Scan barcode
mellie_reads's review
4.0
I have never been so undecided about a book in my life. I can’t tell if I liked it or if I hated it. The story was great mind you and as usual Mrs. House never disappoints but I also disliked so much things! I do like that they got their hea and my rating is purely reflective of the great story telling and mostly the plots ability to make me both love and dislike a book equally. I love how he was willing to fix things between them (realistically everyone knows a man will never willing go to therapy for a woman! Especially not a black man) he also held himself accountable for his actions and even when the consequences bit him in the ass he acknowledged that he deserved it. I also love how he was able to understand and explain that they both weren’t ready for a relationship as intense and serious as theirs at that age. Both that fact and their upbringing (mainly relationship with each of their parents) had a major role to play in the dynamic of their relationship. The book proves that therapy is important. Not only to heal yourself as a person but also to ensure that you’re not causing almost irreparable damage and pain to someone you care about. She was also to blame for the way their relationship nose dived! They both had entirely too much baggage and it exploded in both their faces when they least expected. I love how devoted she was to him but I would have loved it if she stood up way earlier on. There was a lot to process in this book and also equally as much to learn! So despite the pregnancy and cheating it was a really enjoyable book.
kizsia's review against another edition
4.0
Omg! These 2 were something else and then we add Duncan to the mix? I so did not see that coming. They are both lucky the other forgave eachother because it was ALOT. now on to the next book in this series :)
bmurrscott's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
cikureads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Car accident, and Gaslighting
kyeattam's review against another edition
4.0
The name of this book was true to the plot. Polo was Flagrant with his cheating. He didn't care who it hurt. Like in most situations, he didn't realize his error or care about his error until Ken was gone. Why they wait until the end to tell us she slept with that man? LOL. I loved this book. However. It was very frustrating flip flopping from Then and Now for both characters. Her mother was awful, and his parents were toxic. I think they found comfort in each other as being a safe space. But also, she was looking for a protector because the man she thought was her dad left. Even thought that turned out not to be the case. this book was a page turner every step of the way I didn't expect most of what happened to happen, especially the baby thing.
farrahsnovelmind's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
brandece1's review against another edition
3.0
I've read so many of Alexandria House's books lately and I have enjoyed them all, but I can't lie I was concerned very early on that I would not like this one. From the beginning we learn that the MMC is a cheater, (I will say there is no cheating on page between the MC's, but there were mentions of previous affairs, and there were a few times I thought it would be on page) and his wife knows all about it. I trusted the process and ended up really enjoying this book. Of all of the books I've read by her; I feel like this was the most messy (not in a bad way), It was so full of drama (both marital and extended family), and some pretty heavy trigger warnings (attempted SA, domestic violence, cheating). There was a pretty big curve ball thrown in towards the end, which I was not expecting. I am a fan of the past/present timelines, and loved that the MC's have been in each others lives for so long. I love that this is the start of a series, and even more that it is a basketball series.
readwithmoniqua's review against another edition
2.25
Kendra deserved better. Her mama needs to find Jesus because she doesn’t know him. Polo needs a lot of therapy, given his childhood. The trauma bond was soooooo toxic.