5 Stars – A Must Read!

Listen… BriAnn Danae really outdid herself with Keep You to Myself!

Novi’s story had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. After being abandoned by his parents and raised by his Gigi, it’s no surprise that trust isn’t something that comes easy for him. When the one person who’s supposed to love you unconditionally (his mama) drops the ball, it’s no wonder he learned to move through life like he couldn’t count on nobody but himself.

But babyyyy, one night changed everything. Not only did he meet the love of his life, but he also met someone who helped put his career on the map. Everything was looking up for Novi… until a ghost from his past popped up, and let’s just say the connection they had to his long-lost father? Whew!

This book had me double-texting my friends, holding my chest like somebody hurt me, and even shedding real tears. The drama, the emotions, the healing — it gave all of that and more.

Oh, and let’s talk about the spice! BriAnn knows exactly how to write a scene that’ll have you clutching your pearls and pressing your legs together. The spice level is a solid 4/5 — just the right amount of heat to keep you fanning yourself, but still wanting more.

If you love a story that mixes love, healing, drama, and some top-tier spice, this one’s for you. Highly recommend!

#black romance #urbanromancebooks #urbanreaderreview

2025/3/5 Edited to

... Read moreBriAnn Danae’s 'Keep You to Myself' explores the complex layers of love and trust through the eyes of Novi, a character shaped by abandonment and a quest for connection. The book masterfully intertwines romance with personal growth, examining how past traumas impact the present. Readers are drawn into the heart-wrenching moments that define Novi's interactions, emphasizing the importance of finding support in unexpected places. As readers experience Novi's vulnerabilities, they can relate to the universal themes of healing and resilience. The book's spice factor enhances the narrative, pushing boundaries while remaining relatable—a hallmark of urban romance. The dialogue is peppered with authentic emotions, making each interaction captivating and real. Critiques highlight the pacing and character development as key strengths, drawing a loyal audience for contemporary urban tales. Furthermore, discussions among readers on platforms such as #blackromance and #urbanromancebooks light up how impactful character arcs resonate, making this a must-read. For fans of urban romance, 'Keep You to Myself' stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for its ability to tackle serious issues through a romantic lens. This fusion of genres caters to readers seeking depth along with their escapism, showing how love can flourish even amidst chaos and uncertainty. Whether it's the relatable dramas or the romantic moments that leave a mark, this book promises a journey worth taking for any fan of urban fiction.

11 comments

Lori's images
Lori

❤️ ❤️

Related posts

This Book Changed How I See My ADHD – A Must-Read✨
#lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge A MUST-READ for Women with ADHD! If you’ve ever felt like ADHD advice just doesn’t get you as a woman—this book is your new best friend. ✨ ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka dives into how ADHD presents differently in women, and honestly? It’s life
Ramey Danee 💋

Ramey Danee 💋

1146 likes

A stack of books with the overlaid text "30-Day Glow-Up: Books That Will Change Your Life!" and a sparkling emoji, suggesting a collection of self-improvement reads.
The book cover for "The Beauty of Dirty Skin" by Whitney Bowe, MD, with text explaining it helps understand gut health and skincare for glowing, clear skin.
The book cover for "The Curated Closet" by Anuschka Rees, with text indicating it helps transform wardrobe and personal style for confidence.
Must-Read Books for a Glow-Up 🤩
If you’re on a 30-day glow-up journey, you’ll want books that transform your mindset, habits, and overall well-being. Here’s a mix of self-improvement, wellness, and confidence-boosting reads to help you glow up mentally, physically, and emotionally! Week 3: Beauty, Style & Self-Care 💄 E
Joy 📚

Joy 📚

1591 likes

Must Read !!
🌟 Get ready, queens! I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my eBook, Sisterhood of Strength : Manifestation, Healing, and Self-Love for Black Women 🌿 This guide is filled with empowering practices designed to nurture self-love, facilitate healing, and unlock the power of manifestation tai
bri.thecreator

bri.thecreator

1456 likes

A hand holds the red book 'THE ELDEST DAUGHTER EFFECT' with the overlay text 'must read book for eldest daughters'. The book cover mentions firstborn women like Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé, and how they harness their strengths. Framed art pieces are visible in the background.
An open book displays a page titled 'Leader or pleaser?' from 'THE ELDEST DAUGHTER EFFECT'. Highlighted text discusses eldest daughters' roles as leaders or carers, and how these roles can vary. The page is marked with several tabs.
An open book shows a page from 'THE ELDEST DAUGHTER EFFECT' titled 'NUMBER TWO - WHAT TO DO!'. Highlighted text describes how eldest daughters might be perceived as bossy and a quote from Lady Gaga about being focused on work. Tabs mark the page.
must read book for eldest daughters
#read📚 #theoldestchild #eldestdaughter #booksoflemon8
Brandi Nikkale

Brandi Nikkale

2543 likes

A must Read. 📚
#booksummary 📚Title and Author: "Pu$$y Prayers" by Black Girl Bliss 📖 Genre: Self-Help 💬 Short Summary: This is a poetic collection that blends spirituality, sensuality, and empowerment into a celebration of womanhood. Through a series of poems and affirmations, the book explores
Tanji

Tanji

665 likes

Must Read: The Four Horsemen
These books had me hooked!! I’ve been in a reading clump for monthssssss. I picked up pestilence honestly as a cover buy but it was so worth it. I had to have them all as soon a I finished the first book. I read this series in a week and couldn’t put it down! Famines story was most definitely my f
hannah vae

hannah vae

3179 likes

5 BOOKS BLACK WOMEN MUST READ
1. Monday’s Not Coming YA, thriller/contemporary fiction - extremely heartbreaking. check the triggers. lesson: always advocate for the ones you love. 2. Before I Let Go contemporary romance, second chance romance. Lesson: a love strong enough deserves a second chance especially if it was
AMA B. | tastemaker 🎬📚📺

AMA B. | tastemaker 🎬📚📺

1175 likes

Classic books you must read! 📜
#classicbooks #bookrecommendations #books #oldbooks #bookwormsoflemon8
Yami 📚🪱

Yami 📚🪱

1503 likes

Must Read Thrillers🔪🩸
Here are 12 absolute must read thrillers coming from someone who reads at least 100 thrillers every year! Most of these authors have become some of my very favorites of all time, and I’ll truly read anything they write! 🔪🩸 #lemon8partner #lemon8bookclub #thrillerbooks #targetbooks #boo
Bethany Taylor

Bethany Taylor

1298 likes

A must read!
This book is so good, love that includes a bible study #godisgood #book recommendations
Monica🤍

Monica🤍

683 likes

A title slide for 'Mermaid Horror P2' against a backdrop of ocean waves crashing on rocks, with text 'I can't keep these to myself' and 'lemon8 @murmaladee'.
The cover for 'The Deep' by Rivers Solomon, featuring a dark-skinned mermaid, is shown with text describing the book's plot about merfolk descendants of enslaved African women. The background is ocean waves.
The cover for 'The Drowning Girl' by Caitlín R. Kiernan, showing a woman's face in water, is displayed. Text describes the book about an unreliable narrator questioning a siren encounter, set against swirling water.
🧜🏼‍♀️Must read Mermaid Horror🌊
Sooo I guess I’m not the only one who loves mermaid horror 🤣 I wanted to share my new to-be-read list of some crazy books I found. I can’t read fast enough, but I couldn’t not share these in case any of you lovely people want to dive into a new book ;) ( this first one I am very interested in a
🍒Murmalade🍒

🍒Murmalade🍒

1145 likes

Must Read 🗣️
Even though I’m not finished, I definitely give it a 10/10 so far 🤞🏽 #musthaves #forblackwomen
D’Ana Ross

D’Ana Ross

1598 likes

✨✨MUST READ BOOKS 📚 ✨✨
I’ve read a great deal of these starting from 2019-Present…. The most impactful one for myself, personally, Make Your Bed. Absolutely loved it and completed it by the end of my work day. I could have finished it faster with no distractions lol. #readingaesthetic #reading #booksoflemon8 #boo
MorganFoundIt

MorganFoundIt

778 likes

A hand wearing a black wrist brace gives a thumbs-up gesture next to a stack of several small books on a white textured surface, with the words "short books" visible.
The book "Graveyard Shift" by M.L. Rio is displayed on a white surface, accompanied by a Goodreads summary and text indicating it's 145 pages, a mystery, botanical horror, and gothic.
The book "Annihilation" by Jeff VanderMeer is shown on a white surface, with a Goodreads summary and text describing it as 195 pages, science fiction, dystopian, and mystery.
books you can read with one hand (and in 24 hrs) 🤪
Hot girl summer has quickly turned into dorky brace and occupational therapy summer 😪 (who knew picking up a 40lb toddler a thousand times a day could tear a ligament????) ANYWAY. I am a physical book girlie and i also don’t own an e-reader, so I’ve found it easier to pick up and handle small (
molly

molly

1692 likes

Of course besides the Bible this is a must read !
#biblecrazy #mentalhealthmatters #christianlemon8 #HelloLemon8 #lemon8bookclub 🤩This showed me so much! 🤍self respect about finding your worth/ identity in Christ! 🤍I cried reading this book, I been reading it with my parents to help us get closer and it’s a good conversational
Victoria

Victoria

1025 likes

8 Romance Books You Must Read
Books you will throughly enjoy 🥰 #books #bookreccomendation #lemon8bookclub #blackromancebooks #booklover
Alisha B. 📺📚✈️

Alisha B. 📺📚✈️

853 likes

MUST-READ‼️
Black Lavish did it AGAIN 😩 this book kept me on edge the entire time!! only part one is out so far but it will definitely leave you begging for part 2 ! #lemon8diarychallenge #baddiesread #blackbookrecommendations #blackgirlbookreview #letschat #blackgirlswhoread #blackbooksmatter
Sie✨💛

Sie✨💛

394 likes

A bookshelf filled with various books, featuring an overlay title: '5 Must Read Books for Mindset Growth and Personal & Professional Success Achievement'. The Lemon8 logo and username are visible at the bottom.
The book 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear is displayed, with overlay text highlighting its title and a summary of its focus on building good habits for personal and professional success. It mentions 'Over 10 Million Copies Sold'.
The book 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success' by Carol S. Dweck is shown, with overlay text detailing its exploration of mindset's power in shaping success and introducing the growth mindset concept.
Must-Read Books 4 Personal & Professional Success📈
5 Must Read Books for Mindset Growth and Personal & Professional Success Achievement 1- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear 💡Clear explores the science behind habit formation and provides actionable strategies for buildi
Alpha Queens Club

Alpha Queens Club

645 likes

A hand holds the book 'The Mastery of Love' by Don Miguel Ruiz, with overlay text recommending it for improving relationships and providing guidance. Five stars indicate a high rating.
An open book displays Chapter 1, 'The Wounded Mind,' with highlighted quotes about self-belief, power application, and how we create and believe our own lies.
An open book displays Chapter 2, 'The Loss of Innocence,' with highlighted quotes about emotional energy in the home, the 'dream of the planet,' and self-abuse.
A Def Must Read to Better Your Relationship
✨Book Review Book name: The Mastery Of Love Author: Don Miguel Ruiz Genre: Self Help / Relationship My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: This book really open my eyes to how I treat myself and others. I realized why my relationship are constantly failing as soon as I enter one. I recommend reading
Iamnariah

Iamnariah

979 likes

CHRISTIAN MUST READ!
My Current Read 📚 📖 Name of the Book: Winning the War in Your Mind 📄 My Favorite Quotes: “You cannot defeat what you cannot define”. 💭 My Thoughts: Great way to learn to control your thoughts and create new ways of thinking! ⭐ Star Rating: 5/5 Affiliate Link in bio 🫶 #christiangirly #ch
Brittany Lane

Brittany Lane

246 likes

a nonfiction must read 🌅
This book keeps popping up whenever I go to bookstores and I finally looked into it and definitely want to read it. I’m not usually a self help book reader but this seems so beneficial and interesting! Would love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it! 🌟 #lemon8partner #lemon8bookclub #non
Alli Beachy 🤍

Alli Beachy 🤍

217 likes

A hand holds a stack of books with white spines on a textured white background. The text overlay reads "SUMMARIZING MY FAVORITE WLW BOOKS" in pink and orange, with sparkling graphic elements. The Lemon8 logo and user handle "@lifewithiri" are in the bottom left.
The book cover for "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston, featuring a blonde woman and a pink envelope. Text highlights it as YA, Contemporary, Mystery, Dramatic, Enigmatic, and Romantic, with a summary about Chloe Green unraveling clues after a kiss.
The book cover for "Iris Kelly Doesn't Date" by Ashley Herring Blake, depicting two women in front of a house. It's described as Romance, Contemporary, Humorous, Charming, and Relatable, with a summary about Iris breaking her dating rules for a new girl.
9 Must-Read WLW Romance Books 🏳️‍🌈
🌈 Get ready to fall in love with these captivating WLW novels! These are some of my personal favorites, featuring glamorous Hollywood tales, heartfelt historical romances, and contemporary love stories with a twist. Each book is packed with emotion, drama, and unforgettable characters.
irianna

irianna

668 likes

A must read to challenge your perspective.
My currently reading this book and it’s changing the way I feel about certain moments. Definetly recommend it. It explains the negativity bias which is the tendency to look and give more importance to the negative rather than positive and it helps you develop ways to challenge and change that with
Vicmarie Berger

Vicmarie Berger

669 likes

A Book You MUST Read: Dark Romance Edition
Let me tell you about a man named Dimitri Morelli. He doesn’t do soft. He doesn’t do gentle. He runs an empire with his bare hands and every room he walks into rearranges itself around him. And then he met her. Kiana Johnson walked into his world completely unbothered — no idea who he was, n
cecespicychapters

cecespicychapters

686 likes

A hand holds a stack of books, with pink text overlay "BOOKS I WILL ACCEPT ZERO CRITICISM ON" and "Lemon8 @mollz.y" in the corner.
The book cover for "Young Mungo" by Douglas Stuart is displayed with five white stars. Overlays provide a Goodreads summary and details like "416 pages," "literary fiction," "LGBTQ+," and "heartbreaking," along with a trigger warning.
The book cover for "The Spear Cuts Through Water" by Simon Jimenez is shown with five white stars and "six star read!!". Overlays include a Goodreads summary and details such as "576 pages," "epic fantasy," "LGBTQ+," and "quest plot."
molly’s must read books!! 📚
5 standalone novels and 2 trilogies you HAVE TO READ!! I’ve read almost 50 books this year and these are some of my favorites so far. You’ll notice that not all of them are 5 stars and yet I still classify them as a must read. That’s because I don’t just rate books out of 5 stars, I rank them ba
molly

molly

552 likes

A hand holds a book on a white sheet, surrounded by black bat silhouettes and a fanged mouth graphic. Text reads "romantasy enemies to lovers stand alone with vampires!!!" and "lemon8 @mikalasreads."
A book titled "The LESSER GODS" by Heather Durfee, featuring a cover with a face and blood, lies on a white sheet. Text indicates a 5-star rating, "forced marriage," "found family," and "ACTUAL enemies to lovers."
An open book displays a romantic dialogue quote about saving a life and a prince's smirk, with a hand resting on the page. Text states "the tension in this book is SO GOOD" and "lemon8 @mikalasreads."
ROMANTASY STAND ALONe (5 stars!!)
Romantasy/Enemies to Lovers Stand Alone book rec!! This was a 5-star read for me & I am stingy with my 5-star ratings! If you are a fellow romantasy girlie, this is a MUST READ! ✨ TRUE enemies to lovers ✨ Vampire prince ✨ Forced marriage ✨ Found family ✨ Stand alone #lemon8part
mikalasreads

mikalasreads

1350 likes

A hand holds the cover of the thriller book "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO DIE TONIGHT" by Kalynn Bayron. The cover features a scared young woman with dark hair against a red sky, dark trees, a cabin, and an owl, conveying a suspenseful atmosphere.
A must read!!!!🫶 (thriller,horror book)
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this book up. I was just supporting another black author. But baby this was a really good book. The beginning was mid. But it got really good and shocking towards the middle and especially the ending. With only 15 chapters in it, that was a plot twist I NE
Kaliyah 🦋

Kaliyah 🦋

516 likes

A Woman’s Must Read
#mustread #empowerment #blackgirlcreator #blackreaders #blackwomen
Le’Asia Lee

Le’Asia Lee

77 likes

A hand holds the spine of the book 'How to Be Eaten' by Maria. The title is vertically aligned, and a small illustration of a red-hooded figure is at the bottom. The book rests on a soft, textured blanket.
A must read!
A library book I picked up this past weekend! Perfect book to read for the Fall 🌿🍃🌱🍂🍁📖 #fallbooklist #lemon8bookrecommendations #bookworm #lovereading #currently My Current Read 📖 Name of the Book: ℋℴ𝓌 𝓉ℴ 𝒷ℯ ℰ𝒶𝓉ℯ𝓃 📄 Plot: 5 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓁ℯ 𝒻ℯ𝓂𝒶𝓁ℯ 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉ℯ𝓇𝓈 𝒻𝓇ℴ𝓂 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝓅𝓅ℴ𝓇𝓉 𝑔𝓇
sincerely_chrys

sincerely_chrys

348 likes

A hand holds a smartphone displaying the green Webtoon app logo. The screen shows '4:52' and battery icons. Text overlay reads '5 MUST READ WEBTOONS', introducing a list of webtoon recommendations.
The cover art for 'Cheese in the Trap' features a woman with orange hair sitting between two men on a bench against a yellow background. The title 'CHEESE IN THE TRAP' and 'MADE BY SOONKKI' are displayed below, with a color palette.
The cover art for 'Gourmet Hound' shows a red-haired woman holding a sandwich and a blonde-haired man, with food items like carrots and lemons in the background. The title 'GOURMET HOUND' and 'MADE BY LEEHAMA' are displayed below, with a color palette.
5 must-read webtoons!
I’m a webtoon fanatic so I thought I’d pick 5 off my favorites list and share them with you! 🧀 Cheese in the Trap - Drama, Romance Cheese in the Trap is my all time favorite webtoon. Soonkki is a spectacular storyteller really well versed in not just writing, but also using art to tell the sto
sin

sin

865 likes

A hand holds the book 'Budgeting 101: A Crash Course in Budgeting' by Michele Cagan, CPA, with the title 'BOOKS TO READ IN YOUR 20'S' overlaid. The cover highlights topics like debt, savings, financial goals, and using technology for budgeting.
An open book displays the 'CONTENTS' page of 'Budgeting 101'. Chapters include 'Budgeting Basics,' 'Know Where Your Finances Stand,' and 'How to Create a Livable Budget,' detailing various financial planning topics. A pink 'Swipe' graphic is overlaid.
An open book shows pages from 'Chapter 1: Budgeting Basics' of 'Budgeting 101.' Visible sections include 'WHAT BUDGETING IS (AND ISN'T)' and 'A Small Leather Bag,' explaining foundational concepts of budgeting and the word's origin.
Must Read! 📕(Financial Literacy 💸)
I cannot express how much this book has helped me understand my finances! As a 25 year old, 6-figure entrepreneur I struggle with balance and budgeting. One goal of mine this year is to become financially free of all debt. I have learned how to make money fast ( legally). However, I struggle spendi
DONDON🧚🏽‍♀️

DONDON🧚🏽‍♀️

1714 likes

Forgiving what you can’t forget ✨ MUST READ! ✨
✨Here are 6 powerful lessons from the book Forgiving What You Can't Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again by Lysa TerKeurst ✨ 1.Forgiveness is not about the other person. It is about you and your own healing. When you forg
Bryttany P

Bryttany P

535 likes

this book is a MUST read for ALL women 💗
why every woman should read this: • it teaches confidence in a real, unapologetic way • reminds you to know your worth and stand on it • shifts your mindset from settling → choosing yourself this isn’t just about relationships… it’s about how you show up in your life things this book taug
Soft Glow Mama ✨

Soft Glow Mama ✨

187 likes

See more