Star Francois has come a long way since that "Last Christmas in NOLA." As much as she wants to move on with her life and forget the past, the damage is already done. What will happen when she's forced to answer to Tahj about what was supposed to be a life long secret? (I recommend reading Last Christmas in NOLA before you read this standalone)
The growth of Star and Tahj was entertaining and gratifying at the same time. They sure did go through some mess lol! But, those two were meant for each other.
I’m gave it the 4 because it’s interesting storytelling but Tahj and Star were exhausting AF. It’s a long winded story of back and forth confusion rooted in childhood trauma and lack of sexual discipline. I’m happy that Tahj got the professional help he needed and it really made a world of a difference in how I viewed him. I just didn’t like how Star kept facing adversity and physical harm some of which was at the hands of Tahj. Overall this author will craft a good story but I think more of the why are deeper dives into it will make the emotional impact far greater for the reader. Like yes you feel empathy for them but then you get annoyed because they doing a whole lot of BS to each other without communicating clearly.
So I purchased this book based solely off of the author's name alone. Knowing this was going to be a good read. I was presently surprised it was a continuation of Christmas in Nola. Several years have past since the ending of Christmas in Nola and Star is back in New Orleans with a surprise of her own. When she runs into Tajah again there is no denying when he sees just what she has been hiding for years. If your looking for a good read this is that!!!
I was ready to get this couples story, but when the hero chokes, slaps and call the heroine out her name after finding out she had his twin and the author decides its a good idea for then to have sex the same night just cause the hero thinks its his right cause they share kids. Is crazy to me. And I was just 15% in the book. I just can't.
This is one book I will always love and come back too Star deserved every blessing she received 💕🥰 Her journey was a hard but definitely necessary. So glad my girl got her man that she deserved from day one
Oooooh this was an emotional read. I don't know where to begin. I loved reading about the beginning of their relationship. It's so amazing the way this author can weave magic throughout all of her books giving background to each and every character. No stone gets left unturned. I am so happy to have found this catalog of books. I read them all out of order but I still loved each one of them. Very well written.
I’ve fallen completely in love with this authors writing and are never disappoints. Tahj was definitely taking notes from his fathers book but I loved how he loved all of his children. This story gave me all the love, sex scenes and drama and I truly wasn’t ready for it to end but as always I’m satisfied with the outcome. It was definitely worth it
I’m glad Lexi did what she did. Tajh a typical man can dish but can’t take it. Can make a baby with another woman but when someone had a baby on him he dipped. Nikki still the goofy. And he’s trash for stringing her along. Lexi still made herself pathetic though and that was kind of disappointing.
Star didn’t have a good reason for keeping the twins secret but the way Tajh snatched her I can’t see myself rooting for them as a couple. Diamond should fuck him up
I’m disappointed at how quickly star caved. This gonna be a long ass read Bc im gonna be pissed every other page
I hate when people refer to the dad as babysitting.
“COME HERE BITCH” is how Tajh addresses Star Bc he’s in his feelings. How do I root for this? I thought redemption was coming since he already snatched her up. If a time warp don’t happen then I’m going to be rolling my eyes out my head
“I just can’t believe my big brother going on out sad over some cooch-“ “Son, my daughter right here.” He cut him off abrasively.” Tajh you didn’t care about your daughter when you were banging on their momma door calling her all kinds of bitches and hoes
Why was Nikki calling talea’s phone? Or was that an error in editing?
Ok ok that convo on the plane was decent and bearable.
Nikka is annoying and pathetic af. I hope Lexi won’t be on this bs too.
Damn Star that was a mistake. I’m sure you reawakened the crazy in him
Officer Karen a trick
Tarell is a dirty dog. Why colley, why?
Lexi, Nikka and Porscha are such losers. My opinion changed drastically for Lexi. I can also admit Tahj is a good father
I get why Brock was pissy but to drop a girl that is in his company off and leaving her stranded in the middle off the hood is bitchmade
One thing that was unbelievable was hood niggas snitching. But imma roll with it.
Bellamy family bond is amazing.
Yeah, i can see how Porscha snapped. I would’ve rather she’d gotten some self respect and left along time ago. She blamed everyone but Tarell until it was too late.
When I first started this book I didn’t think it was possible to like Tahj and especially not to root for Tahj and Star as a couple but Cion made it happened somehow. She’s an amazing writer. Even when I hated Tahj guts I felt that way Bc I believe if an author can make me have theses many emotions about a character and they weren’t being overly dramatic about said characters action than they are damn good. But to make me hate them. And somehow in the end I like them or at least don’t hate them, then that author did damn good. I really enjoy Cion Lee work.
Such a cute ending! Have me trying to figure out how to bag a Bellamy. Who's still available? 🕵🏽♀ Anyway, we have another CL page-turner, definitely recommend.
Mannn... I was worried about Star for a minute. Until about halfway through she was my least favorite CL main character of all. Her decisions where just so flawed and irritating. Liked that she had an interesting career. Overall, there didn't seem to be as much character development, but it was still giving.
*sidebar* People, if your own brother/sister/family member tells you that their homie is no good for you, please believe it. I don't even see how that's a question - other than ego & pride. Smh
Tahj was alright. He did give good gifts and apparently good D, but he wasn't bae. Glad he grew up. Nothing is wrong with wanting a large family if you can afford it, but creating multiple broken homes is not the wave. 🙄👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👧👨👩👧👧👨👩👦👦
The weird thing is that Tarell remained a bit of a mystery to me. To have been mentioned so much across several books, I could never really get a feel for who he was and why he moved the way he did, or come up with a visual. (Idris is the family tree visual, but I couldn't see that for Tarell) He just seemed like the ghost of Dickmases pass around. 🎅🏾
The brightest Star is usually the one that you don't see.
Loved this story! Tahj, saw her from the beginning and recognized her beauty. He recognized her worth even though he was young himself. He recognized her pain and saw the sorrow. He recognized that she was better and more than the circumstances she was in. When he gave her that bike and spoke confidence into her he changed her dynamics and neither of them saw it. Star loved him from the beginning and knew the age difference could never let them be. Star knew after accepting the bike he didn't look down on her but instead he understood her life. Star formed a friend and childhood bond that she never knew would blossom. The brightest star is usually the one that you don't see, Tahj saw Star from day one. This is a must read.
Okay so the first book was amazing and sweet.. so much so I wanted to read the sequel.. everything started off good until Tahj came back into Star life.. this toxic, dysfunctional, abusive, hot and cold relationship is not what I imagined based on the type of man he was portrayed to be in the first book. I know years has passed and they are older but they are acting younger and nothing about this story is giving “true love” like the first book.. maybe I’m too old to be reading about 25-26 but I’ll never glorify a man who’s not only talking reckless but actually put his hands on one… I’m only halfway through and the level of drama from the baby mama, to Star wilding out like she’s 16 with random dudes it’s just weird to me.. this sounds like an entirely different book than the first.. I’m trying to finish it…….
Baby the Bellamy Clan was thick! This book was all about the drama, but it was also about second chances. Star was definitely ready to go when it came to those bm’s and those sisters, but I liked that the sisters got over their differences quickly. Star never showed any difference between any of the kids and that made her alright with me. Why Star and Tahj played in each other faces was beyond me, but I’m glad they got it together. However, I was sode-eyeing Tahj on a few occasions because yeah Star was outta pocket, but his reaction was OTT on a few occasions. Fee, that was a dirty woman. We knew that from the last book, but the depths of her problems were a bottomless pit. There’s so much to unpack with a story like this, but I’ll say it was a journey worth taking. Happy Reading Y’all!💋
Mehn, I wanted to get inside the book and slap Tahj upside his head for playing about Star like that. Calling her a bitch cos you in your feelings. Stupid ass idiot. Then I kept on reading. When they got to the meeting at the breakfast spot and Star hurting Nikka, I knew I wasn't going to sleep. This book was just too good. Somehow, she made us go through the motions (btw, thank you for letting Star have some boyfriends too. And great sex. I can't stand it when men are allowed to be hoes and women aren't), from hating Tahj to feeling sorry for him to actively wanting him together with my Star. Great job, Cion. You write amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this book. It’s great seeing how all the stories connect. Star had it rough in Last Christmas 🎄 🥲 and Tahj was on some extra stuff🤦🏽♀️ with the baby mama harem. I am so glad Star did not fall into the toxic trap with them. She expected and required more and got all that from Tahj. It was rollercoaster ride and I stayed frustrated for 75% of the book 📕 but I could not put it down. Tahj finally showed up and showed out. For her love and devotion to him and ALL his kids, Star deserved all that happiness. Loved it!!!
I've just recently started reading cion 's books and so far I have not been disappointed. The author touch on topics that are considered taboo in the black community, I was so glad when fee got her finally got her karma. I loved me some star and taijh ,loved how independent star was and I especially loved how she was giving baby daddy a run for his money😂😂😂 I have definitely became a fan of cion books plus she for my hometown so I'll definitely be supporting future endeavors.
I read the Christmas story of Tahj and star a few years ago and always wondered how their story turned out. This was a great follow up of what happened to them years later and also an update on the Bellamy clan. I know some readers wish authors move on from previous characters but I appreciate the updates it’s like they are living breathing people and it makes the stories more real and relatable. I’ve been a fan of this author from her very first book and will continue to do so.
Star’s upbringing was crazy, she had so many snakes in her corner. Her baby daddy was on, he lied so much and couldn’t keep his stuff in his pants. The man had 6 kids by 3 different women. They reunited after she ran away with his seed and came back with twins. She gave in on day one and slept with him and that really annoyed me. He eventually grew up and the committed to each other then I guess all of a sudden he was a good guy. I know that might sound like I didn’t like it but I did, it kept me entertained eeeyone for the life they deserved good or bad. It just frustrated me sometimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I just can't get enough of the Bellamy clan. Inwas going to say i would happily read Tarell and Porsha' story because i dont want this family's saga to end. Welp, I guess that won't be happening. That was such a shocker, but Porsha put up with Tarell's mess for decades and she finally snapped. Tahj and Star's story was so beautiful. I love how Star loved all his kids and was a beast with Tahj's baby mamas. There is never a dull moment with the Bellamys. Now I'm ready for Talea to get her happily ever after.
This story was written well loved that it didn’t have much drama and that Cion touched on so much trauma and childhood issues how it shapes us as adults and how common molestation is in the black community. People also sweep this issue under the rug so much and it really stays with you into adulthood hood. I have been waiting for this book since last year and I was not disappointed ps Star is a boss loved that she didn’t take mess from Tajh
I swear each new release by this author becomes my favorite ♥️ Star really captured Tahj’s heart and didn’t let go. There was a time throughout previous books that I could never see Tahj be a 1 woman man. So I was anxious to see how things played out. I love the Bellamy family and all the get together they have! Noting only was this the bomb 💣 love story but there were so many unexpected twists and revelations.
Boy was I disgusted by Tahj! He just couldn’t get those exes under control but Ms. Star sure knew how to literally knock sense into Lexi and Nikki. This book was a journey but worth the trip. The games that Tahj and Star played and the big secret about them kids almost made me dislike Star. Those family ties were STRONG! I loved how they all came together to provide support. Overall good read.
Although all the back and forth between Star and Tahj had a purpose in the story, the actions started to grate on my nerves. Star was in her late 20s and Tahj was 30s, yet their behavior was juvenile most of the time. I hoped after 300 pages of the couple vacillating, there would be a happily ever after. Side note: All the twins for one family seemed like a lot.
What a complex love story..it touched on so many stories that have occurred in our families our communities. Star was a determined young woman who wouldn't settle for just anything. She had dreams a aspirations no matter what happened in her life. She maintained her crown and passed it along with her wisdom and love to others. Bravo! What great reading and amazing storytelling 🏅
This wad was a crazy journey.. I laughed alot, cried a little, and cringed at the toxic family members. It was interesting to see Tahj hate his father and mirror some of his actions but correct others. I think many in our community need therapy. I applaud Star for being brave enough to walk away when the truth came out. She truly exemplified love when it came to the kids. Lovely ending.
This story was everything!!! I think Star might be my favorite. She definitely gave Tahj a run for his money. I love how Star loved all the kids equally and definitely put the bitter baby mamas in their place. This book touched on a lot of sensitive topics and the author handled it really well.
Star & Tahj ⭐️🖤 This book picked back up years after the novella & it was such a beautiful & crazy story! It had everything! I didn't wanna put it down. Took me through all the emotions. Star & Tahj we're made for each other & their family was everything 🖤 Cion didn't come to play with this one!
Okay let me just say Tahj redeemed himself. I was giving this man all types of side eyes hunny. He reminded me of my children father, just babies all over the dang place. Thank goodness I dodge that bullet. At least Tahj got it together. Star then cam along and started acting shady. Girl stop dating these ninjas who act like lil kids. Overall this was good book!!
Star was wrong for not telling Tahj about the twins but in the end their love for each other trumped everything. I love everytime Star has to put hands on he entitled bm's, they definitely deserved it. I hope her cousin find love as well. I definitely hope we get an update on the Bellamy family.
Loved this series!! This was an excellent series. Poor Star, her life had been a living nightmare. Her aunt treated her as if she was an unwanted stepchild. Tahj came into het life and turned everything around. Although they were apart for years, when they reconnected things changed. I love the way Tahj's family welcomed Star and her babies. At last, Star was part of a family again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.