lylesgirl2020's Reviews (350)

Grey—You Did What Needed to Be Done

Let me just go on record and say this—Grey has officially taken her spot as that girl in my reading rotation. Like, I don’t even second-guess it no more. The way she crafts these short stories and novelettes? Pure heat. She be giving you just enough to satisfy the craving, then snatches it right back, leaving you fiendin’ for more. And I mean that in the best way.

I’m obsessed and been going down the Huffington rabbit hol, which has me in a chokehold. Oh, she’s not letting up. She’s building a whole world, and you can feel her growth in every single page. She’s not just telling stories, she’s taking us on a journey—plot tight, vibes heavy, characters that got you talking to yourself like they real people.

I was lookin' for quick, spicy and messy. This deliveredt!

One thing’s for sure, Grey gone give you a story that’s short in pages but rich in plot, energy, and emotion. She writes like she know the streets talk, and baby… the streets is screaming.

What a read… and I do mean whew!

Madame Cupid invites you to step behind the velvet curtain and experience all the secret pleasures of the Red Key Club on the night of February 14th. One night. One key. One unforgettable love story.

Now hold up—before we even get into the plot… where do I get a key?! Because baby, I’m tryna RSVP immediately. The vibes, the heat, the mystery? Yeah, go ‘head and sign me up.

Let’s get into it though: Imagine meeting your soulmate at 18. I’m talkin’ real-deal love. The kind that wakes up your soul. But then imagine having to walk away… not because you wanted to, but because loving her out loud meant putting her in danger. That’s Malachi’s side. Now imagine being Zuri—left behind, heart shattered, no real answers, and trying to pick up the pieces for ten long years. Love hasn’t hit the same since, and every relationship feels like a watered-down version of something you used to know.

That kind of pain don’t fade. That kind of connection don’t break. And Malachi? His inner beast is fed up. He’s tired of fighting what’s his. Zuri might not know what’s living under Malachi’s skin, but trust—she’s about to find out. That man is on GO. And his only goal? Take. Claim. Keep.

Shoutout to the real MVPs—Tante Eloise, Deidre, and of course, Madame Cupid. They knew exactly what they were doing setting that night up. The stars aligned, and what was once broken finally had a shot at being whole again.

This story was short, spicy, and had me hooked from start to finish. It gave second-chance romance with a paranormal twist and just the right amount of heat. Elle Kayson did what needed to be done. Again. This was more than a story—it was an experience. Go grab it. Trust me, you’ll be looking for your own Red Key after this.

Alright, let me start by saying—

Love On Repeat hit different, okay? This book had me feeling all kinds of ways. Love just keeps coming back, and it wraps everything into that perfect family dynamic. It’s like the universe is playing a song on repeat, and I’m here for it! Kyeate had me grinning one minute and then wow, smacking me with all the feels the next.

Now, Melody? She stole the whole show. That girl was the real star! She was the little powerhouse holding everything together. Tiny but tough, with a heart full of love. She’s short, sweet, and definitely not one to be underestimated. Every move she made, I was over here like, "Okay, baby girl, do your thing!"

Kyeate didn’t just give us romance, she gave us family, loyalty, and how love can circle back no matter how many times it seems lost. The story wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but that’s what made it hit so deep. Real love, real connections, and characters that made you feel like you were right there with them.

Big shoutout to NetGalley and Zakiya N. Jamal for the ARC! All tea, no lies—these thoughts are all mine.

At first? Rochelle had me rolling my eyes hard—girl was insufferable. But plot twist: that’s exactly the point. Her glow-up? Chef’s kiss. One of the best YA arcs I’ve read in a minute.

This one’s giving cozy summer YA vibes with a splash of mystery, but let’s be real—it’s heavy on the sapphic romance, and I was so here for it. The Black-owned movie theater setting? Obsessed. Can I get this same story but from Amira’s POV next? That girl? Diabolical in the best “get the girl” way.

The side characters were fab and had me lowkey craving more of their stories—everyone felt real, and I love when a cast brings it like that.

Queer rep? On point. Every flavor under the rainbow shows up and shows out. The way the book handles identity, corrections, and accountability? Chef’s second kiss.

If you’re into butterflies, happy sighs, and that “omg they’re so cute” feeling, this book’s for you. “SAT word”? Yeah, that line alone had me swooning. Rochelle + Amira’s slow-burn magic kept me hooked.

Tropes we love: close proximity, soft enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, sapphic cuteness, semi-slow burn, and a childhood friends reunion moment.

This one's going straight to my reread shelf. Can’t wait to cop the physical when it drops!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this wild ride—I devoured it like hot tea on a cold night, and baby, it was piping!

This book gave me everything I crave in a thriller: we’ve got murder (check), suspense (double check), mistaken identity (yes, please), a little romance (spicy), and twists so sharp I got whiplash. The drama? Delicious.

So here’s the setup: Jake’s just been released from prison after serving only 13 months of a 25-year sentence. Why? Oh, just because it turns out the prosecutor was sleeping with the judge—messy much? Jake had been convicted of murdering the beloved Ms. Applebaum, a teacher everyone adored… until she was found in the freezer at her own house. Yep. Freezer.

Add to that: Jake’s hair and his notebook—like, sir—were discovered at the scene. Case closed, right? Not so fast. Grace, a neighbor and one of Ms. Applebaum’s students, saw someone lurking in the backyard that night. Someone who wasn’t Jake. Hmm…

From there, it’s chaos in the best way. Rumors start flying, social media goes full-on sleuth mode, and everyone’s got something to say—but no one’s telling the full truth. The web of lies? Sticky. The tension? Thick. And the vibes? Immaculate.

What I loved most is how the story keeps you guessing until the very last page. Just when you think you know what happened… plot twist! And then another. And another. Every time I thought we hit the climax, the book said, “Hold my wine.”

This one is perfect for fans of small-town secrets, scandalous courtroom drama, and that “no one is safe” energy. The characters are messy, the stakes are high, and the ending? Whew. That ending. You won’t see it coming.

Put this on your thriller radar ASAP—you’re gonna want to talk about this one. I'm definitely grabbing a physical copy for my book shelf!

Shout out to Netgalley for the ARC!!

Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone is giving rich girl realness meets cultural crossroads. It follows Ofosua Addo, a fierce Ghanaian American heiress who’s got it all—except clarity when it comes to matters of the heart. One glittering night at a publishing party, she collides with Cole Drake—hello, swoon—and the sparks are instant. But with an arranged marriage looming over her like a cloud of kente and expectations, Ofosua’s got some big decisions to make. Love or legacy? Tradition or her truth?

This book snapped! From laugh-out-loud moments that felt way too real, to scenes that tugged every heartstring I’ve got, Gold Coast Dilemma brings the drama, the culture, and the feels. Ofosua’s journey is all about love, identity, and breaking free in the boldest way.

Best believe I’ll be snatching up a physical copy when it drops in April 2025. This one’s a cultural gem, period.

Dark Romance girlies, pull up real quick!

First off—check your triggers, for real. This one ain’t for the faint. You been warned.

Now let’s get into it. Jatoria? Sis did not come to play. That pen game? Dedication on ten. Respectfully.

So boom—we back in Aboydo Cape and babyyyy, we diving deeper into Navy “Nepo” Brasi and Marli “Scallywag” Thompson. Yup, that Marli…the same one that had Navy squirming when Mason dared to bring her name up at his wedding to Tylee. That part had me weak!

But listen, Aboydo Cape? It’s in shambles behind a whole chain of wild events that had me sittin’ there stuck like…nah, what did I just read? And right in the middle of the chaos? Navy and Marli get pulled into each other’s orbit in a way that neither of ‘em was ready for.

Navy came through with that big energy—made it real clear who was running the town and who was clockin’ his attention. Marli included. That man had me nervous, no lie. But let’s talk about Marli tho—she don’t scare easy. She’s bold, unbothered, and not afraid to talk her ish. She got that mouth, that attitude, and that presence. She’s solid. And the way her and Navy clashed? Whew. The tension, the banter, the chemistry—it was all too much in the best way.

Even back when they were younger, the vibe between them was chaotic as hell. And Navy? He stayed checking her whenever she thought she had the upper hand. Letting her know quick, he’s Chief for a reason. Real boss energy.

And don’t get me started on The Brasi Family. Loyalty runs deep with them. Like, Navy’s sister? I was side-eyeing shorty like—ma’am, are you okay?? She don’t play either.

Oh, and I loved the little cameos and character nods from Jatoria’s other stories—she really wove it all in smooth.

This right here? This is how dark romance is supposed to feel. Spicy, gritty, messy in the best way. I was all in. And that ending?? Jaw. On. Floor.

Solid 4.5 stars. Certified spicy. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

"Run, Little Stranger."

My orginal review was flagged on Zon sooooo...let me try again with the clean version. If you're lookin' for a short, spicy, and a lil' taboo read, this is it!

Little Stranger tells the story of Olivia and Malachi, foster siblings who’ve been connected since they were young. They always had this unique bond, but it turned out to be more than just sibling affection. Malachi, who's a selective mute, is fiercely protective and possessive over his sweet, innocent-on-the-surface but wildly confident sister, Olivia. And Olivia? She’s trying her best to fight those growing feelings for her stepbrother, but let’s just say, it’s a slippery slope!

Malachi had me hooked from the jump — I couldn’t see a single red flag. I'm the problem..for sure! He’s that obsessive, caring, morally grey type of guy we all secretly crave in books. The intensity, the protectiveness, the complexity... I was all in. Loved every second of it!

Mason was NOT the one to play with—AT ALL.
He stood on business every single time, no hesitation, no apologies. Saying I was surprised? Baby, that would be a lie. I knew he was gonna be ruthless… but whew, he went above and beyond. That man had me blinking in bold and holding my breath!

And Tylee? Unhinged in the best way. Sis had the candles lit, full moon out, and a love spell simmering—and honestly? It worked, ‘cause her and Mason were crazy in love and dangerously obsessed with each other. The chemistry? TOXIC but delicious.

Now let’s talk about Mason’s energy real quick—because it was giving straight BDE, off the charts! I felt every word he spoke like it was whispering in my ear. He didn’t just show up, he made the whole book quake. That man is a walking trigger warning and I loved every second of it.

How do I even review this without spoiling everything?! That’s how GOOD it was. Just know—Mason came through swinging, loving, and dominating every page. I was locked in from start to finish like, “Yes sir, go ‘head!”

Next up...Navy! Let's gooooo!

Yeeeeess Ladii Nesha, come through with the heat!

Losin’ Control: Half On A Baby or Two was pure vibes! My heart? Full. My soul? Fed. My love for Czar and Little Booty? Rekindled and running wild.

If you know, you know—and if you don’t, what are you even doing? Go run and read Losin’ Control first, then slide into this sequel with your whole chest. This book gave everything we needed and then some. The gang is back, and per usual, they’re serving up good energy, real laughs, juicy drama, and all the BDE/BBE energy we love.

Now let’s talk about it. My favorite imaginary cousins are back, married, and making power moves into parenthood. Yes, baby fever and big love are in the air!

Czar? That man loves Marley down. No doubts, no hesitation—just pure, unconditional love. He’s so tuned in with her, it’s like he hears her even when she’s silent. And he moves with intention! He rides for his wife at all costs. Julius? Baby, he’s in his top tier husband era! Always listening, always validating her feelings, and checking the hoochies with no hesitation. Oh—and the locs? Gone. He’s wave daddy now. That upgrade was elite.

Marley is still that girl. She’s not playing about her man at all! Still vegan, still puffin’, still unapologetically Marley. But this time around, she’s got a softer vibe, while still popping off when needed. A queen in every sense.

Their chemistry? Off the charts. Cute, chaotic, real, and everything in between.

And Harper? I need a sister just like her. The bond between Marley and Harper is so real. Harper is dramatic in the best way—full-on superhero energy. That scene when she slid down the wall? Iconic. That whole chapter was gold.

Now listen… Marley and Harper’s moms? Whew. I wanted to jump in that book myself. They had me ready to call Kendrick Lamar for a Super Bowl-level takedown. The audacity was loud.

All I’m saying is, just check it out. This book is that girl.

Czar and Marley will always hold a special place in my heart. Their love story pulled me back into my reading era last year—and I’ve been locked in ever since.

Five stars, no notes. Pure Black love magic.