Take a photo of a barcode or cover
lylesgirl2020's Reviews (350)
A dark, twisted love story bound by obsession & loyalty? Yeah, definitely this!
This was my first Shantel Davis read, and babyyyy, it won’t be my last! Saint Valentine had me in a chokehold from page ONE. The vibes? Dark, dirty, addictive. Betrayal, obsession, chemistry so thick it’ll fog up your screen—it gave everything it needed to give.
Let’s talk about Saint—
He’s not just a boss, he’s the unhinged, dangerous, walk-into-a-room-and-command-it type. Possessive? Extremely. Obsessed with Aria? 100%. But under all that chaos is a deep, loyal, ride-for-you kind of love that lowkey had me swooning. He’s toxic, but he’s hers.
Now Aria? Sis is no damsel. She messy, she bold, and she made a wild move lying to him about his father—but listen, it only made the story juicier. Their love? It’s not cute and perfect. It’s raw, twisted, and manipulative… but it’s real.
Saint and Aria together? Dangerous. Passionate. Addicted to each other in the most chaotic way—and somehow, I loved every second. The loyalty, the betrayal, the tension!
If you like dark romance, morally gray characters, and a love story that survives hellfire just to burn brighter? Add Saint Valentine to that young TBR!
This was my first Shantel Davis read, and babyyyy, it won’t be my last! Saint Valentine had me in a chokehold from page ONE. The vibes? Dark, dirty, addictive. Betrayal, obsession, chemistry so thick it’ll fog up your screen—it gave everything it needed to give.
Let’s talk about Saint—
He’s not just a boss, he’s the unhinged, dangerous, walk-into-a-room-and-command-it type. Possessive? Extremely. Obsessed with Aria? 100%. But under all that chaos is a deep, loyal, ride-for-you kind of love that lowkey had me swooning. He’s toxic, but he’s hers.
Now Aria? Sis is no damsel. She messy, she bold, and she made a wild move lying to him about his father—but listen, it only made the story juicier. Their love? It’s not cute and perfect. It’s raw, twisted, and manipulative… but it’s real.
Saint and Aria together? Dangerous. Passionate. Addicted to each other in the most chaotic way—and somehow, I loved every second. The loyalty, the betrayal, the tension!
If you like dark romance, morally gray characters, and a love story that survives hellfire just to burn brighter? Add Saint Valentine to that young TBR!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Author Seema Shenor for letting me dive into this bold and beautiful love story. I’m definitely keeping an eye out for more from this author!
This was my first read by Seema Shenoy, and let me just say—I’m so here for her vibe! This romance was a breath of fresh air with a totally unique take on love and how it unfolds through two beautifully distinct characters.
We’re talking Sophia, a passionate artist and painter, and Ethan, a brilliant physicist—two souls from wildly different worlds. The moment they met? Instant chemistry. But what they didn’t expect was how deep, how otherworldly their love would go. We’re talking love that bends the rules of reality!
This story isn’t your typical romance, and that’s exactly what gave it its flair. It brought a whole new energy to the genre. The beginning had me slightly confused, like it wasn't giving—I won’t lie I almost DNF'd—but I'm happy I stuck it out because once it found its rhythm, everything snapped, crackled and popped! It flowed into a satisfying, heartwarming finish.
This was my first read by Seema Shenoy, and let me just say—I’m so here for her vibe! This romance was a breath of fresh air with a totally unique take on love and how it unfolds through two beautifully distinct characters.
We’re talking Sophia, a passionate artist and painter, and Ethan, a brilliant physicist—two souls from wildly different worlds. The moment they met? Instant chemistry. But what they didn’t expect was how deep, how otherworldly their love would go. We’re talking love that bends the rules of reality!
This story isn’t your typical romance, and that’s exactly what gave it its flair. It brought a whole new energy to the genre. The beginning had me slightly confused, like it wasn't giving—I won’t lie I almost DNF'd—but I'm happy I stuck it out because once it found its rhythm, everything snapped, crackled and popped! It flowed into a satisfying, heartwarming finish.
Keon had Sierra out bad from jump—did her dirty then dipped like a coward, leaving her to face Kane alone. But baby, Sierra flipped the script quick! She went from timid to bossed up real fast, and Kane? Cold-blooded but couldn’t help feeling her.
The tension? Crazy. The chemistry? Even crazier. But is it real or just proximity playing tricks? Either way, just when things settle, Kane’s past pulls up and it’s war time.
Sierra? Girl, why would you risk it all for a man that did you foul?! The plot twist had me stuck. And when Kane found out who really crossed him? Oh, it got real.
Quick, spicy read. Could’ve used a lil more build-up, but the drama? 10/10.
The tension? Crazy. The chemistry? Even crazier. But is it real or just proximity playing tricks? Either way, just when things settle, Kane’s past pulls up and it’s war time.
Sierra? Girl, why would you risk it all for a man that did you foul?! The plot twist had me stuck. And when Kane found out who really crossed him? Oh, it got real.
Quick, spicy read. Could’ve used a lil more build-up, but the drama? 10/10.
Dear Little Black Girl was such a beautiful read—my daughters absolutely loved it! From the very first page, it had their full attention. This book poured into them with so much love, confidence, and truth.
It wasn’t just a cute story—it was a celebration. A heartfelt reminder that little Black girls are magic, worthy, and full of light. The affirmations, the cultural pride, the soft strength in every word—it was everything.
As a mama, watching my girls feel seen and uplifted by this story? Priceless. Dear Little Black Girl is a must-have. It’s sweet, empowering, and rooted in love. Can’t wait to read more like this!
It wasn’t just a cute story—it was a celebration. A heartfelt reminder that little Black girls are magic, worthy, and full of light. The affirmations, the cultural pride, the soft strength in every word—it was everything.
As a mama, watching my girls feel seen and uplifted by this story? Priceless. Dear Little Black Girl is a must-have. It’s sweet, empowering, and rooted in love. Can’t wait to read more like this!
This book? Yeah—it ate and left no crumbs. Straight fire from beginning to end.
Made was on TEN for T’Asia, and I loved every second of it. That man stayed ready to protect her like his life depended on it—no hesitation, no fear, just pure “I got you.” That kind of protection? Whew. Say less. Meanwhile, her mama? Trash. Absolute garbage. Had me clenching my jaw and itching to snatch pages. She was foul, and I said what I said.
Now let’s talk that side drama—Kate’s sister and ol’ dude at the club? Something was brewing there, and I need answers now. Trey and his messy parents? Got every bit of that karma they deserved. Trying to play in T’Asia’s face at her own people’s event? Nah. And that cousin? Baby. She needed a cold reality check and a seat way in the back.
But the real win? That friends-to-lovers journey with a splash of BDSM heat? Chef’s kiss. King and Princess went through hell—family pressure, a messy ex, folks always in their business—but the love was loud. It was raw. It was grown. They put in the work, and it paid off.
The ending wrapped things up just right, but let me be clear—I’m tryna see what’s up with the twins and King’s sister ASAP. There’s more story there, and I want it.
This book gave energy, heat, culture, chaos, and heart. If you love Black love with bite, this one’s a must.
Made was on TEN for T’Asia, and I loved every second of it. That man stayed ready to protect her like his life depended on it—no hesitation, no fear, just pure “I got you.” That kind of protection? Whew. Say less. Meanwhile, her mama? Trash. Absolute garbage. Had me clenching my jaw and itching to snatch pages. She was foul, and I said what I said.
Now let’s talk that side drama—Kate’s sister and ol’ dude at the club? Something was brewing there, and I need answers now. Trey and his messy parents? Got every bit of that karma they deserved. Trying to play in T’Asia’s face at her own people’s event? Nah. And that cousin? Baby. She needed a cold reality check and a seat way in the back.
But the real win? That friends-to-lovers journey with a splash of BDSM heat? Chef’s kiss. King and Princess went through hell—family pressure, a messy ex, folks always in their business—but the love was loud. It was raw. It was grown. They put in the work, and it paid off.
The ending wrapped things up just right, but let me be clear—I’m tryna see what’s up with the twins and King’s sister ASAP. There’s more story there, and I want it.
This book gave energy, heat, culture, chaos, and heart. If you love Black love with bite, this one’s a must.
This series? Straight fire but, I've said that already. If you’re not up on the Demons yet, what are you even doing? Seriously—this whole ride had me hooked from the first page and didn’t let go. It’s got everything: love, loyalty, wild drama, some spice, and all the Demon energy you could ask for.
Loire and Big Demon? Whew. I knew from book one that she was gonna be the one to flip his whole world. The way he talked about her? That man was gone from the start. Watching him fall all the way in? Chef’s kiss.
And listen—justice was served. Messy a** Labella & Crazy Cortez both got exactly what was coming to them. All the manipulation, lies, chaos...adios!
Now, Ash and Scully totally earned their spot.
Every book in this series brought something different to the table, but the through-line? Family, fire, and feelings. I’m obsessed, and I’m not even trying to hide it. Can’t wait to see where this story goes next—because if it’s more Demon time, I’m already there.
Loire and Big Demon? Whew. I knew from book one that she was gonna be the one to flip his whole world. The way he talked about her? That man was gone from the start. Watching him fall all the way in? Chef’s kiss.
And listen—justice was served. Messy a** Labella & Crazy Cortez both got exactly what was coming to them. All the manipulation, lies, chaos...adios!
Now, Ash and Scully totally earned their spot.
Every book in this series brought something different to the table, but the through-line? Family, fire, and feelings. I’m obsessed, and I’m not even trying to hide it. Can’t wait to see where this story goes next—because if it’s more Demon time, I’m already there.
A Soft, Sacred Unraveling. 5 Star ARC!
This book is a balm. A quiet revolution. A place to rest.
In a world that constantly asks young Black girls to grow up too fast, to carry more than their share, sacrifice their dreams, suffer in silence and to wear strength like armor—Crowned and Covered offers something radical: softness. Here, we meet Keyslee, a young girl whose story doesn’t scream for change or demand grand reinvention. She’s not on a mission to become someone new—she just wants to breathe, literally. And this book gives her, and us, that sacred pause.
From the moment Keyslee enters the salon on this specific Sunday, she's wrapped in the warmth of knowing hands and centuries of unspoken wisdom, something shifts...the weight is lifted from her shoulders. This isn't just a place to do hair. It’s a safe place, a sanctuary where silence speaks and healing hums low and steady. The characters, the atmosphere, the very water in the shampoo bowl—everything is medicine.
What makes this story so necessary is how it gently holds the truth so many of us have lived: how Black girls are too often molded into versions of themselves that don’t belong to them. Forced to shrink in the face of expectation, to smile while folding themselves small. But in these pages, there is expansion. There is recognition. There is rest.
The writing carries you like a lullaby and lands like a prayer. It's a reminder that we don’t always need fixing. Sometimes, we just need space to be. A piece of peace!
When Keyslee finally sees herself... Omg!
“I wasn’t the caretaker. I wasn’t the bullied girl. Not the strong one out of necessity. Just… me. Pressed, not broken. I’ve been through hard things and shaped by pressure. But I’m not ruined or defined by my pain. I’m still worthy of it all.”-Keyslee
This isn’t just a book. It’s a mirror, a hug, a sanctuary.
Read it slowly. Let it hold you. You deserve that
This book is a balm. A quiet revolution. A place to rest.
In a world that constantly asks young Black girls to grow up too fast, to carry more than their share, sacrifice their dreams, suffer in silence and to wear strength like armor—Crowned and Covered offers something radical: softness. Here, we meet Keyslee, a young girl whose story doesn’t scream for change or demand grand reinvention. She’s not on a mission to become someone new—she just wants to breathe, literally. And this book gives her, and us, that sacred pause.
From the moment Keyslee enters the salon on this specific Sunday, she's wrapped in the warmth of knowing hands and centuries of unspoken wisdom, something shifts...the weight is lifted from her shoulders. This isn't just a place to do hair. It’s a safe place, a sanctuary where silence speaks and healing hums low and steady. The characters, the atmosphere, the very water in the shampoo bowl—everything is medicine.
What makes this story so necessary is how it gently holds the truth so many of us have lived: how Black girls are too often molded into versions of themselves that don’t belong to them. Forced to shrink in the face of expectation, to smile while folding themselves small. But in these pages, there is expansion. There is recognition. There is rest.
The writing carries you like a lullaby and lands like a prayer. It's a reminder that we don’t always need fixing. Sometimes, we just need space to be. A piece of peace!
When Keyslee finally sees herself... Omg!
“I wasn’t the caretaker. I wasn’t the bullied girl. Not the strong one out of necessity. Just… me. Pressed, not broken. I’ve been through hard things and shaped by pressure. But I’m not ruined or defined by my pain. I’m still worthy of it all.”-Keyslee
This isn’t just a book. It’s a mirror, a hug, a sanctuary.
Read it slowly. Let it hold you. You deserve that
Soft. Healing. Unforgettable.
In this ARC I met Lashae—35, a real estate queen with a presence that turns heads. Her look? A sleek middle-part bob, polished and perfect, just like the life she’s carefully built. But at Crowned and Covered, something gentle starts to unravel.
Lashae went for a new style… but found herself sitting in the chair, facing truths she didn’t expect.
She has two lovers. One heart. She's been holding it together but at the sacrifice of not being the version of herself she truly wants to be. And those braids? They’re giving new hair, who's this!
At Crowned and Covered, healing doesn’t ask for permission. It begins softly—at the sink, in the silence, in the stillness. And the woman who leaves the chair is never quite the same.
The words that stuck with me:
“You are braided, not bound.”
This story is tender and true. Senae wraps around you like warmth, like peace, like love.
Five stars, easily. I can't wait to see what's next!
In this ARC I met Lashae—35, a real estate queen with a presence that turns heads. Her look? A sleek middle-part bob, polished and perfect, just like the life she’s carefully built. But at Crowned and Covered, something gentle starts to unravel.
Lashae went for a new style… but found herself sitting in the chair, facing truths she didn’t expect.
She has two lovers. One heart. She's been holding it together but at the sacrifice of not being the version of herself she truly wants to be. And those braids? They’re giving new hair, who's this!
At Crowned and Covered, healing doesn’t ask for permission. It begins softly—at the sink, in the silence, in the stillness. And the woman who leaves the chair is never quite the same.
The words that stuck with me:
“You are braided, not bound.”
This story is tender and true. Senae wraps around you like warmth, like peace, like love.
Five stars, easily. I can't wait to see what's next!
A Quick Love Letter to Black Women & Our Crown
Sundays at the Salon is more than a book—it’s a sanctuary. A soft, powerful, affirming space where Black women come to be seen, heard, and held. Senae, a 21-year-old hairstylist, inherits her Aunt Shirley’s beloved salon and turns it into a sacred ground for healing, one Sunday at a time.
Five women walk through her doors—Lashae, Keyslee, Ann, Katrice, and Desi. Each one carries a story, a secret, a silent battle. Through every style and every conversation, they peel back the layers and step into their truth. It’s raw, it’s tender, it’s everything.
This book is for every Black woman who’s ever found herself in a salon chair, letting go and being put back together. It’s intimate, bold, and filled with the kind of magic only we understand.
Five stars. No question. This one loves us out loud.
Thank you Netra Antoinette for the ARC!
Sundays at the Salon is more than a book—it’s a sanctuary. A soft, powerful, affirming space where Black women come to be seen, heard, and held. Senae, a 21-year-old hairstylist, inherits her Aunt Shirley’s beloved salon and turns it into a sacred ground for healing, one Sunday at a time.
Five women walk through her doors—Lashae, Keyslee, Ann, Katrice, and Desi. Each one carries a story, a secret, a silent battle. Through every style and every conversation, they peel back the layers and step into their truth. It’s raw, it’s tender, it’s everything.
This book is for every Black woman who’s ever found herself in a salon chair, letting go and being put back together. It’s intimate, bold, and filled with the kind of magic only we understand.
Five stars. No question. This one loves us out loud.
Thank you Netra Antoinette for the ARC!
This story gently reminds us how much we sometimes carry in silence, and how powerful it is to finally release what no longer serves us. Ann’s journey touched me deeply. I found myself quietly rooting for her—to find a love that doesn't just hold her, but heals her. To open her heart again, and to create the family she’s always deserved.
Her ex-husband? The pain he caused left scars, and a part of me longed to see him reckon with the weight of his actions.
But then there’s Senae—so full of grace, wisdom, and quiet strength. She holds space for the truth in such a beautiful way. Her presence in this story is unforgettable.
This was a tender, soul-stirring read. The characters felt real, their emotions raw, and their healing hard-earned. I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.
Baggage is heavy—and it takes up far too much room in our lives. Netra Antoinette is offering peace in this series!
Her ex-husband? The pain he caused left scars, and a part of me longed to see him reckon with the weight of his actions.
But then there’s Senae—so full of grace, wisdom, and quiet strength. She holds space for the truth in such a beautiful way. Her presence in this story is unforgettable.
This was a tender, soul-stirring read. The characters felt real, their emotions raw, and their healing hard-earned. I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.
Baggage is heavy—and it takes up far too much room in our lives. Netra Antoinette is offering peace in this series!