"Zaria, keep your grades perfect." "Zaria, sit up straight." "Zaria, don't embarrass this family." "Zaria build your career." All her life, Zaria Whitmore has been molded to live in the shadow of her sister. Perfect schools, perfect manners and the perfect boyfriend. Julian Blackwell is everything her family wants for her, he's old money wealthy, respected and part of the world she was raised to belong to. But when a trip to Miami pulls Zaria out of her carefully controlled life, she meets a man who makes her question everything she thought she wanted. He doesn't care about expectations, reputations or the future her family planned for her. And for the first time in her life, Zaria Whitmore isn't sure she wants to be perfect anymore.

Teonna Carter wasn't looking for love - especially not in Detroit, where loyalty is rare and danger is normal. She was focused on working, doing hair, staying out the way... until she met Martez Ramsey on a late summer night. Tall, quiet, dark-skinned, tatted, and way too fine for her peace of mind - Tez walked into her life like a problem she should've avoided. A man with a past he don't talk about, enemies he don't mention, and a soft spot he swore he'd never give to nobody. But one look at her? That was it. Their connection was instant, messy, and way too deep. Arguments that could shake a room, make-ups that feel like heaven, jealousy that borders obsession, and love strong enough to ruin them both. As Teonna gets pulled deeper into Tez's world - the streets, the secrets, the danger - she has to choose between protecting her heart... or protecting him. And Tez? He'll do anything to keep her close. Even if it means burning bridges, breaking rules, and going to war for the girl who became his weakness. This is a Detroit love story - real, raw, toxic, passionate, and unforgettable. Because sometimes the person you should stay away from... is the only one you can't let go.