Reviews

Accept the Unexpected

Sistahs on the Shelf – The home for readers of Black lesbian fiction

I wish more black lesbian relationships operated with the reality found between the covers of ACCEPT THE UNEXPECTED. The truth may have come at the wrong time, but the sentiment was not lost on Keleya Smith. Author L. Cherelle’s debut novel skillfully portrays the fallout from Keleya’s failed relationship as she slowly nurtures a new one. Keleya and Kris were in a long-term relationship when Keleya asks Kris to leave their home after discovering some incriminating texts. She’s devastated to lose her lover of four years, yet has plenty to occupy her time. Her job, hobbies, and most especially, her colorful family and friends keep her mind off Kris. Then another distraction comes in the form of Jordan, whom she’s set up with by a mutual friend. The brown-skinned, handsome stud’s looks and personality entice Keleya, but she wisely gets to know Jordan little by little, instead of instantly hopping into bed. She enjoys Jordan’s laid-back demeanor and wants to be sure before giving her body and her heart away again. It’s uncomplicated with Jordan – getting over Kris is not. Keleya can admit to herself that there’s still some baggage left with her old flame, and she’s trying hard not to entangle Jordan in the healing of her old wounds. Can her heart make room for Jordan? Moving on from a long-time love and starting something new is neither simple, nor painless. But L. Cherelle builds a character that reveals her baggage, accepts the way things are, and gets to know herself at the same time. I also admired Keleya’s dedication to her family and friends, who pluck her last nerves. Keleya is a great character, and L. Cherelle does a great job with the entire Unexpected cast. The ending, though obvious, was deeply satisfying. The honesty rang true. Like I said, I wish more black lesbians would do the same.

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Accept the Unexpected by L. Cherelle is a novel about an African-American lesbian couple and the trials and tribulations that they experience in dating. Accept the Unexpected was upbeat, realistic and provided a look into a relationship that is full of miscommunication, values, self-worth and more. Keleya and Kris are a devoted loving couple until one of them decides to stray. Can this relationship be saved, or will the deception keep them apart? Keleya is a strong, black woman who knows what she wants and refuses to settle, but after her breakup she decides it is time to re-evaluate what she has been putting up with, and what she actually wants from a partner. With no explanation, and some half truths, Keleya spends more time with her friends and family while trying to determine if she will get back into the dating scene. Concerned friends decide to hook Keleya up with Jordan, a sexy, black woman who seems well put together and knows what she wants. After spending time together they share some of the same beliefs and decide to give it a go, that is until drama strikes this relationship as well. Is Keleya doomed; will she eventually find love, or give up trying? Can she mend herself and in turn find what she is looking for? Accept the Unexpected is full of drama and will have you racing to the finish line to see if Keleya will indeed accept love and be able to forgive those who have wronged her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and cannot wait to see what else Ms. Cherelle has in store for her readers. I recommend Accept the Unexpected to readers of all genres.

Sipping On Ink – An exploration into all things LGBTQ oriented

Accept the Unexpected is about a black lesbian’s journey through moments of hurt, love, success and growth that bring her life full circle. Keleya, a Southern lady with moments of fire, finds herself in near shock by events early in the book.  With the support of friends, family and a new love she finds a way to handle each situation.  As she grows, she learns that there’s a time to embrace and that there’s a time to let go. Accept the Unexpected is full of the life and dialogue of black lesbians. The family time is priceless. You will feel the unique traits of each character and be reminded of the thought process of a few women that you know.

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Accept the Unexpected by L. Cherelle revolves around the relationship of Keleya and Kris. The couple are African-American lesbians who find their relationship at a crossroads after a night of deceit. After the deceit is brought to light, the question of shall they stay together is raised. Keleya, who is the main character, must decide for herself what she wants in a relationship and what she expects from a potential partner. Kelaya spends time with family and friends as she decides if she wants to try her hand at the dating scene again. Enter Jordan, a woman who Keleya’s friends thought would be a good match for her. Keleya and Jordan hit it off immediately as they have many things in common and are looking for the same character traits in a relationship. Everything seems to be going perfect in their relationship until Kris re-enters the picture. The roller coaster of if Keleya will stay in her current relationship or return to Kris begins and it is a familiar twist of emotions that all of us, whether heterosexual or homosexual, can understand. I would recommend Accept the Unexpected to everyone because forgiveness, redemption, and love are topics that everyone can understand. I look forward to reading more of L. Cherelle’s work.

[Note: additional reviews pending]