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At the End of It All
Endings.
Everyone and everything has one. They’re inevitable, right?
At twenty-one, Ason 'Ace' Williams Jr. knows all about inevitable endings. He’s formerly famous, a popular rapper’s muse, the son of a three-time NBA champ, and a little... complicated. After a disturbing scandal and loss rocks his world, he’s left to deal with both in a city that doesn’t quite feel like home. It’s a place filled with old family friends he’s never met, reminders of all the endings he’s had to endure, and even worse—he’s stuck there after his dad takes a job no one ever imagined him taking.
Eighteen-year-old Lourdes 'Phat' Hines doesn’t think about endings because she’s too busy dealing with the now. She’s a part-time college student, full-time caretaker, and worst of all, a lowly freshman on a campus she doesn’t have time to get accustomed to. After a tense run-in with a boy she’s sure she’s supposed to hate, the endings she’s been running from catch up to her at full speed and she faces a question he seems to have the answer What happens at the end of it all?
Content This is a standalone new adult contemporary romance that contains mature themes and subjects that may be disturbing to some readers.
Everyone and everything has one. They’re inevitable, right?
At twenty-one, Ason 'Ace' Williams Jr. knows all about inevitable endings. He’s formerly famous, a popular rapper’s muse, the son of a three-time NBA champ, and a little... complicated. After a disturbing scandal and loss rocks his world, he’s left to deal with both in a city that doesn’t quite feel like home. It’s a place filled with old family friends he’s never met, reminders of all the endings he’s had to endure, and even worse—he’s stuck there after his dad takes a job no one ever imagined him taking.
Eighteen-year-old Lourdes 'Phat' Hines doesn’t think about endings because she’s too busy dealing with the now. She’s a part-time college student, full-time caretaker, and worst of all, a lowly freshman on a campus she doesn’t have time to get accustomed to. After a tense run-in with a boy she’s sure she’s supposed to hate, the endings she’s been running from catch up to her at full speed and she faces a question he seems to have the answer What happens at the end of it all?
Content This is a standalone new adult contemporary romance that contains mature themes and subjects that may be disturbing to some readers.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2023
486 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
May 15, 2023
There are some of us that really become engrossed in these characters lives and wellbeing….Man, was I rooting for Ace….
May 17, 2023
“At the end of it all” what are you left with?! Home 🥰🥰!! He was home for her and she was home for him. As long as they remained on Planet Ace, all was right in their world.
At just 21 years old, Ace had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Dealing with grief, loss, scandal and the heavy expectations of his NBA championship father, had him crumbling and crumbling FAST! His father’s “last ditch efforts” to preserve his legacy resulted in Ace to relocate from LA to Houston. Despite his larger than life presence, Ace was a baby and really needed nurturing. His father was so busy saving everyone else that his son was drowning right under his nose and my heart broke for him. Ace really had no one in his corner advocating for his well being but little did he know, this move would provide the safe haven he so desperately needed.
Phat was referred to by Ace as a lil lady but she was a mighty little one! She was forced to take over the care of her mother and this matured her faster than she may have liked. While she was naive to a lot, she was a nurturer, a lover and most importantly she was home for Ace!
At one point their families were extremely close and despite time and life experiences causing a separation, the foundation of their bond was solid. As a result, Ace and Phat were able to create a bubble that brought them both the peace and solace they both yearned for! No one was allowed on Planet Ace and the sanctity was protected at all cost. They had their fair share of obstacles but they persevered triumphantly.
Rae Lyse really has a gift! Storytelling is an art and while most try, few succeed! Rae is not one of those that try. She succeeds and exceeds the mark. The way she gives you every day relatable characters dealing with real life issues is beautiful to read about. I really admire her way with words and how she develops her characters! She is an author that has great things ahead and I look forward to future projects from her. She did an amazing job with this standalone and I highly recommend reading this book!
At just 21 years old, Ace had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Dealing with grief, loss, scandal and the heavy expectations of his NBA championship father, had him crumbling and crumbling FAST! His father’s “last ditch efforts” to preserve his legacy resulted in Ace to relocate from LA to Houston. Despite his larger than life presence, Ace was a baby and really needed nurturing. His father was so busy saving everyone else that his son was drowning right under his nose and my heart broke for him. Ace really had no one in his corner advocating for his well being but little did he know, this move would provide the safe haven he so desperately needed.
Phat was referred to by Ace as a lil lady but she was a mighty little one! She was forced to take over the care of her mother and this matured her faster than she may have liked. While she was naive to a lot, she was a nurturer, a lover and most importantly she was home for Ace!
At one point their families were extremely close and despite time and life experiences causing a separation, the foundation of their bond was solid. As a result, Ace and Phat were able to create a bubble that brought them both the peace and solace they both yearned for! No one was allowed on Planet Ace and the sanctity was protected at all cost. They had their fair share of obstacles but they persevered triumphantly.
Rae Lyse really has a gift! Storytelling is an art and while most try, few succeed! Rae is not one of those that try. She succeeds and exceeds the mark. The way she gives you every day relatable characters dealing with real life issues is beautiful to read about. I really admire her way with words and how she develops her characters! She is an author that has great things ahead and I look forward to future projects from her. She did an amazing job with this standalone and I highly recommend reading this book!
May 5, 2023
Planet Ace
Wow this book had me stuck. It's a slow burn and it was delivered beautifully. Rae slowly uncovers the layers of the characters. You can literally feel Ace's pain underneath the swag and audacity. You will feel Phat's confusion as she shifts from a little lady to a woman. Another amazingly delivered story!
AcexPhat were young college students that were dealt some rough hands in life. Both were left to care for their mothers that were battling cancer. They found refuge on "Planet Ace" where only they lived, where the outside people on Earth didn't exist and it was all about them. They share the purest of Love's with no outside noise.
Unfortunately on Earth, in real life, Ace once a high profile college basketball player carried the world on his shoulders. After watching his mother waste away and lose her battle with cancer he numbed himself with alcohol. His father was busy trying to win basketball games instead of being present and he was left making grown man decisions and handling grown man problems that he truly wasn't ready to navigate. Ace's alcohol abuse made him an easy target for a privileged jersey chaser, who ruined his reputation and caused him to fall from super stardom. It also forced their move back home to Texas. All of the pain and suffering he went through with his mother made him the perfect man for Phat, he was able to empathize with her while helping her navigate care taker life. I ain't gone hold y'all at first I thought he was low-key grooming Phat, but it wasn't like that at all. He was head over heels in love with her and was doing his best to expose her to real life while protecting her and making her life a little easier.
Phat was a freshman in college and had yet to experience much beyond caring for her sick mother. When she met Ace she was curious yet cautious. She didn't understand the pull he had on her. He gave her hives, made her speechless, and it was easy for her to do what he asked. She was struggling balancing a normal college life while taking care of her mother. She was the worst cook and had no one consistently helping her with her mother. Until Ace...the boy she both liked and hated. While Ace was all the way in from jump, he slowly earned Phat's trust through his actions without her realizing it because she was young and inexperienced. He taught her things about real life that nobody else bothered to teach her. It was my pleasure seeing her boss up and protect her man when he didn't even know he needed it. When their secret love comes to light, together they figure out how to navigate a young love that no one seems to understand.
I don't like secret romances, but this one was necessary because Phat was so fragile to the thoughts of the outside world. Her love had to be bloomed first. Rae covers parental loss, the impacts of Cancer, estranged parent child relationships, roles of a care taker, suicidal thoughts, and alcoholism all interweaved in a simple yet complex/heavy love story.
Wow this book had me stuck. It's a slow burn and it was delivered beautifully. Rae slowly uncovers the layers of the characters. You can literally feel Ace's pain underneath the swag and audacity. You will feel Phat's confusion as she shifts from a little lady to a woman. Another amazingly delivered story!
AcexPhat were young college students that were dealt some rough hands in life. Both were left to care for their mothers that were battling cancer. They found refuge on "Planet Ace" where only they lived, where the outside people on Earth didn't exist and it was all about them. They share the purest of Love's with no outside noise.
Unfortunately on Earth, in real life, Ace once a high profile college basketball player carried the world on his shoulders. After watching his mother waste away and lose her battle with cancer he numbed himself with alcohol. His father was busy trying to win basketball games instead of being present and he was left making grown man decisions and handling grown man problems that he truly wasn't ready to navigate. Ace's alcohol abuse made him an easy target for a privileged jersey chaser, who ruined his reputation and caused him to fall from super stardom. It also forced their move back home to Texas. All of the pain and suffering he went through with his mother made him the perfect man for Phat, he was able to empathize with her while helping her navigate care taker life. I ain't gone hold y'all at first I thought he was low-key grooming Phat, but it wasn't like that at all. He was head over heels in love with her and was doing his best to expose her to real life while protecting her and making her life a little easier.
Phat was a freshman in college and had yet to experience much beyond caring for her sick mother. When she met Ace she was curious yet cautious. She didn't understand the pull he had on her. He gave her hives, made her speechless, and it was easy for her to do what he asked. She was struggling balancing a normal college life while taking care of her mother. She was the worst cook and had no one consistently helping her with her mother. Until Ace...the boy she both liked and hated. While Ace was all the way in from jump, he slowly earned Phat's trust through his actions without her realizing it because she was young and inexperienced. He taught her things about real life that nobody else bothered to teach her. It was my pleasure seeing her boss up and protect her man when he didn't even know he needed it. When their secret love comes to light, together they figure out how to navigate a young love that no one seems to understand.
I don't like secret romances, but this one was necessary because Phat was so fragile to the thoughts of the outside world. Her love had to be bloomed first. Rae covers parental loss, the impacts of Cancer, estranged parent child relationships, roles of a care taker, suicidal thoughts, and alcoholism all interweaved in a simple yet complex/heavy love story.
May 15, 2023
I’ll start by saying Rae Lyse is really a great writer. I don’t have a problem with slow burns, because I’m a character development kind of girl but honestly… I felt myself pushing through to finish this one. I am just noticing a pattern with all of the characters and wish we could have gotten a different storyline now that the sun series has ended. It’s like we get the male character who is a bit mysterious and has more to his story than what meets the eye and is some sort of a tortured soul. Then we have the girl who ends up being immersed in the guy’s world and is some sort of a protector over him that others don’t understand. Cool, but I would liked to have other storylines explored.
I knew what was going to happen or the “big reveal” from like the first couple of chapters which made this read a bit anticlimactic for me. I liked Ace and Phat and them together, but I couldn’t take certain parts serious. One, Ace is like 3 or so years older than her and talks like she’s so much younger than him. Inexperienced, yes, but he’s not 40. That’s just one of a few other things, but anyway…
Just my opinion. Even though I’m over the storyline, it’s still good writing, so 3 stars.
Saving Sunflower remains as my favorite of them all with Josiah being a close second.
I knew what was going to happen or the “big reveal” from like the first couple of chapters which made this read a bit anticlimactic for me. I liked Ace and Phat and them together, but I couldn’t take certain parts serious. One, Ace is like 3 or so years older than her and talks like she’s so much younger than him. Inexperienced, yes, but he’s not 40. That’s just one of a few other things, but anyway…
Just my opinion. Even though I’m over the storyline, it’s still good writing, so 3 stars.
Saving Sunflower remains as my favorite of them all with Josiah being a close second.
January 4, 2024
I saw a review that said this novel read like poetry. It absolutely did. I loved Ace and Phat. Ace seemed so much older than he was but compared to Phat - he was. You can tell how obsessed he is with her from the start - he’s a young man in love. I love how he let Phat experience things at her own pace. We watched her blossom on these pages. Ace was everything but man, he was fighting some demons and grieving. I would have loved to read more about his road to recovery. That was such a huge part of his story. I loved how Ace’s mom was weaved into their love story.
This was a slow burn but you get some amazing character development.
This was a slow burn but you get some amazing character development.
April 16, 2025
My Feels Have Feels...
The smile I have right now comes from the conclusion of the story that I semi-lived. Losing a parent is the hardest thing I've gone through in this life. I'm thankful that I was strong enough to survive but I'm always aware of the impact of loss. I am pretty confident that Rae Lyse draws from a similar experience, if I'm wrong she is truly one in a million as a writer. I think I could have finished this in a day but I had to pause. I needed to collect myself and my emotions as I dropped deeeeeeep into my memories. T.R.O.Y. IYKYK
The smile I have right now comes from the conclusion of the story that I semi-lived. Losing a parent is the hardest thing I've gone through in this life. I'm thankful that I was strong enough to survive but I'm always aware of the impact of loss. I am pretty confident that Rae Lyse draws from a similar experience, if I'm wrong she is truly one in a million as a writer. I think I could have finished this in a day but I had to pause. I needed to collect myself and my emotions as I dropped deeeeeeep into my memories. T.R.O.Y. IYKYK
January 15, 2024
What an amazing story of finding your person through the trials. Finding your person who knows your struggle and how to help you through. Being able to go to your special place, Planet Ace, and be home! Learning the true meaning of family and friendship?! Rae Lyse gave it all in this book between Ace and Lourdes! The foreshadowing of their love, the parallels in their struggles, and the bond they built in their safe space! I can’t believe Ray Lyse had me falling for a problematic and flawed man 😭. Phat (Lourdes) is everything and more. Her development from naive freshman to young lady was beautiful to see! Ace’s growth was also beautiful and emotional. That moment with his dad 😭. Everyone needs to dive into this amazing world of Ace and Lourdes! I don’t know what Ray has up her sleeve coming next but this book may be a repeat in my near future! So so good!!!
September 10, 2024
Escape to Planet Ace
Rae Lyse has become one of my favorite authors, right up there with CCJ and Love. I haven’t read a book by Rae that I didn’t absolutely love. Most of her characters are young adults who seem to have the weight of the world on their shoulders and they adapt and adjust better than most adults I know. Ace is a young adult living in the shadows of his once NBA father who’s now coaching for the NBA. Nothing that he does is ever good enough in his father’s eyes. In the midst of a high profile trial that seeks to portray him as someone he’s not, he loses the most important person in life. His mom and best friend, has succumbed to cancer. Ace doesn’t even get a chance to grieve her properly because of the trial and the pressure that his father places on him. However over the years his mother has given him a double dose of love and attention to make up for the love and acceptance he sought from his father. She has also taken the time to mold him and shape him into the man he needs to be for his little lady, the one that he’s destined to be with.
Lourdes aka Phat is an 18 yo freshman in college who is also the primary caregiver for her mom. Her father passed away when she was a baby and her older brother who takes care of them financially is barely around. When Ace Sr. brings Ace Jr. back to their hometown to get a sense of family, Ace meets the little lady his mom has prepared him for. Unbeknownst to Ace, Lourdes’s father is the best friend that Ace Sr. always talks about. Together Ace and Phat navigate the highs and lows of being young adults with the weight of the world on their shoulders. They frequently escape to planet Ace, their mutual safe space where the two of them hang out and get a reprieve from the real world, their friends who don’t fully grasp the trauma they’re experiencing and everything that disrupts their peace and state of well being.
Rae Lyse has become one of my favorite authors, right up there with CCJ and Love. I haven’t read a book by Rae that I didn’t absolutely love. Most of her characters are young adults who seem to have the weight of the world on their shoulders and they adapt and adjust better than most adults I know. Ace is a young adult living in the shadows of his once NBA father who’s now coaching for the NBA. Nothing that he does is ever good enough in his father’s eyes. In the midst of a high profile trial that seeks to portray him as someone he’s not, he loses the most important person in life. His mom and best friend, has succumbed to cancer. Ace doesn’t even get a chance to grieve her properly because of the trial and the pressure that his father places on him. However over the years his mother has given him a double dose of love and attention to make up for the love and acceptance he sought from his father. She has also taken the time to mold him and shape him into the man he needs to be for his little lady, the one that he’s destined to be with.
Lourdes aka Phat is an 18 yo freshman in college who is also the primary caregiver for her mom. Her father passed away when she was a baby and her older brother who takes care of them financially is barely around. When Ace Sr. brings Ace Jr. back to their hometown to get a sense of family, Ace meets the little lady his mom has prepared him for. Unbeknownst to Ace, Lourdes’s father is the best friend that Ace Sr. always talks about. Together Ace and Phat navigate the highs and lows of being young adults with the weight of the world on their shoulders. They frequently escape to planet Ace, their mutual safe space where the two of them hang out and get a reprieve from the real world, their friends who don’t fully grasp the trauma they’re experiencing and everything that disrupts their peace and state of well being.
August 7, 2023
This book was pretty ashy. It wasn’t a bad read. Here are some things I liked 1. The spirituality aspect ans ancestral veneration. 2. The plot was good.
Here’s what I didn’t like 1. The two MC’s jump right into a comfort with each other that I don’t think the author took enough time to develop. With as long as the book was she could have gave us more cat and mouse in the beginning vs jumping right into “Planet Ace” 2. Speaking of, the metaphor was annoying and dragged the fuck out. It got aggy as fuck how they kept referring to this fake plane as if it was a legit location. 3. The toxicityyyyyyyyyyyyyy was through the mf ROOF! Both the main characters have such a toxic attraction to each other for most of the story. I didn’t like it or the unbalance of power between them.
Overall, I was entertained by the story.
Here’s what I didn’t like 1. The two MC’s jump right into a comfort with each other that I don’t think the author took enough time to develop. With as long as the book was she could have gave us more cat and mouse in the beginning vs jumping right into “Planet Ace” 2. Speaking of, the metaphor was annoying and dragged the fuck out. It got aggy as fuck how they kept referring to this fake plane as if it was a legit location. 3. The toxicityyyyyyyyyyyyyy was through the mf ROOF! Both the main characters have such a toxic attraction to each other for most of the story. I didn’t like it or the unbalance of power between them.
Overall, I was entertained by the story.
November 21, 2023
My only question is why was Ace talking to Phat like she was a little girl? that was weird to me. Idk I wasn’t really connected to the main characters at all. Like PHAT STAND UP.
April 29, 2023
Planet Ace vs. Earth
Ason Williams, Jr. aka Ace, The Kid, Junior, and AWII may be viewed by society as having it all, but he is more like us than the world realizes. Ace shows us being rich ain't everything, when you've loss the important things! Lourdes aka Phat, has an old spirit, she's fierce, innocent, and fiesty, truly Black Girl Magic. Phat will remind y'all, there is always room to learn and grow; you can learn from everyone! These souls were destined to find one another before they ever knew the other existed. Together they land on Planet Ace and Earth becomes only a place they will visit occasionally, because when they do, storms rip through their space and cause havoc that actually matures them beyond their years. Wisdom is a gift they both embrace through an intimate relationship with their moms.
I truly enjoyed this amazing story written by Rae Lyse and as always, I highly recommend you get into it!
Ason Williams, Jr. aka Ace, The Kid, Junior, and AWII may be viewed by society as having it all, but he is more like us than the world realizes. Ace shows us being rich ain't everything, when you've loss the important things! Lourdes aka Phat, has an old spirit, she's fierce, innocent, and fiesty, truly Black Girl Magic. Phat will remind y'all, there is always room to learn and grow; you can learn from everyone! These souls were destined to find one another before they ever knew the other existed. Together they land on Planet Ace and Earth becomes only a place they will visit occasionally, because when they do, storms rip through their space and cause havoc that actually matures them beyond their years. Wisdom is a gift they both embrace through an intimate relationship with their moms.
I truly enjoyed this amazing story written by Rae Lyse and as always, I highly recommend you get into it!
January 7, 2024
What a great book!!! I absolutely loved this story. It felt like a movie. Amazing story telling!! My two favorite narrators delivered this perfectly!!!
May 1, 2023
Again! Again! We love Planet Ace!
Rae Lyse continues to set the bar with her amazing storytelling. She seamlessly intertwines thought-provoking topics, complex characters, development, and valuable lessons. This book was brilliant. The rollercoaster of emotions, the slow burn, redemption, intimacy, and growth - I welcomed it all. Rae Lyse even shined the spotlight on human behavior and how conditioned people are, the responses to challenges, building trust, etc. I have never experienced anything like that, in a romance book.
Ace has the whole world in his hands but an unfortunate scandal makes him Public Enemy #1 - at least in the sports world. Lourdes is an impressionable college freshman, that is also the sole caregiver of her mother. The two are night and day but they were drawn to each other by their first encounter at Lockwood University. The story is largely based on Ace and Lourdes’ journey, as they try to maneuver life on ‘Planet Ace’ & the normal Earth. Ace is used to the spotlight and having takers in his life, while Lourdes is sheltered and inexperienced but she has a loyal spirit.
There were so many gems throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Angie’s life lessons on dating, Lourdes coming to terms with her feminine side, the sports references, realizing Ace was not the enemy, and understanding how important it was for him to carry the burden when things were difficult. This is a story that I can see myself going back to, just because. When I say I loved these characters, I loved them!! All their flaws, battles, and the way they protected each other; I could not get enough! There were a few times that had me in my feelings but I trust Rae Lyse’s pen and I know there is always a method to the madness. Lourdes was His, Ace was her Home, and they are ‘Mine’ - please run to this book!
Give yourself grace with this one as there are things that can be a trigger such as, alcoholism, critical illness, suicidal ideation and a scandal, etc.
Rae Lyse continues to set the bar with her amazing storytelling. She seamlessly intertwines thought-provoking topics, complex characters, development, and valuable lessons. This book was brilliant. The rollercoaster of emotions, the slow burn, redemption, intimacy, and growth - I welcomed it all. Rae Lyse even shined the spotlight on human behavior and how conditioned people are, the responses to challenges, building trust, etc. I have never experienced anything like that, in a romance book.
Ace has the whole world in his hands but an unfortunate scandal makes him Public Enemy #1 - at least in the sports world. Lourdes is an impressionable college freshman, that is also the sole caregiver of her mother. The two are night and day but they were drawn to each other by their first encounter at Lockwood University. The story is largely based on Ace and Lourdes’ journey, as they try to maneuver life on ‘Planet Ace’ & the normal Earth. Ace is used to the spotlight and having takers in his life, while Lourdes is sheltered and inexperienced but she has a loyal spirit.
There were so many gems throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Angie’s life lessons on dating, Lourdes coming to terms with her feminine side, the sports references, realizing Ace was not the enemy, and understanding how important it was for him to carry the burden when things were difficult. This is a story that I can see myself going back to, just because. When I say I loved these characters, I loved them!! All their flaws, battles, and the way they protected each other; I could not get enough! There were a few times that had me in my feelings but I trust Rae Lyse’s pen and I know there is always a method to the madness. Lourdes was His, Ace was her Home, and they are ‘Mine’ - please run to this book!
Give yourself grace with this one as there are things that can be a trigger such as, alcoholism, critical illness, suicidal ideation and a scandal, etc.
September 10, 2024
I finally finished this damn book! Lmaooo if it wasn’t for the audiobook I wouldn’t have went back to finish. So shoutout to that! Lol
For all the slow burn lovers, this for you. For all the people who like them teeny bopper stories, this is for you.
For all the slow burn lovers, this for you. For all the people who like them teeny bopper stories, this is for you.
April 26, 2025
I was still thinking about the characters a couple days later so I had to adjust my rating. It’s definitely a slow burn. This is a touching story of two young people with the weight of the world on their shoulders falling in love. Phat is “baby girl” to her loved ones despite the fact that she’s had very adult responsibilities since she was 13. Ace is the first person to try to help her be an adult and not just act like one. Despite her fiery spirit she is his peace. Everyone has given up on Ace including his only living parent. But for Lourdes (Phat), he is a patient caretaker. He is her Superman. Their connection is intense and their commitment to each is so much deeper than many couples twice their age. This is a story of grief, loss, addiction and the power of a true love.
May 28, 2023
Rae Lyse does it again!
“At the End of it All” was an incredible story. Rae Lyse’s writing is superb. Her way of telling a story is very unique. It’s very layered. You really have to pay attention or else it will go over your head. That takes an immense amount of talent.
Phat and Ace’s time on Earth with us regular folks was them simply functioning. Surviving. Making it to see another day. Masking their hardships and pain. Ignoring the burden of it all. “Plant Ace” was their safe place. The place they could breathe. Let go. Cry. Feel safe and protected. Be angry and fearful without judgement. The bubble that Phat and Ace created was their sanctuary.
Phat and Ace could not have been more different. How these two made sense was from exceptional writing and storytelling.
Ace was a former NBA bound legend in the making until his fall from grace. Ace had serious issues that stemmed from a lot of hurt and loss. There was a huge scandal that he found himself in, but that was not what tilted his world off its axis. I loved how Rae Lyse curated Ace’s character. He was complex and multilayered. He was wise beyond his years. A true mama’s boy that never forgot the lessons she taught him.
Phat was young and very naive to the world. She was a “little lady” with grown woman responsibilities. She was not able to have a college experience due to caring for her sick mother. That was something that not many understood until Ace. Phat had a quiet strength that Ace found solace in.
I really liked these two characters, but I was on the fence about their relationship. Ace had so much going on and Phat was so young and impressionable. I just had to trust the process. Rae Lyse never lets us down. I felt a range of emotions while watching how this all played out. Their journey was not sunshine and rainbows. It was raw. It took a lot of trust in the author as a reader. I really enjoyed the ride even though it was confusing and bumpy as hell at times.
This story was character driven which is Rae’s style. I absolutely love that about her stories. The time she takes to develop her characters is seriously on another level.
While I absolutely adored this story, I did feel as though she followed the same formula as her Sun series. The MMC and his tortured soul falling for the young naive woman that is protective over him.The FMC immersing herself into his world. The MMC schooling her on life. Hopefully she gives us something different in the next books. Also there were a few times where the storyline stalled a bit. At times I got a bit bored, but didn’t lose interest.
Bravo to Rae Lyse for another outstanding job! I look forward to what she brings us next 💐💐
“At the End of it All” was an incredible story. Rae Lyse’s writing is superb. Her way of telling a story is very unique. It’s very layered. You really have to pay attention or else it will go over your head. That takes an immense amount of talent.
Phat and Ace’s time on Earth with us regular folks was them simply functioning. Surviving. Making it to see another day. Masking their hardships and pain. Ignoring the burden of it all. “Plant Ace” was their safe place. The place they could breathe. Let go. Cry. Feel safe and protected. Be angry and fearful without judgement. The bubble that Phat and Ace created was their sanctuary.
Phat and Ace could not have been more different. How these two made sense was from exceptional writing and storytelling.
Ace was a former NBA bound legend in the making until his fall from grace. Ace had serious issues that stemmed from a lot of hurt and loss. There was a huge scandal that he found himself in, but that was not what tilted his world off its axis. I loved how Rae Lyse curated Ace’s character. He was complex and multilayered. He was wise beyond his years. A true mama’s boy that never forgot the lessons she taught him.
Phat was young and very naive to the world. She was a “little lady” with grown woman responsibilities. She was not able to have a college experience due to caring for her sick mother. That was something that not many understood until Ace. Phat had a quiet strength that Ace found solace in.
I really liked these two characters, but I was on the fence about their relationship. Ace had so much going on and Phat was so young and impressionable. I just had to trust the process. Rae Lyse never lets us down. I felt a range of emotions while watching how this all played out. Their journey was not sunshine and rainbows. It was raw. It took a lot of trust in the author as a reader. I really enjoyed the ride even though it was confusing and bumpy as hell at times.
This story was character driven which is Rae’s style. I absolutely love that about her stories. The time she takes to develop her characters is seriously on another level.
While I absolutely adored this story, I did feel as though she followed the same formula as her Sun series. The MMC and his tortured soul falling for the young naive woman that is protective over him.The FMC immersing herself into his world. The MMC schooling her on life. Hopefully she gives us something different in the next books. Also there were a few times where the storyline stalled a bit. At times I got a bit bored, but didn’t lose interest.
Bravo to Rae Lyse for another outstanding job! I look forward to what she brings us next 💐💐
May 29, 2024
Welcome to Planet Ace, created and designed by Thee Rae Lyse. This is Rae Lyse’s fifth book, and it needs to be said. Rae Lyse just keeps getting better with time. She has been committed to creating escapes for her readers that feel good. Rae’s ability to introduce, create and maintain a feel good story is unmatched. Well written black romance can be hard to find, but rest assured that Rae has created a lane that has yet to be paved.
Phats and Ace.
Unbeknownst to them, Phats and Ace seemed to be made for one another literally from their conception. They had been groomed and tailor made to fit together.
To the natural eye, Phats seems like a typical struggling college student. But there are layers of her that can’t be seen or detected. Phats is given the impossibly hard task of being a caregiver for her ill mother with little support from her brother. Phats works part time, she’s a student part time but she’s 100% committed to caring for her mother. Which means, she often misses out on the normal college experience. Insert Ace, he has come back home and is playing on the basketball team at her school. She tried fighting the
Ace’s image is less than stellar. Ace finds himself at the root of an ugly scandal that he isn’t even willing to deny or combat. He has a hard exterior, but he is a fierce lover and protector. Ace and Phats found comfort in one another. Although Phats had in her mind to hate Ace, she couldn’t. “I ain't never heard of somebody that got a home, but no key to it. You don’t want a key to me?” They became each other's safe space, home.
“We both know how short life is. I aint waiting around until you think you’re worthy enough to fuck me.”
“You can’t beef with God forever, because at the end of it all, you’ll find your forever home again. We all do.”
I should note that their are some extremely sensitive subjects discussed and mentioned throughout the novel. If you are newly grieving the lost of a love one, I’d wait to read this story.
Phats and Ace.
Unbeknownst to them, Phats and Ace seemed to be made for one another literally from their conception. They had been groomed and tailor made to fit together.
To the natural eye, Phats seems like a typical struggling college student. But there are layers of her that can’t be seen or detected. Phats is given the impossibly hard task of being a caregiver for her ill mother with little support from her brother. Phats works part time, she’s a student part time but she’s 100% committed to caring for her mother. Which means, she often misses out on the normal college experience. Insert Ace, he has come back home and is playing on the basketball team at her school. She tried fighting the
Ace’s image is less than stellar. Ace finds himself at the root of an ugly scandal that he isn’t even willing to deny or combat. He has a hard exterior, but he is a fierce lover and protector. Ace and Phats found comfort in one another. Although Phats had in her mind to hate Ace, she couldn’t. “I ain't never heard of somebody that got a home, but no key to it. You don’t want a key to me?” They became each other's safe space, home.
“We both know how short life is. I aint waiting around until you think you’re worthy enough to fuck me.”
“You can’t beef with God forever, because at the end of it all, you’ll find your forever home again. We all do.”
I should note that their are some extremely sensitive subjects discussed and mentioned throughout the novel. If you are newly grieving the lost of a love one, I’d wait to read this story.
June 7, 2024
I struggle really hard with this book :/ the story was so dragged out and I couldn’t connect w the characters at all. I also hated the way ace spoke to Lourdes through out book. He practically treated her like a little girl rather than his equal and it was so weird to me. I also felt like the plot seemed only clear during second part of the book rather than being set from the beginning which made it even more confusing. It’s a no for me
May 7, 2023
Going Home
This is one of those stories that will stick with you forever. This is the romance version of He Got Game. This is a story of love and life and death. It is layered with the complexities of accusers and accused when you add in race, history, and socioeconomics. This is a story for when you’ve been a Pavlov girl and it didn’t end up anything like this, this story both breaks and heals your heart. Ace is flawed, broken, lost, and beautiful. He’s a just as much a boy paying at being a man as Phat is a little lady. And my god the soft, sheltered, innocence Black girl that the world doesn’t want to believe exist, that Phat represents made me so feel so many emotions. But nothing made me happier than when she found herself and her voice. There are so many tender moments in the book it’s like death by a thousand paper cuts, you don’t even know your heart is bleeding. There is so much love and pain in this story. This is a new to me author and I was in awe of the writing style, the knowledge of sports and they way she effortlessly weaved fiction in with nonfiction. I found myself at time forgetting these weren’t real people and that I couldn’t go hop on Twitter to find Ace and Phat’s subtweets. It’s a slow burn that draws you in so deep that you don’t want to be on Earth anymore either, you want to stay lost in these pages tucked into Ace’s side while he controls the vibe. I can’t wait to read another Rae Lyse story.
This is one of those stories that will stick with you forever. This is the romance version of He Got Game. This is a story of love and life and death. It is layered with the complexities of accusers and accused when you add in race, history, and socioeconomics. This is a story for when you’ve been a Pavlov girl and it didn’t end up anything like this, this story both breaks and heals your heart. Ace is flawed, broken, lost, and beautiful. He’s a just as much a boy paying at being a man as Phat is a little lady. And my god the soft, sheltered, innocence Black girl that the world doesn’t want to believe exist, that Phat represents made me so feel so many emotions. But nothing made me happier than when she found herself and her voice. There are so many tender moments in the book it’s like death by a thousand paper cuts, you don’t even know your heart is bleeding. There is so much love and pain in this story. This is a new to me author and I was in awe of the writing style, the knowledge of sports and they way she effortlessly weaved fiction in with nonfiction. I found myself at time forgetting these weren’t real people and that I couldn’t go hop on Twitter to find Ace and Phat’s subtweets. It’s a slow burn that draws you in so deep that you don’t want to be on Earth anymore either, you want to stay lost in these pages tucked into Ace’s side while he controls the vibe. I can’t wait to read another Rae Lyse story.
June 24, 2023
A lot to unpack
The story had so much to unpack that a few times, I had to stop reading. It took far longer to read this story, as I had to be in the correct head space. Ace had so much for such a young man to have to deal with daily. I wanted to hug him most of the time. at first I thought he was using manipulation tactics with Lourdes, and then I realized his intentions. The Mommy factor for both Ace and Lourdes invaded the story with a force so strong I though at one point, I was on Planet WhatonEarth... Ace Sr. was unkind mostly. Something piqued my interest about the underlying issues. And I never believed the charge against Ace. Cree never gave me good vibes, along with Bryson. Their friends meter were off with me. I adored Ace and Lourdes as a pair. She was naive and cute at the same time. He was so troubled that I hoped he would find peace. Thankfully, his redemption was sweet...
The story had so much to unpack that a few times, I had to stop reading. It took far longer to read this story, as I had to be in the correct head space. Ace had so much for such a young man to have to deal with daily. I wanted to hug him most of the time. at first I thought he was using manipulation tactics with Lourdes, and then I realized his intentions. The Mommy factor for both Ace and Lourdes invaded the story with a force so strong I though at one point, I was on Planet WhatonEarth... Ace Sr. was unkind mostly. Something piqued my interest about the underlying issues. And I never believed the charge against Ace. Cree never gave me good vibes, along with Bryson. Their friends meter were off with me. I adored Ace and Lourdes as a pair. She was naive and cute at the same time. He was so troubled that I hoped he would find peace. Thankfully, his redemption was sweet...
May 1, 2023
Incredible
One thing Rae Lyse is going to do is lay the groundwork for an incredible journey with some amazing characters.
In this story, from the very beginning, I felt a fullness in my gut that told me to "walk light" if you will. There was a heaviness that was prevalent from the very beginning.
Getting to k ow Ace was a dream. His soul is just beautiful and pure. Meeting Phat lit a spark in him that reminded him of all the promises his mother made to him and the way she prepared him for his little lady.
This was a story the focused a lot on trust...and I had to remember that I trust this author to take care of her characters and she does so beautifully.
Everyone has a story and deals with trauma in different ways, and it's necessary reminder to offer grace for the people that misstep. (Except lying heauxs)
This was an exceptional story on growth, resilience, and redemption.
I highly recommend ot.
One thing Rae Lyse is going to do is lay the groundwork for an incredible journey with some amazing characters.
In this story, from the very beginning, I felt a fullness in my gut that told me to "walk light" if you will. There was a heaviness that was prevalent from the very beginning.
Getting to k ow Ace was a dream. His soul is just beautiful and pure. Meeting Phat lit a spark in him that reminded him of all the promises his mother made to him and the way she prepared him for his little lady.
This was a story the focused a lot on trust...and I had to remember that I trust this author to take care of her characters and she does so beautifully.
Everyone has a story and deals with trauma in different ways, and it's necessary reminder to offer grace for the people that misstep. (Except lying heauxs)
This was an exceptional story on growth, resilience, and redemption.
I highly recommend ot.
May 30, 2023
So much better than I expected
Let me tell you I don’t know why I kept pushing this book back. I couldn’t stop reading it. The tears I cried for them two was too much lol. I expected it to be a good read but dang it it was an amazing read. I was excited like I was at the championship game! And Lawd the hospital 🥹🥹. Such a great
Let me tell you I don’t know why I kept pushing this book back. I couldn’t stop reading it. The tears I cried for them two was too much lol. I expected it to be a good read but dang it it was an amazing read. I was excited like I was at the championship game! And Lawd the hospital 🥹🥹. Such a great
Read
August 5, 2025imo it its not really a 3 rating but i also dont think it deserves less… tbh this wasnt my favourite nor did i like this book at all and i read all of them. this book dragged a lot. i understood the concept of the book but it was weird. the way ace talked to phat like a literal child his actions etc especially with the lingering allegations that were over his head. also why did it take until the ending of the book to clear his name???
February 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This book was layered and filled with so many deep topics. It took me on a journey and as the journey progressed you get a deep dive into the characters and their lives.
It starts off with us meeting Ace and his story and character slowly built from there. Then Lourdes aka Phat came into the picture and eventhough she was aware of who Ace was she had her own feelings towards him.
From there we do a back and forth with each of their lives until they became apart of each other's story. That's how we end up on Planet Ace. Both Ace and Lourdes had a lot of trauma from losing a parent to navigating life as a college student and then throwing fame into the mix.
The writing style was a bit different for me in terms of some of the terms and phrases used, but that didn't take away from the story at all just made it more unique. I really enjoyed how innocent Lourdes and Ace's relationship started. How he dealt with her and her family in the highest regard making sure her needs and theirs mattered. Inspite of all the noise about him she knew in her heart of hearts what was true even if negative forces got in the way.
It was so heart breaking to see Ace battle with his addiction, grief and the big scandal but man I was routing for him and Lourdes something fierce.
This was the first book I have read by this author and she really wrote something truly amazing. This book broke me and put me back together in the best of ways.
I am truly going to miss being a part of Planet Ace and seeing how he made a home with Phat at the end of it all.
This book was layered and filled with so many deep topics. It took me on a journey and as the journey progressed you get a deep dive into the characters and their lives.
It starts off with us meeting Ace and his story and character slowly built from there. Then Lourdes aka Phat came into the picture and eventhough she was aware of who Ace was she had her own feelings towards him.
From there we do a back and forth with each of their lives until they became apart of each other's story. That's how we end up on Planet Ace. Both Ace and Lourdes had a lot of trauma from losing a parent to navigating life as a college student and then throwing fame into the mix.
The writing style was a bit different for me in terms of some of the terms and phrases used, but that didn't take away from the story at all just made it more unique. I really enjoyed how innocent Lourdes and Ace's relationship started. How he dealt with her and her family in the highest regard making sure her needs and theirs mattered. Inspite of all the noise about him she knew in her heart of hearts what was true even if negative forces got in the way.
It was so heart breaking to see Ace battle with his addiction, grief and the big scandal but man I was routing for him and Lourdes something fierce.
This was the first book I have read by this author and she really wrote something truly amazing. This book broke me and put me back together in the best of ways.
I am truly going to miss being a part of Planet Ace and seeing how he made a home with Phat at the end of it all.
April 10, 2024
Planet Ace 🪐❤️
I loved Ace and Phat’s connection. I also really loved the ways that Ace took care of Phat and her mom. I love Ace’s relationship with Phat’s entire family to be honest (Marcus included).
One thing Rae Lyse does excellent is writing extremely nuanced characters and worlds.
This was an exceptionally slow burn for the first 50% of the book. As a result, for me it felt way too was slow and was much harder for me to get through. Compared to the last 50% where I feel the book really picked up.
Also some parts did feel a little repetitive and I would have preferred the book a little shorter to omit some of the excessive angsty internal dialogue.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and would recommend especially if you like the following
-sports romance
-morally grey MCs
-slow burns
I loved Ace and Phat’s connection. I also really loved the ways that Ace took care of Phat and her mom. I love Ace’s relationship with Phat’s entire family to be honest (Marcus included).
One thing Rae Lyse does excellent is writing extremely nuanced characters and worlds.
This was an exceptionally slow burn for the first 50% of the book. As a result, for me it felt way too was slow and was much harder for me to get through. Compared to the last 50% where I feel the book really picked up.
Also some parts did feel a little repetitive and I would have preferred the book a little shorter to omit some of the excessive angsty internal dialogue.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and would recommend especially if you like the following
-sports romance
-morally grey MCs
-slow burns
June 12, 2023
The cutest story ever! I love that they exist on their own planet and nothing else matters. Ace was a great man and I’m so happy to see his growth. Phat is young but a great co-pilot. I wish the story didn’t end ❤️
August 4, 2024
So, uhm, where can I apply for a Planet Ace citizenship? Chile, Ace is exactly my type & I didn't even know it! As the book develops so do the characters, Ace and Phat were unapologetically human and I loved that!
Ace made everything better just like he promised.
I also loved the authors style of writing, it was just so poetic. I'm ready to read all of Rae Lyse's books.
Ace made everything better just like he promised.
I also loved the authors style of writing, it was just so poetic. I'm ready to read all of Rae Lyse's books.
January 9, 2025
Okay ! Not going to lie I went into this book super excited, but there are some things I couldn’t get over.
-Ace really didn’t do it for me at all for majority of the book. I just didn’t like the way he talked to Phat and how he was a “control freak” about any and everything she did. He was experienced and she wasn’t and it was so evident throughout their journey. I do understand he was dealing with a lot concerning his past, so overall I’m glad his character developed towards the end of the book.
-Now when it comes to Lourdes (Phat), whew chile, she had A LOT to learn ! Her inexperience and immaturity had her falling so fast for Ace and the obsession they both felt for each other was so toxic. Even though I felt like they were unevenly matched, toward the end it seemed to lighten up.
-Overall, 2.75/5 ⭐️. I’d definitely read another book by Rae Lyse to see if I’d like it better than this book.
-Ace really didn’t do it for me at all for majority of the book. I just didn’t like the way he talked to Phat and how he was a “control freak” about any and everything she did. He was experienced and she wasn’t and it was so evident throughout their journey. I do understand he was dealing with a lot concerning his past, so overall I’m glad his character developed towards the end of the book.
-Now when it comes to Lourdes (Phat), whew chile, she had A LOT to learn ! Her inexperience and immaturity had her falling so fast for Ace and the obsession they both felt for each other was so toxic. Even though I felt like they were unevenly matched, toward the end it seemed to lighten up.
-Overall, 2.75/5 ⭐️. I’d definitely read another book by Rae Lyse to see if I’d like it better than this book.
May 9, 2023
4.5⭐️
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