qjayereads's review
5.0
This book is officially rated my number one book of the year. The author is quickly moving to one of my favorite authors. First, Kasim was written so beautifully in physical aspects. His mannerism and his swag added to his character. He was a man that stood on morals and respect prior to meeting the love of his life and that continued. Mecca needed someone to show her that she was worthy of love and she deserved happiness. He showed her that and helped build her self esteem. Their meeting was fate. Second, Mecca was the epitome of a Black Woman ! She didn’t know him from a man on the moon and she did what was right. By doing what was right, she caused an uproar in her own life and managed to get hurt in the process. Kasim and his family held her down though and showed her what real family is. I read this book through KU in one sitting. Immediately purchased it once I finished. Job well done!
bigbuttandabook's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When I read a soul tie, soulmate, twin flame romance my reaction is always sis just make it paranormal romance with non-shifters. One I’m a cynical romantic lol two PNR is my favorite romance sub genre, but I still enjoyed the hell out of this. The police trauma was definitely triggering AF but it wasn’t trauma porn at all just not easy to read. I personally didn’t find the last incident necessary even though I get that it’s the setup for another book. I would have just preferred the doxxing being mentioned another way or someone mentioning to her online or something the home invasion was a lot!! I’m gonna keep it real if the twins don’t end up being my favorites, I will be very surprised. However, if Kyan does I won’t even bat an eye. It may not make sense to you but that’s my truth and I standing on it 🤷🏽♀️. The A-hole funny little bother side character will always be a favorite and top tier comedic relief. I think it’s important to note/mention/keep in mind that this is listed as women’s fiction. So while there is romance and it is centered it still isn’t the same vibe you get with a romance. The elements are there but to me it doesn’t feel or read the same. Overall a really enjoyable read.
mekag's review
3.0
Kasim and Mecca
I was really enjoying the book at the beginning, but after a while it started to feel repetitious. Perfect title for their relationship cause it was filled with chaos. I wasn’t feeling how he always got his way with decisions. She said no and he convince her to say yes in almost every situation. This is a 3.5 star
I was really enjoying the book at the beginning, but after a while it started to feel repetitious. Perfect title for their relationship cause it was filled with chaos. I wasn’t feeling how he always got his way with decisions. She said no and he convince her to say yes in almost every situation. This is a 3.5 star
scoodle42's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Kasim and Mecca share a passing glance through a store window, and then Mecca intervenes when Kasim is harassed by the police moments later, leading to her own assault at their hands. And Kasim becomes her protector. And then... more.
So I love how Kasim held Mecca to him from the beginning. He knew they were meant to be, and not just because of the way she intervened on his behalf. He was more than sure of them, sure enough for the both of them and he needed to be because the way Mecca was in denial??!!! Sis, that is your man, you'd better claim him! I love the way he said he would show her, and he did. He won the race, slow and steady, and his reward was their passion that sprung off the pages! He reassured Mecca until she trusted their connection was real. And then he did whatever was necessary to make her world safe, to shield her and comfort her. My heart hurt for Mecca and her relationship with her father and stepmother. I loved that she was a thicker woman and it was appreciated and cherished, though I hate that she wasn't proud of it. And Kasim was all over it. His family was EVERYTHING. The Diallos are one of the best families I've read. Loyal, protective, and fierce in their love. Pushing through in spite of and making a way for others to do that too.
I have to confess, setting love in something so modern day wretched gave me a bit of pause, but the author was so earnest in her way of writing, so sure and graceful even though the subject matter could be heavy, it was well worth it. I love the juxtaposition of Kasim and Mecca's love against outside forces, the external conflict was real and frustrating but seeing their love triumph was worth the pages. Finding something pure and destined against the backdrop of stolen rights and abused privilege gave the book a hopeful quality. I loved that.
I don't usually tout the 48 Laws of Power or Black capitalism philosophies as useful problem solving for us, but in this setting it worked, and I liked that the Diallos were revolutionary in a way that made a difference in their world. Fantastic book.
So I love how Kasim held Mecca to him from the beginning. He knew they were meant to be, and not just because of the way she intervened on his behalf. He was more than sure of them, sure enough for the both of them and he needed to be because the way Mecca was in denial??!!! Sis, that is your man, you'd better claim him! I love the way he said he would show her, and he did. He won the race, slow and steady, and his reward was their passion that sprung off the pages! He reassured Mecca until she trusted their connection was real. And then he did whatever was necessary to make her world safe, to shield her and comfort her. My heart hurt for Mecca and her relationship with her father and stepmother. I loved that she was a thicker woman and it was appreciated and cherished, though I hate that she wasn't proud of it. And Kasim was all over it. His family was EVERYTHING. The Diallos are one of the best families I've read. Loyal, protective, and fierce in their love. Pushing through in spite of and making a way for others to do that too.
I have to confess, setting love in something so modern day wretched gave me a bit of pause, but the author was so earnest in her way of writing, so sure and graceful even though the subject matter could be heavy, it was well worth it. I love the juxtaposition of Kasim and Mecca's love against outside forces, the external conflict was real and frustrating but seeing their love triumph was worth the pages. Finding something pure and destined against the backdrop of stolen rights and abused privilege gave the book a hopeful quality. I loved that.
I don't usually tout the 48 Laws of Power or Black capitalism philosophies as useful problem solving for us, but in this setting it worked, and I liked that the Diallos were revolutionary in a way that made a difference in their world. Fantastic book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Sexual assault
lynnlewis's review
4.0
Lots to love about this book: Kasim, his parents and hilarious brothers, drama, intrigue...
“My name is Kasim Diallo—” “—Fuck. Even your name is sexy—” “NI.CHELLE.” She turned on me and glared, forgetting about him being in the room. “Lie to my face and tell me that your panties ain’t wet right now just off this man saying his fucking name.”
But the poor editing, geez!
“My name is Kasim Diallo—” “—Fuck. Even your name is sexy—” “NI.CHELLE.” She turned on me and glared, forgetting about him being in the room. “Lie to my face and tell me that your panties ain’t wet right now just off this man saying his fucking name.”
But the poor editing, geez!
bookgirlmiranda's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
The realism this book portrayed was beyond amazing. I loved how this author protrayed the Jamaican culture through this book & made/kept it as real as possible. I do wish the plot was wrapped up better or had a better outcome but despite that what happened (the end result) is very much real.
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