ariesreadtoo

🤎 Inspired by Black Love Stories📍🇨🇦 Creator of Visuals 🖼

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Wrath (The Love is Cure, Vol. 1 Vices & Virtues Book 6)

Wrath (The Love is Cure, Vol. 1 Vices & Virtues book 6) by Brookelyn Mosley is about Lauryn James and Asher Truesdale. At a young age Lauryn experienced something so traumatic she has a difficult time sleeping, so she spends her nights waitressing in a New York strip club. She loathes men something serious and her work environment does nothing but add fuel to fire. When man get handsy with her she gets handsy with them (and I mean that in no way sexual). Lauryn is rightfully filled with raged, she’s closed off to the world so it can’t hurt her. Asher had a different upbringing than Lauryn. He grew up in the Hamptons with an overbearing mother and a present yet absentee father. he’s just come back to New York after living in Bali for a year, trying to find himself. His new apartment is in the same building as Lauryn’s and from the moment they meet eyes a spark is lit. I love that even as a counselling psychology student Asher never tries to shrink Lauryn. He uses his learnings to inform how he approaches Lauryn and that means everything! Asher is genuine and kind. The dates he plans are intentional, it’s obvious that he’s cultivating a relationship that allows Lauryn the space to be soft. Lauryn’s aunt Evelyn is a godsend. The relationship Evelyn and Lauryn have is beautiful, i’m glad that Lauryn had someone she could trust when she’d closed herself off to the world. You could see the depts she went through to protect Lauryn. Plus I love Sunday dinners! The way the story unravels feels authentic and realistic. So many important conversations were had and of course therapy with Dr. Liz Peters is phenomenal. There's discussions of traumatic themes yet I was still left with a warm fuzzy feeling. The balance of the light and dark, heavy emotion and elation was perfect to me. Asher and Lauryn are the two sweetest hearts 🥰 Awww this has been a lovely experience! My fav trope is present so you know I'm over the MOON! This series has been such a delight to read, I can't believe we have 1 more vice left.

P.s. The bonus epilogue was the cherry on top!

P.s.s. Btw Asher is cousins with Summer (read PRIDE book 1, if you haven’t already). If you thought Summer’s mom was bad you have to meet Patricia Truesdale. That lady takes the cake and the way she oversteps boundaries no wonder Asher ran off to Bali.

Cw~ kidnapping and sexual assault survivor. Mentions of suicidal thoughts and abortion.

**I don't own the rights to the images on this teaser. Credits to ownerships**

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The Sweetest Thing I’ve Known

The Sweetest Thing I’ve Known (Mason Family #8) by AshleyNicole is about veterinarian Simeon Mason and clinical pharmacist Choyce Evans. I love the Mason Family and was excited to finally read about big cousin Simeon. Choyce is a dead end long term relationship with a trash (absolute basula) boyfriend. Choyce must have been wearing a sign that said waste my time because Ramir does exactly that! Despite this, she’s saved up and buys a house across the street from grandma Mason. Unfortunately for Choyce this day she’s been dreaming of is a nightmare! Luckily, Mr. Cinnamon Roll Simeon comes to the rescue along with his long list of cousins. The meet-cute is super sweet 🥰 Sometimes it pays to be a damsel in distress. I love that Choyce stood on business, she was right to protect her assets, can’t let anyone manipulate their way into shacking up at your crib. But you know what they say, one man is trash and one’s a treasure (🤣). From the moment Choyce and Simeon meet there’s something brewing, chemistry, attraction and all that good stuff. A major plus is the Mason family fully embraces Choyce with opens arms. Simeon is affectionate, caring and all about communication which is very necessary. He has a big heart and an even bigger package 🤪 my girl had no choice but to release that water 💦 Simeon is a man that puts the work in, in every aspect of his life and he didn’t slack when it came to Choyce. These two made such an enjoyable read, Choyce was able to work through her trauma (with such an understanding man) while finding love and family. I loved experiencing the nuclear family of Susie and Simeon Sr, Senior really set the bar! 🥹 This was an excellent addition to the series, I can’t wait to see which Mason is next!

P.s. The epilogue was everything sweet and sexy. 🥹🫦

P.p.s I initially read this last year but I’m always down to be inspired by a reread!

CW ~ mentions family death

**I don't own the rights to the images on this teaser. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Your Ex Ain’t Me

Your Ex Ain’t Me (Crenshaw Kings Book 4) by Shvonne Latrice is about Los Angeles Gremlins quarterback Shakur Compton. After reading my husband Lequay’s story, I could hardly wait to read Shakur’s (the anticipation was real). As soon as Shvonne said it was live, I immediately dove in. I needed to see what was going through Shakur’s mind, why in the world he would even look Teyaira’s way. I mean yes, she’s cute and ambitious career wise but she was his older brother’s friend with benefits that stayed trying to get chose! Shakur is way too handsome and successful to be anyone’s second choice! 🗣️🗣️ Shakur himself has a friend with benefits in the name of Presley Evans, too bad she’s been around the league 👀 so Shakur has written her off. Shakur I have a bone to pick with you; how you can write off a “jersey chaser” but not a brother f-er? 🧐 That’s crazy to me! I went into the book not liking Teyaira and that never changed. I thought she was a lot last go round but she took it up a notch with her shenanigans! That girl is absolutely bonkers and you can count on her to shenan again and again! Shakur is a cinnamon roll character, he really set himself up trying to save Teyaira. Presley is such a sweetheart, but damn she’s dealt a bad hand from the jump with a neglectful mom (who I don’t forgive, she can burn in hell tbh) and the stepfather from hell. However, it doesn’t stop her from being a great mom and amazing chef. Her pork chops had the fam in a chokehold 🤣 This book is love triangle adjacent. You’ll get 3 POV’s, which gives good insight on all the moving pieces. I only wish that once the choice was made I could have spent more time with the couple. It was awesome seeing the St. Thomas/Compton family again. I love that we get to know the brothers personalities more each book, they were cracking me up. This was another great addition to the series, I can’t wait for Bashar’s book!

P.s. I tried not to give anything away 🤐

Cw ~ mentions molestation, neglectful parent and murder

**I don't own the rights to the images on this teaser. Credits to ownerships**

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SOS

SOS by Charae Lewis is about Kai Montgomery and Elias Heroux. Kai is a passionate chef until a traumatic event at work leaves her depressed, afraid and jobless. Eli is the youngest son of ruthless businessman Benjamin Heroux, he’s also the collector for “The Ace”, the family’s gambling house. The Heroux family like many wealthy families hold traditional values. Eli is over 30 and his dad has decided that it’s time for him to settle down, and just like it was for his brothers, it’ll be with a bride of Benjamin’s choosing. I love the marriage of convenience/ arranged marriage trope so when I realized that’s where the story was going I was elated 🥰 Kai and Eli are both unenthusiastic about their upcoming nuptials, however, once “I do’s” are exchanged they can’t help but feel each other. Eli is so committed and intentional with the dates he plans for his wife. He’s such a man and he doesn’t play about his WIFE!! Eli’s standing on business every time, blood or not! Kai’s guard doesn’t stand a chance against this man. Kai is a boss chick, she’s authentic and real, it’s no surprise that Eli is attracted to her. These two have strong personalities, different upbringings, chemistry, commitment, family drama, communication issues and whole lot of baggage! Read this to see if that’s a recipe for love or disaster!

Cw ~ violence, murder, mentions rape, mentions gambling addiction

**I don't own the rights to the images on these teasers. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Misloved: Toussaint Mafia #3

Misloved: Toussaint Mafia #3 is about Ossa Toussaint and Imani Lee. So let me preface this review with letting ya’ll know I love a good prequel!! If you’ve been reading the Toussaint Mafia series and wondering about big brother Osaa’s story, look no further!! It’s here! Perspective is everything, you get a broader scope of the family from Ossa’s lens. Ossa is the underboss of his father Carlos Toussaint the Don of the Toussaint Mafia. Carlos is a piece of work, if there was an award for egomaniacal narcissistic dad of the year he got it!! Imani is an entrepreneur, she owns a body butter business. She’s raising a teenage boy post-divorce with an uninvolved dad - you know how that go. She’s going home to Urban Crest for the first time in years to see her ill grandmother Janet Lee, her maternal figure (her mom is alive and well but she doesn’t have a maternal bone in her body). Ossa is also in Urban Crest to see about an ill grandparent, his grandfather Juan Toussaint. Two unsuspecting individuals cross paths and you can only call it divine timing. A love story that ended decades ago helps spur a young love and gives it a fighting chance. Ossa felt so different from his sisters, more open and vulnerable to love although he’s deny it. Imani is the perfect match for him. She was not grown and born in the mafia life but she’ll go toe to toe with anyone and that’s just what he needs. Both characters have been misloved but not this time! This time they riding with each other! The story started slow and steady, really laid the groundwork for the back half of the story. That ending though! I’m ready for Misunderstood! So many twists and turns, I’m trying to put all the pieces together. I’m definitely going to reread books 1&2!

CW ~ ill grandparents, mentions death of a parent

**I don't own the rights to the images on these teasers. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Impermissible Love (The Daughters of Don LeFleur Book 1)

Impermissible Love (The Daughters of Don LeFleur Book 1) is about Syrenna LeFleur & Naji Mikells. Syrenna is the eldest daughter of the Don and with being the eldest comes a lot of responsibility. She’s managing all of her family’s legitimate businesses which includes 3 professional sports teams, media, clubs and community outreach. Her plate is full but she’s not being fed. Syrenna wants to atone for her family’s sins by reinvesting in the community. Naji is the eldest of three boys and the son of a single mother. When his father passed away he unfortunately became the man of the house. He took to the streets so his younger brothers wouldn’t have to. He’s not the man in charge but HE is the man in charge. He’s been quietly running things as “second in command” while setting up his exit from the game, too bad for him he’s got some snakes in the grass and a bone head brother. When Naji meets Syrenna for the first time he’s intrigued and seriously turned on by both her looks & attitude. Naji is a man of action, he’s pulling up (never empty handed) and applying pressure! Syrenna’s guard and gun don’t deter him. Syrenna and Naji have an innate sense of understanding, they give each other each other what they need, unwavering support, a shoulder or lap to lean on, a listening ear, a thoughtful gesture etc. I just 🥰🥹 As the eldest daughter just yes 🙌🏽 it spoke to me. How can something so right be forbidden? Sometimes you just have to throw daddy’s rules away. In the midst of this love story, there’s some drama, familial and gang related. All the loose ends weren’t tied up so I’m excited to see how the rest of the story unravels in the next two instalments. With the carefreeness of the next characters not being the eldest siblings, I know I’m in for a wild ride!

✨ This is an Aubree Pynn exclusive from her Rags & Riches box. I don’t know when or if it’ll be available on Amazon ✨

CW~ murder

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**I don't own the rights to the images on these teasers. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Top 10 Books of 2023

Hey y'all, 2023 was an amazing year for me!! I was OUTSIDE but I still found time to be inside with these lovely books and they did not disappoint! So without further ado here are my top reads of 2023 (in the order they appear).

1. Love Letters From a Gangsta by Shvonne Latrice

2. Homecoming Szn 2 by Aubree Pynn

3. Give Good Love by Aubree Pynn

4. Only If It’s You by T’Lyn

5. Frisco by Bianca Xaviera

6. Come Thru by Aubree Pynn

7. Brown Sugar by Marlee Rae

8. Awakening by Bailey West

9. Malachi by Grey Huffington

10. Beyond A Reasonable Doubt by Nyora Rene

**I don't own the rights to the images on these teasers.

Credits to ownerships**

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Say You Won’t Let Go

Say You Won’t Let Go by Sequaia is about cousins Harper McKenzie and Paisley McKenzie. Harper is in college, she’s fascinated with eyes from a young age she’s wanted to be an optometrist. Harper’s boyfriend is a local dope boy, he saved her life years ago and they’ve been together ever since. Unfortunately, for Harper her man Remoni is on the come up and you know how that goes. As he rises in the game , greed takes hold and he quickly gets caught up. But this man is BOLD, he decides they need to take a break so he can whore around. Rule #1 never hold a man down they will turn around and spit in your face. Remoni has all the audacity in the world, I was so sick of him! The “nagging” Harper was doing that he couldn’t put up with was her being concerned for him and trying to get him to plan for the future. These two were toxic, toxic, toxic! Harper needs to cut all strings and leave this man where he had her messed up at! This man plays in her face all day long. I just wanted her to stand up, open her pretty brown eyes and look the hell around at all her other options. Which she has in Ascione but at the drop of a hat, she’s running back to this Remoni. Harper knows all about eyes what she needs to learn about is boundaries. Next, we have big cousin Paisley, the good girl that dated the bad boy who’s currently incarcerated. Crazy ex Cairo is another with audacity! Too bad for him, his bestie Drew is on the outside trying to see what’s up with Paisley 😏 I wish Paisley had a full circle moment like Harper did, although I’m still not sure if Harper, fully grew. You don’t need to be on hold, hang it up! There are a few strings that weren’t tied up on Paisley‘s storyline. The fathers were amazing. Great father-daughter dynamics, the brothers give great advice, are supportive and protective. This story was not my norm but I was completely engaged!! I was arguing with the book and these characters. If you’re a fan of urban fiction and chaotic characters, give this one a read!

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**I don't own the rights to the images on this teaser. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Chicago Blues

Chicago Blues by Tiye Love is about controversial relationship podcaster/psychology professor Chicago Benton and striving playwright Indigo Lyriq. 9/10 if you meet a guy that has a podcast, you’re ducking him cause it screams toxic masculinity and Chicago is no different. His mommy issues really screwed up his way of thinking. As a psychology professor you’d think he’d gotten some help for himself a long time ago! In regular, everyday life Indigo wouldn’t interact with Chicago but as his mother’s caregiver, it’s inevitable. Although these two have different ideologies, and don’t see value in a long-term relationship between each other, they acknowledge their sexual attraction. Indigo definitely tried harder than Chicago to head to the red flags, but sexual chemistry and urges gon when every time! Their heated banter only added oil to the fire. Chicago is such an emo alpha male 😂 He’s quickly down bad for Indigo. I wanted to see more of their dates on page to see the gradual growth in their relationship. We did get to see each characters personal growths. I appreciate that Chicago acknowledged how his trauma affected the misogynistic bs he was spewing on his podcast. He got to see the effect of his words first hand through Indigo. I loved that Chicago apologized on the same major platform he was causing destruction, that shows true growth. Another highlight is the healing that takes place in this story, whether it was self-healing with Indigo being a domestic violence survivor and mother-son healing with Chicago and Ms. Divine. Important conversations were had.

Cw~ parent with mental illness, mentions child neglect, mentions domestic violence

[ariesreadtoo]

In Love, I Trust

In Love, I Trust by Brookelyn Mosley is about African & Caribbean fusion bistro owner Serenity Payne and acquisitions analyst Trevon “Trey” Everest. When Trey was first introduced in the Brookelyn Mosley universe in “When Luke Met Juliette”, he’s the best friend happily in love that gives solid advice. I was so happy when Brookelyn said we’d be getting his love story and she did not disappoint! These two meet in such an unconventional way 😂 from the comment section to the DM! I love it, made me wonder if I need be in the comments section having heated debates. This story is the perfect example of love can find you in the most unexpected ways. I mean when these two start talking neither one is looking for love. Serenity almost blocks her blessing but he’s too fine literally 😭 Serenity and Trey’s natural chemistry, banter and friendship leap off the page. The only roadblock is Serenity’s fear of love, whew! I completely understand where Serenity is coming from, with her father’s infidelity which lead to her parents divorce and her dad abandoning her. Of course, she’s guarded! Serenity may live in Rose Hill but she’s certainly not wearing any rose-coloured glasses. Poor Trey has his work cut out for him but she’s worth it. Although Brookelyn did an amazing job taking us through the phases of their relationship, past & present, from their different perspectives I still wanted to spend more time with these two. Their first argument as a couple, honest and raw, I felt like I was in the room. The communication afterwards, come on healthy relationship 👏🏽 I hope we see them again in the future. As always it was a pleasure seeing New York through Brookelyn’s lens.

P.s. I hope we see Kelli again and revisit Rose Hill!

P.p.s. I’m trying to head to Bellyful and eat my belly full! *whispers* Brookelyn Serenity is part Jamaican right? 👀

P.p.p.s. Shoutout to Serenity’s mom.

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**I don't own the rights to the images on this teaser. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Dria Andersen (Georgia Arcana series)

I’ve had this post sitting in the drafts for a while now, while I patiently waited for “Fire in the Moonlight”. I’m glad to finally release it into the world. I really hope these books are adapted into movies one day (soon) 🤞🏽 and if/when they are this is my dream casting! If you haven’t already read this series, I highly suggest you get on it now!! We’ve got a small town, wolf shifters, witches, a family curse, warlocks, magic, family secrets and plenty of other paranormal elements. I’m telling you this is the perfect season to give this series a read!

P.s. I hope Dria Andersen revisits this series sometime in the future, cousin Dante and Eli definitely need stories!

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**I don't own the rights to the images on this teaser. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Jaguar 2 🐆 pt 2

I’ve been quietly and diligently working on this since before the album released, and I’m glad that it’s finally come to completion. I’m glad to say i’ll be seeing Victoria Monet perform live for the first time and meeting her at the end of this month!! As with the rest of my page, this has been a passion project for me. It’s been creatively freeing, and a source of relaxation in the midst of my chaotic life, moulding the minds of the future. If you haven’t already, you should definitely give this album a listen and while you’re at it check out these books. If you’re wondering what my favourite songs are on the album, it truly depends on the day! Today my top 5 are How Does It Make You Feel, Good Bye, Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem), Hollywood & Party Girls 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲

Special shoutout to my BBF @shadesnpages for all of her support! 🫶🏽

**I don't own the rights to the images. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Jaguar 2 🐆

I’ve been quietly and diligently working on this since before the album released, and I’m glad that it’s finally come to completion. I’m glad to say i’ll be seeing Victoria Monet perform live for the first time and meeting her at the end of this month!! As with the rest of my page, this has been a passion project for me. It’s been creatively freeing, and a source of relaxation in the midst of my chaotic life, moulding the minds of the future. If you haven’t already, you should definitely give this album a listen and while you’re at it check out these books. If you’re wondering what my favourite songs are on the album, it truly depends on the day! Today my top 5 are How Does It Make You Feel, Good Bye, Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem), Hollywood & Party Girls 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲

Special shoutout to my BBF @shadesnpages for all of her support! 🫶🏽

**I don't own the rights to the images. Credits to ownerships**

[ariesreadtoo]

Bey Day Renaissance: Act 3

It’s BEY DAY!! To celebrate I’ve provided an encore of Bey’s iconic Renaissance looks!

🛸💫🛸

I'm one of one

I'm number one

I'm the only one

Don't even waste your time trying to compete with me (don't do it)

No one else in this world can think like me (true)

🛸💫 🛸

[ariesreadtoo]

Bey Day Renaissance: Act 2

It’s BEY DAY!! To celebrate I’ve provided an encore of Bey’s iconic Renaissance looks!

🛸💫🛸

I'm one of one

I'm number one

I'm the only one

Don't even waste your time trying to compete with me (don't do it)

No one else in this world can think like me (true)

🛸💫 🛸

[ariesreadtoo]

Bey Day Renaissance: Act 1

It’s BEY DAY!! To celebrate I’ve provided an encore of Bey’s iconic Renaissance looks!

🛸💫🛸

I'm one of one

I'm number one

I'm the only one

Don't even waste your time trying to compete with me (don't do it)

No one else in this world can think like me (true)

🛸💫 🛸

[ariesreadtoo]

Honey Pot (SHE iS #2)

Honey Pot (SHE iS #2) by Marlee Rae is about honey enthusiast/ software developer Melody James and therapist Dr. Westin Graves. When Melody and Wes first meet he’s been hired by her husband to counsel them. Couples therapy doesn’t work out with her unfaithful husband, but she continues individual therapy. I mean after being married to your ungrateful and unfaithful college sweetheart for 20 years, you’d need counselling too! Wes met married, angry, frustrated and hurt Melody, the one that took her frustrations out on those around her (refer to book 1). 2 years later this Melody, is light, happy, flexible 🤸🏾‍♀️and coming into her own. And guess what??? Doc likes what he sees 😌 and he’s not alone. This is a sticky situation Honey and they don’t know how to address the situation. I mean it’s nothing a quick trip to Vegas can’t get your mind off 👀 (Usher Las Vegas residency ftw). I know y’all, it’s sounding unethical but I was loving this forbidden romance! Wes and Melody have amazing chemistry, I could see exactly why they drew near to each other. I found myself blushing and feeling giddy while reading this book! Wes and Melody are a perfect balance of sexy and fun, their silliness is top tier! A key message you can take from this story is to never settle/accept less than you deserve! It doesn’t matter your age, it’s never too late to start over and find happiness elsewhere! Melody’s ex husband has a lot of nerve 😒. I’m so glad Melody found someone that appreciates her kitty and her kidneys.The epilogue is sweet, I live for a full circle moment! Marlee Rae round of applause 👏🏽(Beyoncé voice)! The family dynamics were everything as usual! It’s obvious the amount of time and dedication Marlee puts into her stories, it always shines through on page. I love this literary world she’s created.

P.s. I’m very interested in reading Lois story 😝 I’m expecting lots of spice 🌶️

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**I don't own the rights to the images on this teaser. Credits to ownerships**