It has been a long time since a book has taken me to a different place filled with heartache, love, sorrow, achievements, and everyday family situations(that occur more than people would like to mention). I just fell head over heels for Seven. Ms. Vassar's writing is brilliant. You can visibly see the story as it unfolds. Make sure you have half the day before reading this one, because you will be hooked on it from page 1.This novel is just plain REAL - no sugar coating and I loved that! I can't wait for the next read. Brilliant!

I want Steven!!! Let me just tell you, this is a must have to any library. It took me soooooooo long to read it fear of the book coming to an end- I did not want it to be over!!!! I need more Ms Vassar, give me more!@#$%^!. I see Ms Vassar only has this one book, however this author has enough talent and has captivated the readers with the romance of Steven and Lisa that she could build a trilogy around them, look for this author, SHE WILL BE BIG ONE DAY! watch out Terry Mcmillan

I loved the way the author weaved the tale of how one with dysfunctional beginnings can choose to have a good ending. Even with a complicated middle to have an "enlightment" of the soul and make a conscious choice to press forward in a transformed mind. The author showed it was not easy but it can be done. I find in this book that is so refreshing, especially with an African American male and female couple - the sticktoitness. Lisa chose to not close her soul up and live but that was due to her mother's family accepting her in spite of her parents treatment. As for Seven he did close up and allowed "money" to speak for his past. Almost a revenge of sorts to say it didn't tear him down but with all the money he made and his ingenuity it did. He had to reevaluate what his "ego" wanted to believe versus the hard choices his mother made to protect her son. Hindsight is always 20/20 but I liked how the author portrayed the "generational cycles" of grandfather to grandson to teach Seven a wisdom that he really had but he needed "family" and a "man" to show him "the way."

I liked the author's stance of Seven and Lisa's honest and grit love for each other. They looked passed the hurt in and to each other to the love for each other. They saw the genuine person, the authentic person. The author had them both to remember those kids in the apartment building who heard, felt and saw enough pain to last a lifetime but found solace and kindness in each other to pull them through as adults. EXCELLENT READ!

Joan Vassar has exploded on the literary scene dazzling us with a romantic novel that grabs you and just won't let go, much like the leading man in the book Seven grabs hold of Lisa, the leading lady. This fascinating find gives insight into a world and culture laced with hardship, cruelty and regret while still leaving the taste of beauty, optimism, love and knowledge of oneself on the reader's lips. I adored this novel...and I can't wait for the next book from this fabulous new author!

I loved this book from beginning to end. Easy to read and straightforward. It was wonderful getting a front seat to the lives of Seven & Lisa. I could see it like a movie as I was reading the story. Kudos to you Ms. Vassar & I can't wait to read the next one!

I chuckled, I cried, I got pissed, I got hot flashes, I was scared, I could not put it down. Honestly I loved it. Joan Vassar, you have done something you should be very proud of. I can't wait for her new release and those yet to come. You are clearly made my favorite authors list.

I was very skeptical about reading this book because I like the hot looking cover. There I go judging a book by its cover As I read only the first chapter of the story. I was hook on Seven and Lisa story. At 4 pm i started and still reading it. I don't want to put the book down. Its a blend of emotions throughout the book from I want to kick lisa parents butts to Seven mother providing for her son thru prositution and trying to establish a connection that was lost during Seven childhood. Since I am only on Chapter 7 I can't tell you whats happening but I know you will enjoy it. Hooray to the new author Mrs. Joan V. Good luck and hope to read more of your work soon.

It has been 10 years since I have read a full book. Raising family and life never gives me time. This book was so easy to read and the characters are great! there is a little bit of everyones family in this book and I could relate. I love Seven and his grandfather. this book once you start you can't stop. 2 thumbs up to the author. a job well done.