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lylesgirl2020's Reviews (350)
This book? Straight heat with layers. Shakur was that dude—lowkey, respectful, and stood on business every time. Book bae certified. He ain’t ask for no drama, but he handled his with maturity and pride.
On the flip side, Teyaira was delusional as hell, and her mama? A full-blown enabler. Both of them had me rolling my eyes hard.
Now let’s get into my girl Presley. Whew! If life ever threw hands, Presley was catching them all—but still showed up with poise. She’s the kind of character you ride for from page one. Her story hit deep—women judged harshly for just trying to live. Shvonne Latrice held nothing back, especially when it came to hard topics like SA and rape (TW is real, so don’t skip past it).
The romance? Whew, chile. The smexy scenes were top tier—passionate, detailed, and made you feel everything the characters were going through. The tension? Immaculate. We saw the love building before the characters even caught up.
As for the side characters? Virgil and Jamie need to exit stage left permanently. Virgil can rot, respectfully. And Jamie? Presley’s mama was too busy chasing dusty men to show up for her daughter. I was ready to square up over some of her scenes.
Shvonne Latrice really did her thing. This book was gritty, emotional, and full of fire. Presley is THAT girl, and this is one of those stories that stays with you. Solid four stars. Don’t sleep on it. Now on to the next book because the end?? Whaaaaat!
On the flip side, Teyaira was delusional as hell, and her mama? A full-blown enabler. Both of them had me rolling my eyes hard.
Now let’s get into my girl Presley. Whew! If life ever threw hands, Presley was catching them all—but still showed up with poise. She’s the kind of character you ride for from page one. Her story hit deep—women judged harshly for just trying to live. Shvonne Latrice held nothing back, especially when it came to hard topics like SA and rape (TW is real, so don’t skip past it).
The romance? Whew, chile. The smexy scenes were top tier—passionate, detailed, and made you feel everything the characters were going through. The tension? Immaculate. We saw the love building before the characters even caught up.
As for the side characters? Virgil and Jamie need to exit stage left permanently. Virgil can rot, respectfully. And Jamie? Presley’s mama was too busy chasing dusty men to show up for her daughter. I was ready to square up over some of her scenes.
Shvonne Latrice really did her thing. This book was gritty, emotional, and full of fire. Presley is THAT girl, and this is one of those stories that stays with you. Solid four stars. Don’t sleep on it. Now on to the next book because the end?? Whaaaaat!
Aurmoni and Banks are back—and this third installment does not come to play.
We jump straight into the fire, picking up right where the last book left off: chaos, bullets, and high stakes. From start to finish, this one delivers nonstop action, wild twists, betrayal, grit, heat, and pure mayhem.
Our two leads continue to fall deeper into each other—and their dynamic? Still top-tier. But don’t sleep on the rest of the cast. Every supporting character came with something to prove. They weren’t just background noise—they were loud, messy, and essential.
Now, let’s be clear: one returning character had me ready to square up. If you’ve read the previous books, you already know. If you haven’t? You’ll find out soon enough.
Special mention to Aria. She handled business, held her own, and deserves all the applause.
Brickhouse is solidified in my Top 5 of 2025. She knows how to build characters with presence, plots with bite, and scenes that hit. The world-building? Clean. The pacing? Sharp. The dialogue? On point. She’s three-for-three with this series, and I’m fully locked in.
Also—yall don’t make my mistake. Read Married To The Richest Savage In Houston 1 & 2 (Torres Cartel books) first. They’re connected, and having that background just makes everything hit harder.
If you want a story that brings real chaos, plot that actually moves, spicy scenes that deliver, and characters that make you react—this is exactly that.
Disclaimer: This series doesn’t shy away from dark themes. Heavy content and trigger warnings apply—so read smart. But if this genre is your thing, it won’t disappoint.
We jump straight into the fire, picking up right where the last book left off: chaos, bullets, and high stakes. From start to finish, this one delivers nonstop action, wild twists, betrayal, grit, heat, and pure mayhem.
Our two leads continue to fall deeper into each other—and their dynamic? Still top-tier. But don’t sleep on the rest of the cast. Every supporting character came with something to prove. They weren’t just background noise—they were loud, messy, and essential.
Now, let’s be clear: one returning character had me ready to square up. If you’ve read the previous books, you already know. If you haven’t? You’ll find out soon enough.
Special mention to Aria. She handled business, held her own, and deserves all the applause.
Brickhouse is solidified in my Top 5 of 2025. She knows how to build characters with presence, plots with bite, and scenes that hit. The world-building? Clean. The pacing? Sharp. The dialogue? On point. She’s three-for-three with this series, and I’m fully locked in.
Also—yall don’t make my mistake. Read Married To The Richest Savage In Houston 1 & 2 (Torres Cartel books) first. They’re connected, and having that background just makes everything hit harder.
If you want a story that brings real chaos, plot that actually moves, spicy scenes that deliver, and characters that make you react—this is exactly that.
Disclaimer: This series doesn’t shy away from dark themes. Heavy content and trigger warnings apply—so read smart. But if this genre is your thing, it won’t disappoint.
That last Sunday at Crowned and Covered? It’s not just the end of a chapter—it’s a whole rebirth. And Desi? Baby, she’s walking straight into hers with her head high and heart wide open.
When she settles into that salon chair, it’s more than a makeover—it’s a moment. A declaration. Desi isn’t performing or shrinking. She’s not trying to be understood. She’s showing up in her fullness, owning every inch of the woman she’s become.
What touched me wasn’t just her strength—it was her clarity. That quiet but powerful choice to center herself. To stop bending for the comfort of others and finally expand into joy that’s hers alone. There’s something sacred about that. Something free.
Netra Antoinette did that. She didn’t just write characters—she breathed life into them. Every story in this series holds something special: raw truth, tender healing, and that unshakable magic Black women carry so effortlessly. The writing? Beautiful. The emotion? Right there, every time.
Yes, these are short stories—but don’t get it twisted. They pack depth. I found myself wishing I could stay with each woman longer. Desi especially—I need to know what life looks like after she chooses her truth over tradition.
The Sunday Crown Series isn’t just a good read—it’s a five-star experience. Period. And anybody who says otherwise... well, I don’t know what book/series they read, but it wasn’t this one.
This series reminded me that our stories matter. That our softness and our power can exist in the same breath. That we don’t owe anyone an explanation for living fully and freely.
“I was no longer the woman trying to explain her choices. I was the woman living them.”- I truly felt this because I used to bend and stretch to be what others want and not honor me and now I chose me first every time!
When she settles into that salon chair, it’s more than a makeover—it’s a moment. A declaration. Desi isn’t performing or shrinking. She’s not trying to be understood. She’s showing up in her fullness, owning every inch of the woman she’s become.
What touched me wasn’t just her strength—it was her clarity. That quiet but powerful choice to center herself. To stop bending for the comfort of others and finally expand into joy that’s hers alone. There’s something sacred about that. Something free.
Netra Antoinette did that. She didn’t just write characters—she breathed life into them. Every story in this series holds something special: raw truth, tender healing, and that unshakable magic Black women carry so effortlessly. The writing? Beautiful. The emotion? Right there, every time.
Yes, these are short stories—but don’t get it twisted. They pack depth. I found myself wishing I could stay with each woman longer. Desi especially—I need to know what life looks like after she chooses her truth over tradition.
The Sunday Crown Series isn’t just a good read—it’s a five-star experience. Period. And anybody who says otherwise... well, I don’t know what book/series they read, but it wasn’t this one.
This series reminded me that our stories matter. That our softness and our power can exist in the same breath. That we don’t owe anyone an explanation for living fully and freely.
“I was no longer the woman trying to explain her choices. I was the woman living them.”- I truly felt this because I used to bend and stretch to be what others want and not honor me and now I chose me first every time!
I said it before and I'll say it again...Netra Antoinette continues to deliver stories that feel like soul care. These main characters may only get 30 pages, but they carry the weight of full, lived lives. Do I wish each story was longer? Absolutely. These women deserve novels. But even in the brevity, the power is undeniable.
Black women, us showing up as our whole self—no filters, no pretending—even when the world tries to convince us you’re not enough. That's raw beauty!
This Sunday, it’s Katrice’s moment in the chair at Crowned and Covered, and let me tell you—she is ready. At 26, a social media “it girl” with a polished feed and a long list of brand deals, she’s finally tired of chasing perfection. And as those 32-inch bundles come down, so does the weight of the unrealistic expectations she’s been carrying.
Katrice’s story hit deep. So many of us as Black women feel that quiet pressure to always have it together—especially online. The flawless photos, the overthinking before we post, the silent comparisons that drain us behind the scenes. But Katrice reminds us that freedom lives in authenticity. That there’s nothing more powerful than choosing to be real in a world obsessed with performance.
One of my favorite lines? “I felt like a woman declining vassals. One twist at a time.” Whew. That line lingered. It felt like a gentle, holy reclaiming of self, and I was right there with her, twist after twist.
The Sunday Crown Series is a five-star gem, through and through. If anyone disagrees... well, I can’t help them. This series gets it—and more importantly, it gets us.
To every Black woman reading this: Stand in your truth. Let go of the noise. Your dreams are sacred, your peace is non-negotiable, and who you are—as you are—is already more than enough.
I love Sunday’s at the salon.
Black women, us showing up as our whole self—no filters, no pretending—even when the world tries to convince us you’re not enough. That's raw beauty!
This Sunday, it’s Katrice’s moment in the chair at Crowned and Covered, and let me tell you—she is ready. At 26, a social media “it girl” with a polished feed and a long list of brand deals, she’s finally tired of chasing perfection. And as those 32-inch bundles come down, so does the weight of the unrealistic expectations she’s been carrying.
Katrice’s story hit deep. So many of us as Black women feel that quiet pressure to always have it together—especially online. The flawless photos, the overthinking before we post, the silent comparisons that drain us behind the scenes. But Katrice reminds us that freedom lives in authenticity. That there’s nothing more powerful than choosing to be real in a world obsessed with performance.
One of my favorite lines? “I felt like a woman declining vassals. One twist at a time.” Whew. That line lingered. It felt like a gentle, holy reclaiming of self, and I was right there with her, twist after twist.
The Sunday Crown Series is a five-star gem, through and through. If anyone disagrees... well, I can’t help them. This series gets it—and more importantly, it gets us.
To every Black woman reading this: Stand in your truth. Let go of the noise. Your dreams are sacred, your peace is non-negotiable, and who you are—as you are—is already more than enough.
I love Sunday’s at the salon.
Big love to Smardline S. & Torch Lit Ink for the ARC!
This was my intro to her work, and even though I gave it a personal 3.5 out of 5, I can see why readers are drawn to her style—it’s got a cool vibe and a unique voice that stands out.
This is book two in The Soulmate Effect series, which I didn’t know going in, but no worries—it still worked perfectly as a standalone and was a solid intro to Smardline’s world.
We meet Lucien, a smooth French billionaire CEO, and Rylee, a smart, driven Afro-Latina marketing exec from the U.S. They had a summer romance that ended with her disappearing, and now? Luc pulls a total power move—buys out her struggling company, hires her, and proposes a fake marriage. But don’t get it twisted—Luc’s not playing games. He’s all in.
What worked? Oh, it worked.
Luc’s portrayal as a man with ADHD was refreshingly honest—woven into his character in a way that felt genuine, not performative.
And Luc himself? Whew. He’s the soft, observant, ride-for-his-woman type—paying attention to things like her scent preferences and showing up for her in real ways.
Rylee? Grounded, relatable, and layered. She’s healing, protecting her little sister, and trying to navigate love without losing herself.
And the romance? When it hits, it’s tender, steamy, and intentional.
Now, some things didn’t land for me personally.
A few side characters felt like noise instead of impact, and I wished we got more showing of Luc and Rylee’s emotional connection. A couple flashbacks could’ve made their love story feel even deeper.
There were also ancestor/flashback scenes that didn’t quite click for me while I normally love an ancestor being honored or being referred to in this case it felt...I just wanted more focus on the present-day romance.
But here’s the thing: if you’re here for Black love, passion with purpose, and a billionaire who is head-over-heels for his woman? You’ll probably enjoy this ride.
Even though it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I can absolutely see the appeal—and if this sounds like your type of love story, it’s worth checking out.
This was my intro to her work, and even though I gave it a personal 3.5 out of 5, I can see why readers are drawn to her style—it’s got a cool vibe and a unique voice that stands out.
This is book two in The Soulmate Effect series, which I didn’t know going in, but no worries—it still worked perfectly as a standalone and was a solid intro to Smardline’s world.
We meet Lucien, a smooth French billionaire CEO, and Rylee, a smart, driven Afro-Latina marketing exec from the U.S. They had a summer romance that ended with her disappearing, and now? Luc pulls a total power move—buys out her struggling company, hires her, and proposes a fake marriage. But don’t get it twisted—Luc’s not playing games. He’s all in.
What worked? Oh, it worked.
Luc’s portrayal as a man with ADHD was refreshingly honest—woven into his character in a way that felt genuine, not performative.
And Luc himself? Whew. He’s the soft, observant, ride-for-his-woman type—paying attention to things like her scent preferences and showing up for her in real ways.
Rylee? Grounded, relatable, and layered. She’s healing, protecting her little sister, and trying to navigate love without losing herself.
And the romance? When it hits, it’s tender, steamy, and intentional.
Now, some things didn’t land for me personally.
A few side characters felt like noise instead of impact, and I wished we got more showing of Luc and Rylee’s emotional connection. A couple flashbacks could’ve made their love story feel even deeper.
There were also ancestor/flashback scenes that didn’t quite click for me while I normally love an ancestor being honored or being referred to in this case it felt...I just wanted more focus on the present-day romance.
But here’s the thing: if you’re here for Black love, passion with purpose, and a billionaire who is head-over-heels for his woman? You’ll probably enjoy this ride.
Even though it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I can absolutely see the appeal—and if this sounds like your type of love story, it’s worth checking out.
I really took my time with this one! Thank you for the ARC!
“New Growth” is a tender, heart-wrenching journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery — a story that quietly wraps itself around you and doesn’t let go.
Elliot “Ellie” Sawyer is navigating a storm of loss, after losing the one person who truly understood her. Just as she's trying to catch her breath, life delivers another blow — a betrayal so personal, it shakes her to her core. Her pain is palpable, raw, and deeply human.
Enter Elliot “El” Greene — and he is simply unforgettable. Steady, compassionate, and emotionally present, El brings a gentle strength that never overshadows Ellie’s process. Even while managing his own inner struggles, he holds space for her in a way that feels safe and unforced.
Ellie’s journey isn’t easy — she makes choices that are frustrating at times, but they’re honest. What kept me rooted was El’s quiet commitment and the grace with which he walks beside her, never pushing, never rushing — just being there. His kind of love is rare, and it shows.
If there’s one thing I wished for, it was a glimpse of Ellie’s growth a bit sooner. But perhaps that’s the beauty of it — real healing takes time, and this story honors that truth with care.
Taahesi crafts something deeply special here. Her writing is vivid and emotionally layered, and her ability to write a male lead who is both strong and soft is remarkable. El isn’t just “the love interest” — he’s a reflection of what it means to show up with intention, even when it’s hard.
This book is more than a romance — it’s a deeply emotional look at what it means to begin again when everything feels broken. It gently reminds us that pain doesn’t disappear overnight, but love — especially the patient kind — can be a guiding light.
If you choose to read this, do so with tenderness. “New Growth” explores heavy themes — grief, addiction, chronic illness, and family trauma — but it does so with empathy and care. And for those ready to sit with it, this story offers something truly meaningful.
Taahesi’s voice is confident and poetic, and though this is only her second book, it reads with the grace of someone who knows exactly what she wants to say. She invites us to feel, to reflect, and maybe even to heal alongside her characters.
Take a breath, open your heart, and let this story unfold. You won’t regret it.
“New Growth” is a tender, heart-wrenching journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery — a story that quietly wraps itself around you and doesn’t let go.
Elliot “Ellie” Sawyer is navigating a storm of loss, after losing the one person who truly understood her. Just as she's trying to catch her breath, life delivers another blow — a betrayal so personal, it shakes her to her core. Her pain is palpable, raw, and deeply human.
Enter Elliot “El” Greene — and he is simply unforgettable. Steady, compassionate, and emotionally present, El brings a gentle strength that never overshadows Ellie’s process. Even while managing his own inner struggles, he holds space for her in a way that feels safe and unforced.
Ellie’s journey isn’t easy — she makes choices that are frustrating at times, but they’re honest. What kept me rooted was El’s quiet commitment and the grace with which he walks beside her, never pushing, never rushing — just being there. His kind of love is rare, and it shows.
If there’s one thing I wished for, it was a glimpse of Ellie’s growth a bit sooner. But perhaps that’s the beauty of it — real healing takes time, and this story honors that truth with care.
Taahesi crafts something deeply special here. Her writing is vivid and emotionally layered, and her ability to write a male lead who is both strong and soft is remarkable. El isn’t just “the love interest” — he’s a reflection of what it means to show up with intention, even when it’s hard.
This book is more than a romance — it’s a deeply emotional look at what it means to begin again when everything feels broken. It gently reminds us that pain doesn’t disappear overnight, but love — especially the patient kind — can be a guiding light.
If you choose to read this, do so with tenderness. “New Growth” explores heavy themes — grief, addiction, chronic illness, and family trauma — but it does so with empathy and care. And for those ready to sit with it, this story offers something truly meaningful.
Taahesi’s voice is confident and poetic, and though this is only her second book, it reads with the grace of someone who knows exactly what she wants to say. She invites us to feel, to reflect, and maybe even to heal alongside her characters.
Take a breath, open your heart, and let this story unfold. You won’t regret it.
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