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Books to Read
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items I love to read. It brings me so much joy. Please check out my YouTube (Booktube) & Tiktok (BookTok) pages-AllAboutApril3; Instagram (Bookstagram)-Tygergalreads for reviews & recommendations about the books that I'm reading. Here are some "boo...
Sections
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List of Books I've Read in 2023
Book Club Reads-2023
Amistad Book Recommendations
Self-Help Books
Book Club Reads-2024
List of Books Read in 2024
List of Books I've Read in 2023
Here's a list of the books that I've read in 2023 along with the ratings.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This concluded the Prism series by Love Belvin. I was happy with how the book ultimately ended in the series.
The Promise (Prism Book 3) by Love Belvin - Kindle
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was one of my favorite books of 2023. I can't get enough of this read. I also plan to purchase it in paperback form as it really captured the essence of a great, urban fiction read.
Demon's Dream: An Unexpected Love by elle kayson
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you are looking for a good, holiday (Christmas) read, look no further than here. Rilzy never disappoints. I will definitely revisit this book for the next holiday season, especially since it's a novella.
Spiked Hot Chocolate - Kindle by Rilzy Adams
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a good book. I would definitely recommend it to a friend to read.
Accidental Arrangements - Warren, Alexandra: Books
It's one of my favorite "friends to lovers" stories. I just love Quentin & Lexi. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tempt Me at Midnight (The Wolf Pack Series Book 3)
3⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book. However, I felt that the Female Main Character could have been written a bit better to better fulfill the story, especially when the Male Main Character was strongly displaying his feelings.
Go Deep (Unexpected Lovers Book 1) - Kindle
Such a great read. If you're looking for a good, short read, here's one. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love Scammed - Kindle by Rilzy Adams
This was my first read by this author after the recommendation by my BookTok friends. AMAZING! Asher & Marissa are a treat. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Worthy Love - Kindle edition by A.E. Valdez
This is one of my favorite books of 2023. It's climbed into my favorite of all time category. Acyn + Harlow are everything right. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I've Wanted All I've Needed (Sunshine + Ace 1)
Part 2 of Acyn & Harlow's story. So beautiful. A read we need. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Beginning of Forever: A Sunshine + Ace Story
Kyrell & Quinn gave quite the story as they overcame trauma. A.E. Valdez has solidified herself as a consistent fave. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Colliding With Fate by A.E. Valdez
Logan & Meadow have history from childhood to adulthood. Maureen Smith writes a beautiful story of them reconnecting. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sin Bin (Denver Rebels Book 3) by Maureen Smith
3⭐️⭐️⭐️ Although this book was highly touted by many, it was not memorable for me.
Magnolia: A Perfect Love (Flower Sisters Book 1)
4 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a good read by Love Belvin. It wasn't as great as a few others in her catalog, but it was definitely something to recommend and enjoy.
Low Love, Low Fidelity - Kindle edition
3 star read⭐️⭐️⭐️ Started off well, but it dragged on a bit with some unresolved parts. I felt the story could've been stronger.
Restore Me: The New Haven Series (Book #1)
5 star read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love Maureen Smith, so my rating is a bit biased. This is a re-read for me as well. I loveee Nadia & Reid.
Wicked Games (Denver Rebels Book 1)
4 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a highly recommended book amongst the Tiktok community. It is definitely something to read and enjoy.
I Wanna Be Down - Kindle by AshleyNicole
5 star read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hands down, one of the best books that I've read this year. The length of the book is worth it due to the quality storytelling.
Needful Noor - Kindle by Takerra Allen
5 star read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was such a great continuation of the series. You fall even more in love with the characters.
Seasons of Fidelity: Season Two by Takerra Allen
5 star read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The conclusion of this fantastic series was so worth the Re-read. Takerra never disappoints.
Seasons of Fidelity: End Game - Kindle edition
5 Star Read. I was surprised at the depth that Britney was willing to share with us regarding her experience with her family, her exes, her career, and her conservatorship. While the book did not elaborate as much on her career, it was truly a cathar...
The Woman in Me: Spears, Britney
4 Star Read. This is an age-gap romance (Older woman-younger man) It has also been adapted into a Netflix special. Tia did a great job of displaying the differences between the two main characters while also exploring the challenges that they faced d...
The Perfect Find: 9781944359119: Tia Williams
2 Star Read. I was not a fan of this book despite the numerous 4 and 5 star ratings. It is an insta-love romance that was far too unrealistic for me.
Amazon.com: Luca (The Eisenberg Effect)
5 Star Read. This was a re-read for me. This is book one of the Wayward Love series by Love Belvin that details the love story of Kennedi and Isaak, two people who meet in college and don't realize their feelings for each other.
The Left of Love (Wayward Love) Vol 1: Belvin
5 Star Read. This is Book 2 of the Wayward Love Series by Love Belvin that continues on with Kennedi and Isaak's story. Isaak's kids come into play along with their attraction (& more). Sooo good
The Low of Love (Wayward Love)
5 Star Read. This is Book Three of the Wayward Love series that details Kennedi and Isaak's story. How do you resolve a love that has gone through so much? Such a great conclusion to an amazing series.
The Right of Love (Wayward Love) Vol 3
4 Star Read. This book was highly touted by many in the book community. What happens when your sister is marrying your ex at a destination wedding? Well, drama ensues. LOL
Only For The Week - Kindle by Natasha Bishop
Book Club Reads-2023
My Book Club typically meets once a month. Here are the books that we've read this year.
January Read-4 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read with great discussions
Parable of the Sower (Parable, 1): 9780446675505
February Read-I missed this virtual meeting but heard great things about the book. The book club overall had a 4 star⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️rating
Parable of the Talents: 9780446675789
February Read-3.5/4 Star Rating. While it was loved by many in my book club, this book did not touch me as much, especially amongst books that I've read this year.
Before I Let Go: Ryan, Kennedy: Books
March Read-This was a FANTASTIC 5 star read. Sadeqa has become one of my favorite writers. I love that she wrote the novel in both 1st and 3rd narrative. I also met her for a book talk regarding this read. It elevated the book even more.
The House of Eve: 9781982197360: Johnson, Sadeqa
April Read-I missed this meeting. However, members were happy to read a book that related to a part of Houston.
Bluebird, Bluebird (A Highway 59 Novel, 1)
For years, people have made assumptions that enslaved people accepted their plight out of fear. This book counters that argument by specifically focusing on the revenge & resistance of enslaved women. Through the use of citated evidence, Nikki M....
Brooding over Bloody Revenge: Enslaved Women's...
Amistad Book Recommendations
Amistad Books is a division under Harper Collins Book Publishing. As an ambassador, I love to share some of the new reads that have come out through them. Here's the list.
A powerful novel that covers three generations of families who are trying to overcome trauma.
Trinity: A Novel - Lockhart, Zelda: Books
An anthology that focuses on the contributive writings of Latin American women. It's amazing and deserves wayyy more credit. We've been waiting for a moment like this for Latin American women. It belongs on your bookshelf.
Daughters of Latin America: An Anthology
A fantastic novel that discusses how Black writers can excel at their craft. In an age where reading has risen again, this is such a useful book.
How We Do It: Black Writers on Craft & Skill
If you love Cedric the Entertainer, then you will definitely want to support his first novel. It's a crime novel that discusses how Black families are trying to endure during the Great Depression and World War II.
Flipping Boxcars: A Novel - Cedric The Entertainer
Part 3 of the Ashe Cayne series, former detective and private eye is on the case to determine who is stalking and wants TV reporter Morgan Shaw dead. There are so many twists and turns that also involve an innocent man. Or is he? You have to read thi...
The Overnights: An Ashe Cayne Novel, Book 3 ...
This re-release is an autobiography of Ray's life as he was addicted to crack in the 90s. It's important, poignant, & a great memoir to read.
Iced: A Novel: Shell, A. Ray
Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield provides great insight on the challenges that some African-Americans may face in the workplace (For example, promotions). She's not just discussing these issues. She's also giving advice on how this can change & how we ...
Gray Areas: How Work Perpetuates Racism
From the editor of Barracoon, Deborah G. Plant writes an incredible book that details how human bondage still impacts us heavily today. It's really a great novel. I also loved the research, including the parenthetical citations and footnotes.
Of Greed and Glory: In Pursuit of Freedom eBook
Self-Help Books
These are books that I highly recommend to grow yourself. I believe in reading at least one self-help book a year, and these will definitely help you to identify more within yourselves & those around you.
This is such an amazing & necessary read for anyone looking to learn more about personal boundaries in respectful ways. You deserve peace, too.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming
Learning how to manage families is not always easy. However, this book gives great tips on how to navigate different kinds of families in healthy ways. Perfect to read before the holidays take place, but it's especially important to maintain healthy ...
Drama Free: Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family
Book Club Reads-2024
4 Star Read by me. This is a YA (Young Adult Novel) set in the early 1900s. It details the lives young African-Americans who are either upper middle class or middle class trying to make it in society. However, meddling parents and the way of life int...
The Davenports: 9780593463338: Krystal Marquis
This was the February book club read. I, unfortunately, did not read it. This is typically a genre that I read, and I wasn't ready to step into that realm. If you like fantasy, you may like this read.
The Changeling: A Novel by Victor LaValle
This was the March 2024 Book Club read. I absolutely adored this book. It was highly inspirational considering what she went through to get to the success that she has acquired today. I also read it through audio and loved that version of it. It was ...
Finding Me: An Oprah's Book Club Pick
This was the April 2024 Book Club read. I enjoyed this read and also did a full review of this book on my YouTube channel. After meeting Kennedy Ryan, I was more impressed by her inclusion of a woman learning to gain ground again after being betrayed...
This Could Be Us
This is the May 2024 Book Club read. Sugar is a classic by the incomparable Bernice McFadden. Following the lives of two women in the Deep South, we learn how they live through experiences that would otherwise leave them yearning for more as life has...
Sugar
This is the Book Club read for the months of June/July. I rated it 4.5 stars. It was one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I can't recommend this book enough. The family dynamics along with finding home within yourself made this such a beautif...
The Thing About Home
List of Books Read in 2024
5 Star Read. This is a sports romance book. It is book one in the Connecticut Kings series. You are introduced to both Trent and Jade. Both are in perilous situations, but each are meant to be in each other's lives and work through these issues. (The...
Love In the Red Zone (Connecticut Kings)
5 Star Read. This is a sports romance book (football). It is also Book 4 of the Connecticut Kings series and the continuation of Trent and Jade's story from Love in the Red Zone. I thoroughly enjoyed how they worked through both family and personal i...
End Zone Love (Connecticut Kings) Vol 4
5 Star Read. I could not put this book down. It was truly one of a kind. What do you do when you are physically and emotionally tied to someone but also married/legally tied to someone else? This was the case for Jahad, Leighton, and Sienna. How do t...
Soul Ties by [Miss Candice] - Kindle
This was definitely a 5 star read for me. I had it on my TBR (To Be Read) list since the book was released and had put it off for years. After reading it, I wish that I would have read it sooner. It was emotionally charged and definitely had me cheer...
fast - Kindle edition by Belizaire, Millie
This is Book 1 in the Love Unaccounted series by Love Belvin. Ezra (MMC) and Lex (FMC) meet up and are tied to each other through a spiritual covenant. However, they have quite the differences to work through. This book does contain elements of BDSM....
In Covenant with Ezra
This book was highly recommended through TikTok. Whew! This was quite the read. The FMC had hard financial times, especially after being in an abusive relationship. However, she enters into a situation with her cousin's husband and all hell breaks lo...
Fat Ma: An Erotic novel - Kindle edition
This was the first book by author Regina Black. It had the elements of both politics and art along with infidelity. The combination of these factors gave such a great read with an incredible twist at the end. This was a 4 star read for me.
The Art of Scandal - Black, Regina: Books
This book was highly rated by many in the book community. Following the lives of two, young people who were deeply in love, we learn what “commitment” actually means for those who truly want to be in a relationship. While it was highly recommended, I...
Commitment
I love everything by Author Takerra Allen, including this book. This was a re-read for me as I purchased the physical copy in December. This was one of the books in her early career of writing but truly a ride. It definitely gave characteristics of a...
Restricted eBook : Allen, Takerra: Kindle Store
This book came highly rated by the wellreadpharmacist on Instagram. In regards to trigger warnings, it does involve characters dealing with IVF, infertility, family issues, and infidelity. Combining these characteristics leaves you wondering how you ...
Hold My Girl: A Novel by Charlene Carr
Maureen Smith writes under the pseudonym Naomi Chase and gives us quality writing. Through the use of suspense with elements of romance, we learn about Tamia, a marketing specialist, and her boyfriend, Brandon, an elite lawyer of Houston society. Tho...
Exposed (Exposed Series) - Chase, Naomi: Books
Deception is Book 2 in the Exposed series by Naomi Chase (Maureen Smith). After learning that Tamia is being blackmailed, which threatens her relationship with the Houston bachelor, the story continues with more characters and more elements to this r...
Deception (Exposed Series): 9780758253224
In the 3rd and final installment of the Exposed series by Naomi Chase, we learn if Tamia and Brandon can withstand all of the obstacles that have interfered with them along with the secondary characters. It was definitely an ending that I was not exp...
Betrayal (Exposed Series) by Naomi Chase
This was a standalone novel by Love Belvin. With history behind the FMC and MMC, readers learn what has kept them apart despite the strong chemistry that exists between them. I rated this 3 stars.
Love's Neutral Zone - Kindle edition by Belvin ...
This is Book 5 of the Connecticut Kings series. It involves Rut (MMC) and Parker (FMC). This was actually my favorite story by Love Belvin in the Connecticut Kings series. Parker was a young woman dealing with responsibilities far out of her reach, a...
Love's Ineligible Receiver (Connecticut Kings)
Determining Possession is Book 3 of the Connecticut Kings series. It is also my favorite book in the series by Christina C Jones. Wil and Ramsey face difficulties from outside factors. However, they are also two people who finally realize that they h...
Determining Possession
This is Book 2 in the Love Unaccounted Series by Love Belvin. We continue on with Lex (FMC) and Ezra (MMC) & their nonconventional covenant. They are still learning each other, especially through their intimate methods. However, family and friend...
In Love with Ezra (Love Unaccounted) Vol 2
This was the first time I have read a book by Vanessa Miller, and I loved it. Based on a true story, we learn about freed people following the Civil War beginning their own city. It was such a beautifully written story following the FMC named Louella...
The American Queen: 9780840708878: Miller, Vanessa
This was my first read by Shae Sanders. It involved a very grumpy boss and a woman who has decided to leave her husband who is involved in infidelity. I was not a fan of this book along with the dynamic of the characters. I rated it 2 stars.
A Grumpy Boss Romance (Jackson Brothers Book 1)
This book came highly recommended through TikTok. When Lyric's husband, Griff, offers for both of them to do a hall pass, readers are left intrigued, especially since he encourages his wife to swap with his best friend. The story takes place from the...
More Than a Crush - Kindle by Nicole Jackson
This book came highly recommended through TikTok. This is part 2 and the background of how Lyric, Shooter, and Griff all come to the place of swapping partners. The story will shock you and leave you questioning if you are actually supporting the rig...
More Than a Crush 2: Jackson, Nicole, 9798875715815
This is book 3 and the final installment of the Love Unaccounted series by Love Belvin. It was a great read and a great way to send the series. We finally got to see how Lex and Ezra resolve their covenant and ultimately bond. I rated this story 5 st...
Bonded with Ezra (Love Unaccounted) (Volume 3) ...
This book was a re-read for me. It is part of the Wolf Pack series. I loveee Marcus and Samara's story and highly recommend it for you as well. It's a 5 star read for me.
Taming the Wolf
For anyone who wants to learn about the significance of Juneteenth, especially through the lens of a native, African-American Texan, this is the book for you. She goes from the beginning of Texas and relates her experiences along with the experiences...
On Juneteenth
This was a re-read for me. This is book 1 in the Love's Improbable Possibility series by Love Belvin. It details Azmir and Rayna's story. They are a major part of the Love Belvin universe. It's the first series that she has ever written and was a joy...
Love Lost
This was a re-read for me. This is book 2 in the Love's Improbable Possibility series by Love Belvin. Azmir and Rayna continue in trying to find their way to each other despite their differences and hidden backgrounds. Azmir really is an Acts of Serv...
Love Unexpected
This was a re-read for me. This is book 3 in the Love's Improbable Possibility series by Love Belvin. The fireworks begin to pop off in this book, and it ends with an elite cliffhanger. This was probably my favorite book in the series. Whew! It was s...
Love Uncharted
This was a re-read for me. This is book 4 in the Love's Improbable Possibility series by Love Belvin and the conclusion of the series. What an incredible way to end the story! (The scene between Dawn and Rayna along with the scene on the beach betwee...
Love Redeemed
This is a must read for anyone who wants to learn about the founding of Tuskegee University along with the background of Booker T. Washington. I definitely believe that it is relatable to the present-day and offers an alternative to the beliefs of W....
Up from Slavery (Dover Thrift Editions)
This was a 4 star read for me. This was the first book that I have read by Emily Henry, and it won't be the last. She is a master at writing about the pining and banter between characters. Daphne and Miles are broken up with by their respective partn...
Funny Story
This was a 3.5 star read for me. I read this book on a recommendation. I thought it was a good story in two men, despite the age gap, trying to figure out how they fit into each other's lives and if they want to fully pursue their feelings for each o...
Call Me By Your Name
This was a 4.5 star read for me. OMG! The waterworks happened in this book. What a beautiful story between Issac and Laniah! It is also partially autobiographical with the health issues included. The pining along with the friends to lovers and fake d...
A Love Like the Sun: 9780593640494: Neilson
3.5 Star Read. This was my second Emily Henry book. While I enjoyed it, I did not enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Funny Story. Great banter, but I was hoping for a bit more.
Happy Place
4 Star Read. Seducing the Wolf is part of the famous Wolf Pack series by Maureen Smith (Book 6). Taylor and Manning's story is beautiful in that young love develops, grows, and never truly lets go. It was great to read how they beat the odds presente...
Seducing the Wolf (Wolf Pack) - Maureen Smith
4.25 Star Read. This is Book One of the Part of Your World series by Abby Jimenez. It was my first read by her and definitely not my last. This age-gap/different work lives romance story was beautifully written. I loved how she showed that you can ha...
Part of Your World
5 Star Read. This was hands down one of my favorite reads of 2024. This was my first book by the duo Christina Lauren and definitely won't be my last. This fake marriage trope combines elements of comedy, family drama (think Succession), great banter...
The Paradise Problem
5 Star Read. This is the second book in the “Part of Your World” series. It is also my absolute FAVORITE in the series. OMG! Grab the tissues. The writing of Jacob in this book was so intentional. I felt like I was reading a bit about myself and was ...
Yours Truly
4.5 Star Read. This is Book 3 in the “Part of Your World” series. I don't even know if I can say enough about Justin's character in this story. He was such a great character. This story is about two people who end up with the same fate regarding dati...
Just for the Summer
4.5 Star Read. I had fallen in love with Abby's writing, so I decided to try another series by her. I was not disappointed. I loved this story about how health issues can interfere with what we believe we deserve in regards to love. It was such a gre...
The Friend Zone
4.25 Star Read. For this fake marriage trope, I was ready to be all in. Christina Lauren are great at making you laugh out loud at their writing humor while also making you feel deeply about the characters. Ethan and Olive represented a great enemies...
The Unhoneymooners
4 Stars. I love a good, fake marriage story. That's what this was. It has also encouraged me to want to read more by this author. It wasn't very long, but it got to the point and made a great read.
The Vow: A Marriage of Convenience Romance
3 Stars. This has made the waves heavily on Bookstagram (Instagram for booklovers). However, I did not really find the hype behind it, especially as a story played up as a love triangle. It was more contemporary fiction. Definitely take a chance on i...
Between Friends & Lovers: A Novel - Kindle
4.25 Stars. If you know me, you know that I loveee Maureen Smith and her writing. She is one of my FAVORITE romance writers (& has the awards to show for it). This is a billionaire romance story where the worker and workee ultimately fall for eac...
Boss of Me: Billionaire Boss Romance
4 Stars. Abby Jimenez simply doesn't miss. This is a continuation of The Friend Zone series (Book 2). If you ever want to know how Sloan's story continues, this is the book for you. Please be sure to read this series in order.
The Happy Ever After Playlist: Jimenez, Abby
4.5 Stars. This was my intro into the S.A. Cosby universe, and it will definitely not be my last book. I listened to it on audiobook, and Adam Lasare White did a phenomenal job of narrating it. A school shooting in a small town leads to more secrets ...
All the Sinners Bleed
4.25 Stars. Christina Lauren deliver a story that left me in tears. Two friends find each other again after years and are often left to wonder what happened long ago. The story goes back and forth between the past and present giving us a chance to ge...
Love and Other Words
5 Stars. I cried. I sobbed. I still think of Vianne and Isabel often. Set in Nazi France, readers learn how two sisters go through such a historical and traumatizing time. In the midst of resistance, we learn the fate of the family. I couldn't figure...
The Nightingale
4.5 Stars. This book was recommended to me, ESPECIALLY since I love vineyards. Set in the Napa Valley, this is a second chance romance between former lovers who are also trying to save their best friend's wedding day. The chemistry and passion is the...
The Ex Vows
3 Stars. This was a good introduction into the thriller and suspense genre. This will ultimately be a series. If you are a fan of 50 Cent's TV series, you will like this story. A former vet has information on a very wealthy family. However, is the ri...
The Accomplice: A Novel
4.25 Stars. I completed Abby Jimenez's collection with this read. It was just as great as the others. Abby is phenomenal at combining romance, a bit of comedy, and real life situations. This book has me looking forward to anything that she writes.
Life's Too Short: Jimenez, Abby: 9781538715666
5 Stars. This was one of my FAVORITE reads of 2024. This is a story of multiple generations of women within a family and how their decisions ultimately affect the next generation. This is a great story for book clubs and also reflection amongst women...
Grown Women: A Novel
4 Stars. Sadeqa Johnson is a phenomenal writer. The FMC (Female Main Character) has moved to another city and started a family. However, her past comes to her front door forcing her to face things that she thought she left behind. The FMC frustrated ...
Second House from the Corner: A Novel
5 Stars. Takerra Allen is another favorite author of mine. This story centers around Tahli and Dalvin. However, love doesn't come easy for them. With a mix of characters who bring both love and heartache, can Tahli and Dalvin's love survive those thi...
Parachutes: Part 1
Bookmarks
Here are some of my favorite bookmarks to use as I'm reading.
This shop has a bookmark-reading log that also looks like a library log. It's super cute and comes in regular (A5) & A4 sizes.
Made8yJune
List of Books Read in 2025
Follow me to see what I have read in 2025. I will also include ratings with an honest review (unless it is a memoir--I often don't give ratings for the way people tell their stories). 5 star reads DESERVE immediate purchases, especially the physical ...
I have always been a fan of JoJo (Jo) and her music. I've often wondered how someone with so much talent had a stagnant music career. This book answered those questions while also giving intimate details about her family life and relationships. I wil...
Over the Influence: A Memoir
5 Stars. Kristin Hannah does it again with this phenomenal novel. I highly advise you to read it with Kleenex nearby. I learned so much about the Alaska frontier with the inclusion of this fictional story. Please read the warnings before engaging wit...
The Great Alone
4 Stars. Christina Lauren was one of my new-to-me authors from last year. This is my 4th read by them, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Imagine finding your soulmate through a data analysis? This could totally change the way people date. This sto...
The Soulmate Equation