Alright, ladies, gather around for the steamy romantic women’s fiction series that dives deep into raw truths about love, sex addiction, abuse, and the unyielding bonds of family! We all know family is supposed to be that warm, fuzzy blanket of love and support, right? Like hot fish pepper soup and fufu on a rainy Liberian afternoon. But what happens when that blanket has holes, the pepper soup is cold, and someone is secretly spiking it with weed? That’s where Sianah Nalika DeShield’s Debut Novel, Thou Shalt Love, the first book in the “Thou Shalt Trilogy,” sashays in!
This book isn’t your grandma’s Sunday sermon, unless your grandma is Louise, who is basically a walking, talking matriarchal force of nature! We all love Grandma Louise. We’re talking about Mildred and Susan Carter, two fierce, fabulous, and hilariously flawed women who are trying to live their best lives while dodging more curveballs than Warren McAllister, a professional baseball player from Who is Ma Kemah? Hidden sex addiction? Oh, honey, yes. Domestic abuse that makes your own family squabbles look like a tea party? You betcha. But through all the chaos, the one thing that holds it all together is family. Because, let’s be real, who else is going to keep you sane (or push you to the brink, depending on the time of the day) when everything else is falling apart? This is the kind of family drama you won’t want to put down.
When Life Decides to Go “Poof!” The Steamy Romantic Women’s Fiction Series
So, imagine this: You’re Mildred, a high-powered corporate lawyer, basically living the dream. Then your boyfriend, Jimmy (bless his cotton socks), decides to pull a disappearing act that would make Houdini proud. Six months, no calls, no texts, not even a thirsty DM! Seriously, Jimmy? Did he fall into a black hole of bad decisions? He left Mildred wondering what went wrong.
But wait, there’s more! Mildred has a secret tighter than her corporate bun: she’s a “closet sex addict.” Yep, you heard that right! In a society where women are supposed to be prim and proper, Mildred’s got urges that need scratching, sometimes with her trusty “Lady D” (let’s not elaborate, use your imagination, ladies!). This secret is like a ticking time bomb, making her feel guilty and wondering if her “dirty little secrets” are why Jimmy ghosted her. Talk about self-sabotage with a side of internalized shame! Her journey with sex addiction is laid bare with raw honesty in this compelling women’s fiction.
And then there’s Susan, Mildred’s adopted sister. She’s a businesswoman, sassy, and looks like she has it all together. But underneath that fabulous exterior, her boyfriend, Marcus, is a real-life villain straight out of a Nollywood movie. He’s all smiles and charm in public, then goes full monster behind closed doors, leaving Susan with emotional and physical bruises. It’s like he’s got a Jekyll and Hyde thing going on, and Susan is living the nightmare of domestic abuse. She’s performing “Happy Couple” for the world while silently screaming on the inside. My heart aches for this woman! Her struggle with domestic abuse adds raw depth to the narrative.
Both sisters are basically living double lives, proving that secrets, like bad weaves, eventually unravel and cause a whole lot of drama.
The “What’s Going On” Themes: Beyond Your Usual Romance
This book doesn’t just dip its toes into the water; it cannonballs right into the deep end of some seriously real and raw topics.
Sex Addiction: When “Lady D” Isn’t Enough!
Mildred’s journey with sex addiction is clear. She’s been casually “sleeping around” before Jimmy, and even after he vanishes, she resorts to a “reliable, dark-skinned personal trainer, Isaac,” for her “fix.” Bless her heart, she even has a dildo named “Lady D”! It’s not just about being “horny” though; it’s about a deeper need, a craving for something fulfilling that she keeps searching for in physical acts. You almost want to high-five her for her raw honesty, even as you cringe at the sheer audacity of her secret life! It’s a shocking, sensitive, and totally real portrayal that busts open those polite societal rules.
Domestic Abuse: The Monster Next Door
Susan’s story with Marcus is a gut punch, I won’t lie. It’s the kind of situation that makes you want to climb into the book and shake her senseless (with love, of course!). Marcus is a master manipulator, playing the perfect gentleman in public while being a complete beast when they’re alone. The scene where he snaps about her being late and demands she take off her panties to “smell them” is so chillingly deranged, you’ll want to throw your book across the room! And the part where he drags her by her hair, leaving her “disheveled and crying on the floor,” is graphic, painful, and it’s a stark reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters wear the best suits. Susan’s constant internal battle to maintain her “confident, sexy, and strong business woman” persona while secretly suffering is heartbreaking. You’ll be rooting for her to kick him to the curb every single page! This compelling portrayal of domestic abuse is central to Susan’s journey.
Sisterhood: Because Who Else Will Help You?
Now, here’s where the real magic happens: the bond between Mildred and Susan. These two are a trip! They bicker, they poke, they sass, but underneath it all, their sisterhood is thicker than palm oil. When Susan finally drops the bomb about her abuse (because let’s be real, Grandma Louise and Mildred already knew something was off), Mildred’s immediate outrage is palpable. She’s ready to unleash her corporate lawyer fury on Marcus! And when Mildred’s own addiction comes spilling out, Susan, despite her initial shock, eventually comes around because, that’s what sisters do. This powerful sisterhood is the anchor of the series’ family ties.
Their dynamic is so relatable: the shared memories, the knowing glances, the ability to annoy each other senselessly, yet be the first ones there when things get real. They’re each other’s cheerleaders, therapists, and occasional punching bags (metaphorically, mostly!). Their journey proves that even when you’re keeping major secrets, true sisterhood will eventually find a way to break through, even if it’s with a little bit of yelling and a lot of emotional baggage.
The Family Forcefield: When Grandma Knows Best (Sort Of)
The true MVP of this series? Grandma Louise. Seriously, this woman is a legend! She’s the matriarch, the oracle, the griot who just knows things. She might be constantly nagging Mildred and Susan about finding a husband, but her intentions are purer than freshly grated coconut. She’s the unwavering anchor in their chaotic lives, making sure there’s always a warm meal, a dose of tough love, and a home where her girls can run back to, even when they’re acting like hot messes. She embodies the strong family ties central to this women’s fiction series.
Grandma’s Wisdom (and Her Spider-Sense)
Grandma Louise’s house is a sanctuary, even if it feels like a pressure cooker sometimes! She’s got this uncanny ability to sniff out trouble. Turns out, she knew about Mildred’s addiction all along! Yep, Mildred thought she was sneaky, but Grandma Louise had her number since she was a teenager. It’s hilariously frustrating because Mildred was stressing about revealing her deepest secret, only to find out Grandma had already filed that information away years ago! It just proves: you can’t pull one over on Grandma! Her constant desire for her granddaughters to find good men isn’t just traditional; it’s rooted in her fierce love and desire for their happiness and stability.
Forgiveness Is Not Just For Sundays
Both sisters go through serious emotional wringers, but the path to healing is paved with forgiveness. Mildred has to come to terms with Calvin’s “betrayal” (he meant well, kinda!), and both sisters have to forgive themselves for the secrets they kept and the pain they endured. Susan’s battle to forgive herself for “allowing” Marcus’s abuse is particularly raw and powerful. But it’s in their shared vulnerability, their raw honesty with each other, and their ultimate acceptance of each other’s flaws that true healing begins. It’s messy, it’s loud, and sometimes it takes a while, but it’s real. This journey of forgiveness is a key theme.
Love, Evolved: From Hot Mess to Hot Stuff
This book is like a masterclass in evolving love. Mildred’s journey from the Jimmy-induced heartbreak and secret addiction to finding Gary is pure gold. Gary is the kind of man you dream about: understanding, supportive, and so smitten he worships the ground Mildred walks on. When she finally confesses her sex addiction, his response isn’t disgust or judgment. It’s “I love you, Mildred. I’m not losing you, not to anything or anyone. This relationship is real and happening. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Cue the collective “Awww!” He’s her actual soulmate, not just a rebound.
And for Susan, breaking free from Marcus isn’t just about escaping an abusive relationship; it’s about rediscovering self-love. Her journey is about learning that “normal” isn’t silently suffering, and love isn’t pain. It’s a powerful message that resonates way beyond the page.
Why You Need This Book in Your Life (Like, Yesterday)
Thou Shalt Love isn’t just a book; it’s a whole experience!
It’s Like Looking in a Mirror (But Funnier) The relatable characters are so real, you’ll swear you know them. Their struggles, their flaws, and their hilarious sisterly squabbles are all so relatable. You’ll laugh, you’ll probably yell at the book, the author, and you might even shed a tear or two (of relief, mostly!).
Character Glow-Ups!
Watching Mildred transform from a guarded, secretly addicted lawyer into a woman who embraces love and raw honesty is pure joy. And Susan’s metamorphosis from a battered girlfriend to a fierce, independent woman who reclaims her power is applause-worthy. These women are messy, but they’re inspiring!
The Perfect Mix: Drama, Laughs, and Feels
Sianah Nalika DeShield perfectly blends the heavy stuff with laugh-out-loud moments. You’ll bite your nails during a dramatic confrontation and then chuckle at Grandma Louise’s no-nonsense wisdom. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the best way.
Your Next Book Club Obsession
Seriously, this book is built for discussion. You’ll want to dissect every character, every decision, and every shocking revelation with your friends. Get ready for lively debates and plenty of “OMG, can you believe that?!” moments.
So, if you’re looking for a steamy romantic women’s fiction series that’s real, raw, and full of heart (and a healthy dose of sass), then grab Thou Shalt Love right now! It’s a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws at you, with strong family ties and a little self-love, you can conquer anything. Trust me, these sisters are ready to take on the world, one dramatic step at a time!
Are you ready to dive into a steamy romantic women’s fiction series that explores raw truths about love, sex addiction, abuse, and the unbreakable bonds of family? Don’t just read about it, feel it. Grab the Thou Shalt Love by Sianah Nalika DeShield today!