lylesgirl2020's Reviews (350)

Water Fairies. Sea Dragons. Ocean Demons?! Yeah… this book SNAPPED.

OBSESSED.

Let’s talk characters:
Zambezi? A walking tidal wave.
Shore? Smooth, savage, and secretly sweet.
Giva? Stop playin with her.
And Reef? My fairy sis forever—period.
Oceana? Glad to see her gettin' back to herself.
But Laguna? Girl, the second she popped up, I knew she was bringing problems. Salty, sneaky, jealous... the entire villain starter pack. And now she's back from the dead?! Oh, we’re in for a storm.

I swear I wasn't just reading—I was VISUALLY living it. Every chapter played like a high-budget fantasy film in my head. I could smell the saltwater, feel the tension, and hear the wings fluttering mid-battle. Movie-level scenes, no exaggeration.

Now let’s get messy:
Why do I feel like Lake is lowkey in her feelings about Zambezi? Always mad, always pressed… sis, just say you want him! And don’t get me started on my random thought: What if Shore and Zambezi had a baby?! That child would literally shift the oceans. Somebody write that spinoff NOW.

The backstories? Chef’s kiss. The originality? UNMATCHED. The plot twists? Came out of nowhere and slapped me every time.

Also… Bay and Zam = top-tier alpha energy. But their dad? Trash. Big trash. I was praying on his downfall by Chapter 5.

Bottom line? This book was a whole experience. Gritty, magical, dramatic as hell—and I ate up every second. If I could rate it 20 stars, I would, and then demand a TV deal.

I gotta get into part two soon. I need more smoke, more secrets, and way more fairie mayhem. Let’s GO!

From the moment Gabriel stepped onto the page in book one, I knew he was dangerous—in the best way. That quiet storm energy? Yeah, it had “main character” written all over it. So when he finally got his moment in the spotlight? He devoured it.

Gabriel and Olivia weren’t just a good match—they were explosive. Their chemistry wasn’t some slow-burn flirtation. It was instant. Animalistic. Charged like a live wire. Their connection? Primal. Their bond? I could feel it in my chest. The tension wasn’t cute—it was predatory.

Let’s be real: this series isn’t here to give you modern gender dynamics or soft-safe energy. This is a love letter to obsessive, dominant, no-nonsense men who love out loud and protect without question. And I ate every bit of that up. These men aren’t afraid to claim what’s theirs—and they don’t care who’s watching.

Gabriel didn’t just fall—he crashed into love. No backup plan. No exit strategy. Just full-throttle obsession and a single-minded devotion to Olivia that felt almost dangerous. And when they finally crossed that line? The spice was giving grown. It wasn’t tender. It wasn’t slow. It was mine, now, and again. The kind of scene that makes you lean back, blink twice, and fan yourself with your Kindle.

Tropes on fye:
• Black wolf shifter
• Soul-bonded, destiny-tied mates
• Breeding kink + possessive heat
• Alpha falls first—and hard
• Found family + ride-or-die loyalty

But even with all the fire, there were a few places that had me squinting:
• Nia’s issue with Tami and Olivia? I needed something there—reconciliation, confrontation, anything. Nia still a bit much!
• Christopher? My boy just… vanished.
• And the ending? It hit the brakes too fast. We were in high gear and suddenly—cut to credits.

Still, that didn’t stop me from loving the ride. The world is rich. The characters go hard. And the men? Whew. Protective, passionate, borderline feral—and I’m not mad at it. I’m already back in Wintermoon with Forgiving Levi on deck and Chasing Ebony calling my name.

This series doesn’t ask for your attention—it demands it. And I’m locked in.

Amber Oliver’s When the Music Hits which dropped June 17th, 2025 doesn’t just pull back the curtain—it yanks it off the rod. Set in the heart of New York’s music scene, this debut pulses with grit, ambition, and hard truths wrapped in sharp prose and crackling dialogue.

The premise may sound familiar: a Black woman finally lands her dream job at a powerhouse record label—only to find the dream is laced with gaslighting, power plays, and industry rot. But Oliver, raised between Harlem and the Bronx, doesn’t play it safe. She writes like someone who’s lived it, seen it, and refuses to water it down.

Every detail feels intentional—from the cutthroat boardrooms to the passive-aggressive emails that hit a little too close to home. The tension simmers as the protagonist realizes that “making it” often comes at the cost of authenticity—and that success in the spotlight can demand silence in the shadows.

It’s sharp, it’s honest, and it asks the right questions: What does it mean to succeed in a system built to break you? And how much of yourself are you willing to leave at the door?

Bold, timely, and fiercely real—this is the kind of debut that makes you sit up, pay attention, and look forward to what Oliver does next.

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

What if love wasn’t just a feeling—but a force of nature?

A cosmic pull so overwhelming, it yanks you out of reality and suspends you somewhere between obsession and ecstasy. A passion so intense it hijacks your heartbeat, your breath, your sanity. A connection so raw, so consuming, you start to question if it’s love—or a beautiful kind of madness.

But when love starts to devour more than it feeds… when it grows teeth and claws and bites back—can you be brave enough to release the very thing that makes you feel alive?

That’s what Denny and Neeka force you to ask.

Two souls entangled beyond logic—one heartbeat split between two bodies. Their chemistry? Volcanic. Their devotion? Blinding. Their love? Damn near mythological.

Denny isn’t just a name in Newark—he’s a legend. A kingpin whose influence stretches past city blocks and straight into infamy. People didn’t just admire him—they worshipped him. Power, women, status—he had it all. Until she walked in. The calm in his storm. The beginning of his unraveling.

Neeka was untouched by his world—new to the city, focused on books and breathing room. She wasn’t checking for him… until the gravity between them made it impossible not to fall. What started as resistance turned into desire, and what grew from that desire was a love story too big for ordinary pages.

Let me be clear: this isn’t your average hood romance. This was an emotional detonation. I laughed, I gasped, I damn near stopped breathing. Plot twists slapped me sideways, and just when I thought I had it figured out—boom, another curveball. Takerra Allen honey! I'm kinda mad this my first read by her!

And listen, if I never pick up another book again, this one left its imprint on me in permanent ink. It’s rare to find a love story that feels like both a drug and a prayer. But this? This was it.

This story? Coo little vibe! I’m always here for a solid friends-to-lovers journey, and Sean and Chelsea did not disappoint. They’re both thriving in their own creative lanes, but their bond? Top-tier. The kind of bestie energy that’s so genuine, you’re low-key rooting for them to fall the whole time.

Chelsea was guarded—past heartbreak had her walls up sky-high. Meanwhile, Sean’s out here in his feelings, convinced he’s falling solo. Sir… please. The chemistry between them was burning. I was literally yelling at my audiobook, like—just kiss already and spare us the slow torture!

Of course, just when things start heating up, the universe throws a wrench into the mix. And the one thing that drove me nuts? The classic communication fail. Like, how are y’all this close and still dancing around the truth? Best friends who don’t talk about the real stuff? C’mon now.

The supporting cast though? Absolutely loved them. Friends and family brought the humor and the heart. Sean and his brothers? Hilarious. Constantly giving each other grief, but when it came down to it, they had each other’s backs 100%. A crew of fine, accomplished men with tight sibling energy? Say. No. More.

Now let’s give credit where it’s due—Jakobi and Wesleigh? They bodied the narration. Voices, emotion, delivery—perfection. They had me locked in from start to finish. Definitely moving up the ranks as one of my fave audiobook pairings.

This was my first dive into Donnia Marie’s work, and it absolutely won’t be my last. I’m ready for the next book in this series. Let’s gooo!

Ayyyyyyye! Happy Release Day!!  

This book? A whole experience. Shadowed Obsession is an unapologetically bold, emotionally rich, and darkly hilarious rollercoaster that blends romantic suspense, cultural depth, and layered character work in a way that feels next-level. 

Deirdre is a total force—head of her own empire, raised in the shadows of a Black mafia family, and walking the line between elegance and lethal precision. She’s powerful, protective, and hyper-focused—but still deeply human. Her journey isn’t just about business or love—it’s about survival, control, and healing. What struck me most was the gentle, honest portrayal of her PMDD and PCOS. Her chronic conditions weren’t sidelined or romanticized—they were woven into her life with care. Her pain was acknowledged, her boundaries respected, and her strength never hinged on pretending to be invincible. This kind of representation is rare—and it mattered.

Then there’s Cèsar. Listen—this man. A smooth-operating, emotionally complex private investigator with both Puerto Rican and Dominican roots, and he wears that dual identity with pride. His culture doesn’t just show up—it lives in him. From the food references (yes, arroz con gandules, I see you) to the language, music, and familial respect, Cèsar's cultural foundation is felt in every scene. He’s loyal but calculating, funny but intense, protective but slightly dangerous—and all of it works. He's not your typical book boyfriend—he’s something grittier, richer, and more real.

When he’s hired to dig up dirt to help blackmail Deirdre on a lucrative real estate deal, things get messy fast. But what takes this story to the next level is the psychological tension. Someone is watching Deirdre. Not just spying—taking care of her. Her gas tank? Full. Groceries? Delivered. Meals? Made. It’s equal parts creepy and considerate—and she’s caught between fear and fascination. The line between danger and desire blurs in the best way.

The banter? Top-tier. The tension? Electric. And when they finally connect? Fireworks. But this isn’t just about spice—it’s about trust, identity, power, and choosing softness in a world that taught you to be hard.

The wild cousins and ruthless siblings! I loved them...every side character brought something vivid to the table. 

This was my first taste of Evelyn Leigh’s writing, and if everything she writes is like this..count me in! I’m already in deep after this. 

Shadowed Obsession doesn’t just flirt with obsession—it earns it. And I’m all in.

Let me be real—I almost put this book down before I even got started. The second I picked up on bitter baby mama energy, I was like, “Oh no, not this mess again.” I wasn’t about to waste time on drama if my happy ending wasn’t guaranteed. I needed a HEA!

But something told me to give it a chance—and thank goodness I did. Because Nalani? That woman was IT. Soft but strong, real and raw—her vibe was magnetic. I connected with her instantly. And Lorenzo? That man exuded power, confidence, and loyalty. He didn’t play about Nalani, and he didn’t care who knew it. He was fully locked in, and I loved every minute of it.

Now let’s talk about his baby mama—because whew. She wasn’t just bitter, she was unhinged. This woman really had her daughter out here trying to hurt her own sibling out of pure spite. Like, what?! That’s beyond petty—that’s dangerous. She got exactly what was coming to her, and I cheered when her cousin gave her hell behind bars. Deserved.

And my sweet Londyn… that girl carried so much pain, but still held on to hope. Watching her finally cut ties with her manipulative mom and get the closure she needed? That hit me hard. She deserved so much more, and I was so glad she finally got her peace.

This was my first read by Riley Baxter and I wasn’t ready for how much I’d love it. The villain? INFURIATING and not in the best way. The characters? Real, layered, unforgettable. I felt every emotion. Riley snapped with this one, and I’ll definitely be back for more. Pure fire.

5 STARS — S.A. Cosby lit this book on fire and didn’t let it cool for a second.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and S.A. Cosby for the early access to the audiobook. And shoutout to Brittandherbooks—you were so right about this author! King of Ashes was my first Cosby read, and I get it now. Completely.

This book is raw, intense, and beautifully written. Cosby calls out every truth—grief, violence, loyalty, love—and wraps it in the kind of storytelling that doesn’t just entertain, it hits. His writing is gritty, soulful, and sharp. I call it Southern Grit—and it cuts deep.

Roman Carruthers returns home after his father’s “accident,” only to find his brother in deep trouble and the family crematorium at the center of something dangerous. And just like that, the story takes off. No fluff. No filler. Just heat, secrets, and survival.

The action is nonstop. The tension is relentless. The emotion? Real. Cosby doesn’t just give you plot—he gives you characters that feel like flesh and blood. Roman, Neveah, Dante—they’re all complicated, messy, and unforgettable.

And the narrator…yeah! Adam Lazarre-White nailed it. The voice, the pacing, the energy—he brought every single word to life.

King of Ashes is fierce, fast, and full of heart.
Moving forward if Cosby writes it, I’m reading it. No question.
Highly, highly recommend.

Rereleased June 10th, 2025

Camilla’s Roses was my first time reading Bernice L. McFadden, and what a powerful, unforgettable introduction. This novel moved me deeply—both as a reader and someone who has personally felt the weight of breast cancer-related loss. It’s a story that speaks to pain, identity, and survival with tenderness and truth.

The story follows Camilla in two timelines: her present-day life is shaken by the discovery of a lump in her breast, while memories from her past slowly unfold, revealing the reasons she’s distanced herself from her family for years. As the story progresses, these two timelines begin to converge, bringing Camilla face-to-face with the truth she’s long tried to bury and the future she can no longer avoid.

Camilla shares a middle name—Rose—with the women in her maternal line, a tradition rooted in a unique rosebush that only thrives on her great-great-grandmother’s land in Southern Georgia. That rose, clipped and replanted many times without success, becomes a powerful symbol of the generational strength and rootedness of the women in this family.

Camilla’s past is filled with emotional turmoil: raised by her grandmother and great-aunt while her parents battled heroin addiction, she grew up surrounded by instability, heartbreak, and silence. Her longing to escape led to years of self-denial, from bleaching her skin to lying about her background—both to others and herself. McFadden explores these struggles with incredible sensitivity and depth.

Themes like breast cancer, addiction, abandonment, colorism, and generational trauma are present throughout the novel, but never feel heavy for the sake of it. McFadden writes with compassion and nuance, letting the emotional weight of each moment breathe. Every character is richly drawn and essential to the story’s emotional impact.

Though this book delves into darkness, there is light, too. The women in this story—Camilla and her “Roses”—are resilient. Their strength may not always be loud, but it’s undeniable. Like that rosebush, they survive where they’re rooted. There is pain here, yes, but also quiet hope, healing, and a sense that even fractured things can bloom again.

I’m so grateful for the chance to read this early and look forward to exploring more of Bernice L. McFadden’s work.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nikki Erlick, and William Morrow for the advanced copy of this beautiful story.
Release Date: June 17, 2025

This was my very first read by Nikki Erlick, and what a powerful introduction. I went into The Poppy Fields curious about the idea of healing—and came out feeling deeply moved. This book feels like a gentle hand on the shoulder, a quiet reminder that we’re never alone in our grief.

The premise is quietly magical: there’s a place where broken hearts go to rest. A mysterious field where, after a long sleep, healing is promised. It sounds like something out of a dream—and maybe, it is. Four strangers, each carrying deep emotional wounds, set out on a journey to find this place. Alongside them? A dog that, like the humans, has its own silent sorrow.

Grief shows up differently for each of them, but their ache is familiar. And honest. This isn’t the kind of story that gives you quick fixes or perfect answers. It asks big questions instead:
Can we ever truly recover from loss? And what are we willing to risk for the chance to feel whole again?

One line in particular felt like a whisper straight to the heart:
“Poppies are a ruderal species, which means that they grow from the rubble. If something so spectacular can still blossom in even the most disturbed earth, then doesn’t that mean there’s hope for even the most battered hearts to heal?”
It’s breathtaking. And it captures the soul of the book in just a few words.

I loved every character and the stories they carried. Some parts were soft and comforting, others cracked me open in quiet ways. Erlick writes with empathy and grace—never rushing the pain, but always making room for the possibility of light.

The Poppy Fields isn’t just about grief. It’s about resilience, connection, and how healing is rarely a straight line—but it is possible. And we don’t have to do it alone.

I truly loved this book. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.