Jelissa's life takes a tumultuous turn after leaving her unfaithful, power-hungry boyfriend, Caleb, only to discover she's pregnant. Seeking solace and stability, she finds a seemingly perfect match in the wealthy and attentive Iyon. But his possessiveness hints at a troubled past. Meanwhile, Caleb, grappling with his crumbling empire and the loss of Jelissa, forms a connection with Maliyah Hayes, a powerful developer, resulting in another pregnancy. "You Still Messin' With What's His Name?" by Brickhouse explores themes of betrayal, second chances, and the complexities of love in the urban landscape. Will Jelissa find true happiness, or will the men in her life continue to control her destiny? This African American romance delivers gripping drama, rich alpha males, and the emotional rollercoaster of finding love amidst chaos.
Review You Still Messin' With What's His Name?
Wow, what a rollercoaster! "You Still Messin' With What's His Name?" definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. It's one of those books that's hard to put down, even when you're simultaneously screaming at the characters. The drama? Oh honey, the drama is intense. Brickhouse doesn't shy away from messy relationships and complicated situations, and this book is a prime example. I found myself completely invested in Jelissa's journey, even though she made some seriously questionable choices.
The thing is, Jelissa's journey is the heart of the story. She starts out trapped in a toxic relationship with Caleb, a man who clearly doesn't deserve her. Watching her navigate the fallout from that relationship, the pregnancy, and the subsequent entanglement with Iyon—well, it's a whirlwind. Iyon, with his wealth and attention, initially seems like the perfect escape, but his possessiveness casts a long, dark shadow. The author expertly builds this tension, making you constantly question whether he's a savior or just another problem.
Some readers felt the book dragged on a bit, and I can see where they're coming from. The length, with its many chapters, could have been trimmed. But for me, the pacing actually heightened the suspense. It allowed the characters to fully develop, and their flaws to become clear. The constant ups and downs of their relationships, the betrayals, the unexpected twists – all of it added to the overall impact. The story's length allowed for a deep dive into the messy reality of relationships and the complexities of navigating heartbreak and second chances.
Then there's Maliyah and her connection with Caleb. That subplot added another layer of intrigue, completely shifting the dynamics and forcing you to reassess everyone's motivations. I loved the way Brickhouse explored the theme of second chances, not just for Jelissa, but for the other characters too. No one is perfectly good or bad; everyone is flawed and makes mistakes.
I appreciate that the book doesn't shy away from the realities of relationships, particularly in the urban setting it portrays. There are no easy answers, and the characters are constantly making choices that have far-reaching consequences. While Jelissa’s decisions sometimes frustrated me—seriously, girl, make better choices!—I understood her motivations. The author did a good job making her relatable, despite her flaws.
Overall, "You Still Messin' With What's His Name?" is a captivating read, a true page-turner filled with drama, love, betrayal, and plenty of questionable decisions. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, with characters that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even throw your phone across the room in frustration, then this is definitely a book you should pick up. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.16 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 462
- Publication date: 2025
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