, he wasn’t ready to be tied down in a relationship at such a young age. So, he refused to act on his feelings until he could give Henley what she deserved. Poor Henley. Her parents were trash. They were so indifferent and emotionally neglectful towards Henley her entire life. If the conversation wasn’t about Henley working for the family business, it was like she didn’t even exist to them. And, that BS excuse her mama gave for treating Henley the way she did was just ridiculous and made absolutely no sense. It just wasn’t a good enough reason to treat, not only your child but, your only daughter that way. Then, her mama had the audacity to think she and Henley could actually have a relationship because, she felt like she cleansed her conscious with that weak azz apology. Ummmmm, I think TF not! There was no clarity given on why her dad treated Henley the way he did. I would’ve love to know why he went out of his way to be such an a-hole to his daughter. Thank God for Jamir and Julian. They were more than just her big brothers and they made sure Henley knew she was loved by them daily. Their backstory gives you a little more insight into Henly’s relationship with the Black family and how she became so close to them. Between her brothers and the Blacks, they rallied around Henley and smothered her with so much love. But, there’s still nothing like having the love of your own mama and daddy. And Then You Loved Me was such a sweet read. Henley and Shareef’s friendship turned love story was absolutely beautiful.

[Alvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy

I really liked Shareef in all the previous books, his humor was entertaining. I liked how loyal Henley was and how quirky she was too. I'd never think she had all that she had going on at home. I like that all of her close family and friends knew she needed as much love and support as possible and showered her with it. Shareef being her #1 supporter.

I kind of can't get enough of the Black, King, Harper and Cooper families. Definitely need more of them in my reading life.

Another great read. Highly Highly Highly recommend any book, at this point, of Asia Monique, especially this one.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and Sassy.

[Q. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading "Love and Law" and "Craving a Thug's Love" we got a short story on Shareef and Henley. I was glad to finally read how these two became one. I welcomed the more serious side of Shareef because in the previous two novels he was more of a comic relief. I also loved Henley and how strong she was because her parents were totally opposite, then all of the other friends' parents. Their parenting style was more of what you would have expected from the criminal parents.

Although, I enjoyed this short I would love to know why Henley's father was like he was. Her mother finally spoke her truth, but what was his. It was still refreshing to see all three of the friends find true love. They were either engaged or married but most importantly happy.

If you haven't engaged in any of Ms. Monique books before, I highly recommend it. Her penmanship is beautiful. You will love how she can take friends and turn them into an unbreakable bond as a family.

[Melanin Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Black Family

Shareef Black and Henley have been in love with each other since they were teenagers, but instead of going right into a relationship they built an unbreakable friendship and when Sharif felt like Henley was ready he pursued her. Henley craved the love of her parents that she didn’t know how to fully love Shareef they way he deserved to be loved. Through her healing she was able to love Shareef.

This book short flipped back and forth from the past to the present to get a better picture of why Shareef was moving slow with Henley while at the same time providing her with a necessary push she needed to fully let go of her pain. This was a little more emotional than I thought it would be and was a quick 65 pages that gave me a little more than I expected. I love the Black family so Im always here to get an update on them.

[Cassidy Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this was short, it also felt full and like I got a complete/complex love story. We meet Henley and Shareef whose love stands the test of time and Hensley’s FOUL parents. I loved that although she was lacking a love she really desired, she was still surrounded by so many other sources to fill her up. Her brothers, the underground fight club, and Shareef’s family really rallied around her. I’m now really intrigued by some of the other characters we meet in this book and intrigued to learn more about their stories!

[DeWanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In depth read in a novella style. Henley wanted all children want from their families love and affection. She did not receive that from her parents but great older brothers and extended family. After a while she finally learns where the disconnect comes from her mother. Shareef is the brother of her best friend Amina . He has patiently waited until she is older to pursue his own friendship that had turned into love.

[Jahari Dowdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved 💗💗it.

Reef and Lee's story was sooo enjoyable. 🙌. The way they fell in 💘love was amazing. Reef was so patient and loving. Her parents sucked😑😰👎. There was no good excuse for that behavior. Lee was lucky to have a village that loved her. The Black men are definitely forces to be reckoned with. Another great one by Ms. Monique.👏🙌👌😍

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one🔥🔥

It was so good to see how the relationship between Henley and Shareef came to be. My heart hurt for her desire to be loved by her parents. The relationship between her, Amina and Jazzy..priceless. They always had each others’ backs. Thanks for this insight into Reef and Henley. I really love this series. It’s a must read🔥🔥😜

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into the lives, hearts and minds of Shareef and Henley! Their friendship turned love, was absolutely beautiful! I did get into my feelings quite a bit, learning of the emotional neglect Henley had to endure. Just heartbreaking! But, her brothers and Shareef were always there to help her pick up the pieces. Another great read! 👍👍👍

[L. Boogie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bentley’s parents were absolutely disgusting,

I love Henley and Shareef’s story. Their love went way back, before either of of them truly knew what it meant. He loved her so completely. Even when she couldn’t love herself due to her love deprived childhood from her selfish parents.

I enjoyed seeing the bond from the crew shine through in this story as well.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

This was a nice look into their love story however, I was hoping to Hensley would've gotten more closure from her parents but it did show that you dont really need that closure all the time to move on with your life, just appreciate and take in all the love from the people willing to give it unconditionally. This was a sweet short story, great read!

[Tameka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was a pleasant surprise I’m so darn happy you wrote this one Asia. Such an amazing love story. Just wish it was longer but it tells us everything we need to know.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Explanation

This short story definitely provides the reader with the background of these two. It totally makes sense. I’m glad we were able to read about their path to romance.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved shareef and Henley. He is her home where she hasn't had a place to find love since she was little.
Their story may be short but I loved how generous, patient and open they are. Some households are warm or pasts make them so but who you find to call home into a adulthood, matters.

[latavia barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

So good to know how they evolved. We were introduced to them and I often wondered what their story was but now I know. Truly a great read.

[Iris Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww so cute 😍

Asia Monique I was so glad to get an update on Henley and Sharfee. Thank you including the best friends as well as ways good to hear from other characters.

[Theresa Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

About time

I'm so glad we fit sir of Henley and shared story. I loved the story and I hope we her an update on their wedding

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Conquer all

Shareef and Henley story was short and beautiful. I agree with Henley when she said her Mother could of done better with showing her love growing up.

[Carolyn King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

I love the backstory of Henley and Shareef. He was the one who helped her with what she was going thru with her parents. They really loved each other.

[Jacklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Like always a great read and I want more lol Henley and shareef had s beautiful love story. He was always there and new exactly what to say to make her better

[Tonya Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle

I felt bad for Henley. Her mom explain things but what about her dad. Glad that Shareef was there she needed it. Happy for them

[Tiara James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finish

I’m glad you decided to tell their story. I can’t wait to found out about all of them these stories are something

[Jackie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad, good, loving

Short but loved it!!! Henley what a soldier she was!!! Shareef and crew, were her saving grace! I absolutely adored their relationship!!! Asia done it again!!!