While he was gone, she found herself. Essence didn't believe in soft things. Love had always been loud, painful, and temporary. So when Zion - calm, patient, and everything she wasn't used to - showed up in uniform with a quiet kind of peace, she pushed him away. Then he left for deployment. Now, surrounded by base gossip, silence, and everything she never said out loud, Essence is forced to face the one thing that scares her more than falling in love: being loved right. And Zion? He's not sure who he'll be when he comes home - but he knows exactly who he's coming back for. A slow-burn military love story about distance, healing, and the kind of love that waits - even when everything says to let go.

************************************************* Amaya Moore wasn't lookin' for love. Fresh outta high school with no car, no solid plans, and too much on her mind, she kept to herself - headphones in, world off. Alejandro Ramirez. Known in the streets for two things: his '98 dark purple 240SX and never catchin' feelings. A 19-year-old street racer with tattoos, family to feed, and zero time for distractions. What starts as a ride home turns into late-night drives, record store dates, and real conversations. Now Amaya's deep in a world she never thought she'd touch - loud engines, underground races, and a boy who shows her love without sayin' much at all. *************************************************

Young, smart, and the only girl in a family full of street kings...summer was supposed to be mine. But nothing's ever that simple when your last name carries weight. © All rights reserved

Boy, I never knew love like this before Thought I was in love before, now I see I was wrong

not your typical love story.

Two childhood friends, separated by life, find their way back to each other years later. What's starts as something familiar quickly turns into something deeper-but growing up changes everything, and love isn't always easy the second time around.

Eriyonne Amani Black never planned on staying with her father and brothers for the summer. But after a falling out with her mother's new boyfriend, she's left seeking comfort in the family she only sees once a year. What she doesn't expect is Poet Zy'hmier Carter-her brother's best friend and the one person she's sworn to avoid. Recently released from prison after serving time for a crime he committed as a child, Poet is broken, closed off, and more dangerous than she ever imagined. Despite their differences, an unlikely bond forms between Eriyonne and Poet, one rooted in shared pain, misunderstandings, and unspoken feelings. As they help each other navigate their inner demons, something deeper begins to grow-an undeniable connection that could change everything. But when jealousy, past trauma, and an unexpected romance force them to confront their emotions, will they fight for the bond they've built, or let the past tear them apart? Started: 4/3/25

"I don't know how to do this." He was almost embarrassed to admit it. "I ain't been right with you in a long time, but I'm gon' ask anyway. Please don't take her from me." His plea cracked something open inside of his chest. "I know I ain't a good man. I done did some shit that I can't take back and I can't make it right. But she is, she's good. She's the light in so many places I didn't know were dark." "So if there's a price that needs to be paid for all the pain that I have caused in this word and done onto others put it on me. I'll pay it. I swear I will. I'll protect her with my last breath. I'll listen and heed her warnings. I'll slow down and come home more and stop thinking that I'm alone in this world." "Just please let my baby wake up. I love her, I'm in love with her and I can't do this without her. If waking her up means I got to sacrifice letting her go so she can be safe. I'll do that. Just don't take her from this earth." "In Jesus name I pray. Amen."

Mute, abused, hood, Chicago, saved, kidnapped