Recently Finished: Zoo Boyz Had Me in a Chokehold

Y’all…

Let’s go ahead and have a little book family meeting because I need to discuss my latest read: the Zoo Boyz series by Tatiana Timmons. Specifically, I finally stepped into this world and whew… somebody should’ve checked on me. Apparently, the people over on BookTok and the book streets were not exaggerating because this series has developed a serious fan following.

Now, if you know me, you know I love a book that has me neglecting responsibilities just a little bit. I need drama. I need chemistry. I need loyalty. I need me some characters that make me want to yell, “Girl… don’t do it!” while simultaneously turning pages at the speed of light.

And Zoo Boyz delivered.

The series centers around a crew known for creating chaos, loyalty, brotherhood, and all kinds of mess mixed with business moves and street life. And let me tell y’all something… I walked into this thinking I was going to casually read a few chapters. Casual where? Because next thing I knew, I was fully invested in everybody’s business like I had membership dues paid to the Zoo Boyz organization.

You know a book has you when you’re suddenly whispering, “Just one more chapter,” at 1:00 a.m., then look up and realize the birds outside are waking up.

That happened.

What I really enjoyed was the feeling that these weren’t cardboard cutout characters. Everybody had layers. Everybody had something going on. The friendships, the loyalty, the tension, it all felt messy in the way real relationships can be messy. Readers frequently point to those themes of loyalty and character connection as a big part of why the series pulls people in.

And can we talk about book hangovers for a second? Because nobody warns you about finishing a series and suddenly sitting there like…

“…Now what?”

I just stared into space for a while.

Maybe opened my Kindle.

Maybe looked for the next book.

Maybe accepted that I was emotionally unemployed for the rest of the day.

No judgment.

If urban romance, chaos, ride-or-die friendships, and characters who will absolutely stress you out are your thing, Zoo Boyz may need a spot on your TBR. The series currently spans multiple books and apparently keeps the drama going.

Excuse me while I go sit somewhere and process my feelings.

Because Tatiana… girl… we need to talk.

Beauti Unleashed 📚✨

Recently Finished: From Coming Over to Coming Home by Jahquel J

Mar17

There are some books you read for entertainment…
and then there are some books that feel a little too real while you’re reading them.

I recently finished From Coming Over to Coming Home by Jahquel J, and this one definitely falls in the second category.

This story really dives into the difference between being with someone out of habit and being with someone because they truly feel like home. It touches on love, growth, mistakes, loyalty, and the hard lessons that come with relationships that aren’t perfect but still matter.

What I appreciated most about this book was how honest it felt.
Not every relationship in real life is soft and easy.
Not every love story is pretty.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t meaningful.

There were moments in this book where I found myself stopping for a second, just thinking about how often we hold on to people, situations, or feelings simply because they’re familiar… even when we’re still growing.

And sometimes growth means learning the difference between someone you visit…
and somewhere you belong.

This was one of those reads that stayed on my mind after I finished the last page, and those are always my favorite kind.

If you enjoy romance with real emotion, real flaws, and real life mixed in, this is definitely one to add to your list.

— Shawana
Beauti Unleashed 📖✨

He’s My Next Mistake — by Jahquel J. | Recently Finished

Mar17

Listen… Jahquel J. did it again.
And the crazy part is I already knew going in that this book was about to stress me out, but I turned the pages anyway. 😩📖

He’s My Next Mistake had all the things I should probably stay away from in real life… toxic energy, bad decisions, strong chemistry, and a situation you know from the beginning is going to be a problem. But that’s exactly what made it so hard to put down.

Jahquel J. has a way of writing characters that feel way too real. The attitude, the back-and-forth, the tension… it doesn’t feel like a story, it feels like somebody telling you about a relationship everybody knows ain’t gonna end right, but you still watching to see what happens.

And let’s talk about the main character for a second… sis knew better.
She knew better.
We knew better.
But did that stop anything? Absolutely not. 🤦🏽‍♀️

The chemistry in this book was strong, the drama stayed steady, and the emotions were all over the place in the best way. One minute I’m smiling, next minute I’m mad, next minute I’m like “girl stand up”… and still turning the page.

That’s one thing about Jahquel J… her books will have you invested whether you want to be or not.

This one definitely falls into that category of

I shouldn’t like this… but I do.

If you like urban fiction with messy relationships, strong personalities, and situations that make you shake your head while you keep reading… this one is worth it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Will I read Jahquel J. again?
Already looking for the next one.

Beneath His Stetson — C.M. Campbell | Recently Finished

Mar15

Y’all already know I love a good romance, but when you add a cowboy to the mix… it’s almost guaranteed I’m going to turn those pages fast. And that’s exactly what happened with Beneath His Stetson by C.M. Campbell.

This one had that perfect blend of strong emotions, attraction you could feel through the pages, and just enough drama to keep me locked in. The chemistry between the characters felt natural, not forced, and I really appreciated that. Sometimes romance can feel rushed, but this one actually took the time to build the connection, and I loved that.

And listen… something about a man in a stetson who knows what he wants? Yeah. That’ll do it every time. 🤠🔥

What I enjoyed the most was that the story wasn’t just about romance. There were layers to the characters, real feelings, real struggles, and moments where you could see them growing, not just falling in love. That always makes a book better for me.

Was it a quick read? Yes.
Did I enjoy it? Also yes.
Would I read more from this author? Definitely.

This was one of those books you pick up thinking you’ll read a few chapters… and next thing you know, you’re halfway through and ignoring everything else you were supposed to be doing.

And honestly… those are my favorite kind of books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

If you like romance, cowboys, chemistry, and a story that keeps you turning pages, this one is worth adding to your list.

XOXO,

Recently Finished: Pleasing Mr. Parker

Mar10

I just finished Pleasing Mr Parker by Elle Nicoll… and listen… this one right here was a whole situation.

You ever start a book thinking it’s going to be a quick little read, and then next thing you know you’re side-eyeing the pages like, oh… oh, we going there? Yeah. That was this book.

It’s definitely on the spicy side, with that older man/power dynamic tension that keeps the story moving, whether you want it to or not. The chemistry between the characters is strong from the beginning, and the author doesn’t waste time trying to make it something sweet and innocent. This one knows exactly what kind of story it is.

I will say this: I stayed entertained the whole time.
And lately that’s been my main requirement for a book. If it keeps my attention and makes me want to see what happens next, I’m good.

Was it deep? Not really.
Was it dramatic? A little.
Was it spicy? Yes ma’am.
Did I keep turning the pages anyway? Also yes.

This felt like one of those books you read when you don’t want to think too hard, you just want a story that pulls you in and keeps you there for a while. And sometimes that’s exactly what I need.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not for the church book club… but definitely for the girls who like a little drama with their romance.

I Never Stopped Reading… I Just Got Quiet

Feb6

If you’ve been here before, then you know Beauti Unleashed isn’t new… but it is new again.

And if you’re new here welcome. I’m so happy you found me.

I stopped writing for a long time, but I never put down my books. Inside the pages of a book is where I find my freedom. And honestly? That never changed.

What did change was life.

Over the last few years, my world grew in ways I never expected. New businesses, new projects, new responsibilities, new dreams. My days filled up fast, and somewhere along the way, writing here quietly slipped to the background.

But the reading never stopped.

Late nights. Early mornings. Five more pages before bed that turned into five more chapters. Falling in love with characters. Yelling at plot twists. Screenshots of quotes. Group chats about fictional men who stress me out like they’re real.

This space never really left me it just went quiet for a little while.

And lately, I’ve been feeling the pull to come back.

Not perfectly.

Not with pressure.

Just… honestly.

So this is the soft relaunch of Beauti Unleashed.

No big production. No strict schedule. No pressure to be anything other than a place where I talk about books I love, books I’m reading, books that made me scream, cry, blush, or stay up way too late.

Here’s what you can expect moving forward:

📚 Book reviews (especially urban fiction, romance, and the spicy reads we don’t judge around here)

📚 Currently reading updates

📚 Series deep dives and character rants

📚 Favorite quotes and moments

📚 Bookish ramblings and reader life

📚 And honestly… whatever feels fun to share.

This space is for readers like me the ones who feel books. The ones who carry characters around in their heads like friends. The ones who say “one more chapter” and mean it every single time.

I’m really excited to be back.

If you’ve been here before, thank you for waiting.

If you’re new here, I’m so glad you’re here.

We’ve got a lot of books to talk about 💕

XOXO,

🌿 Welcome Back to BeautiUnleashed

Feb3

It’s been a while.

Life has a way of pulling us in many directions, some beautiful, some necessary, some unexpected. And somewhere along the way, this space went quiet.

But not forgotten.

BeautiUnleashed began as a place to reflect, to breathe, to explore beauty beyond the surface. It was never about perfection or consistency. It was about honesty, growth, and allowing space for becoming. And in many ways, that’s exactly what this pause allowed.

Time to grow.
Time to learn.
Time to live a little more deeply.

Now, I’m finding my way back with a fuller heart, a clearer sense of purpose, and a renewed love for words, stories, and reflection.

This space will continue to be what it’s always meant to be:
A quiet corner for book lovers.
A place for thoughtful conversations.
A home for reflections on life, faith, and the lessons hidden in the pages we read.

There’s no pressure here. No strict schedule. Just intentional writing, meaningful reads, and moments worth sharing.

If you’ve been here before, welcome back.
If you’re new, I’m glad you found your way here.

Let’s take this one page at a time.

Brie Learns The Art of Submission

Jun22

So, I haven’t done a “What I’m Reading” in a while so her is the first of what I have been reading lately.

So, Brie Learns The Art of Submission is a the start of a great series known to fans of Red Phoenix as the Brie Series.

Join Brianna Bennett as she is introduced to the erotic world of submission…

Brie’s life changes the day Sir comes to her tiny tobacco shop. His invitation to the Submissive Training Center is about to rock this young woman’s world. The renowned school is famous for its elite submissive instruction. She has no idea what will be asked of her or the boundaries that will be pushed. One thing is certain: Brie is about to learn more about herself in six weeks than she has over the previous twenty-two years.

From formal classes, hands-on practicums and weekly auctions, Brie will confront her deepest fears and desires. In the process, she will also forge lifelong friendships with fellow submissive’s and fall for several of the Center’s skilled Doms. As graduation day approaches things begin to unravel, forcing Brie to make an unexpected choice of Master. Which Dom will ultimately earn her devotion and capture Brie’s courageous heart?

This book really made me happy and I was more than happy to read the rest of the series…..

Smooches

First Anniversary

May17

One year ago today, I said I DO to the man that I will love forever.

I’m not going to sit here and lie to you, it hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses but it is absolutely worth the fight. One day and one year at a time.

Smooches…

Nobody’s Dream

Apr12

So, I finished the 6th book in the Rescue Me Saga, Nobody’s Dream. As I have already stated at least a million times, I love Kallypso Masters. That takes me into this book. OMG!!!! I’m not going to spoil it for anyone but OMG!!!! It is the PERFECT love story.

I’m so intensely invested in these characters that I am convinced that we are all best friends lol.

One broken heart. One battered soul.

No one said life would be fair or easy. Quiet, Peruvian-born artist Cassie Lopez learned this the hard way. Betrayed by the man she planned to marry, she shut herself off far away from all but her closest friend from college… Until the night Luke Denton came crashing into her Colorado mountain sanctuary with a vengeance. Confused by her heart’s response to this kind and gentle man, Cassie pushes herself to help the cowboy recover quickly so she can send him on his way. But Luke’s patience and understanding threaten to break down the very defenses she needs to survive in this world after he’s gone.

Search-and-Rescue worker Luke, who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident, also knows firsthand of the unfairness of life. He keeps his own nightmares at bay by focusing on his rescue activities, most recently adopting and working with abused and neglected horses.

Can two wounded people find trust and love together? Do nightmares end where dreams come true?

Eeeeeeeeeek (yes, yes that is my squeal). I’m so happy that I found this author and I’m so happy with her writing. I will admit though that I am a bit annoyed because now I have to wait until the next book comes out. Yes, it’s that serious.

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Beauty Unleashed…

And Undefined