8th Wonder

If I'm the moon, then you must be the sky! You ever felt like someone was made for you? Crafted in your image the same way Eve was for Adam? Javen Cooper knew Luna Moony was made for him. First, in the form of a best friend-the female version of the boy he loved like a brother. But as time moved forward, something else bloomed-something that blurred the lines of love and lover. It was so magnetic, that nothing could keep them apart. Except life. And Luna's need to protect Javen. After the death of her twin, Luna is left to mother her siblings alone. Barely eighteen, she spends her days making things better for those around her. She's the fixer-the one you go to when everything seems to go wrong. But who does she seek out when life becomes too much? As if her call finally gets through the prayer line, life becomes easier thanks to an inheritance from a father she never knew. And when life is better for Luna, she makes sure she brings everyone with her. And so the journey begins. To The Moon is a coming-of-age tale centered around poverty and black love. It meets somewhere in the middle of black girl magic and black boy joy.

Qamar has always been the baby of the family, the one everyone looks out for, but that hasn't made his life any easier. With dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, he's a college student struggling with imposter syndrome and the weight of his family's expectations. If it were up to him, he'd skip college altogether and dive straight into the pros, but the pressure to succeed academically and athletically is relentless. He's made some questionable decisions along the way, but his family still holds him to higher standards, never letting him forget the oath of To The Moon. In another universe is Siasia, the oldest of two, with a ten-year-old stepsister she's practically raised herself. Her mother is married to a man whose abusive nature and gambling addiction cast a dark shadow over their lives. Siasia dreams of becoming a renowned photographer, but for now, she dances at a club and takes on photography gigs to make ends meet and to provide for her sister. When Qamar and Siasia's paths cross, they find solace in each other's company. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, they share a common struggle and a burning desire to achieve their dreams. As they grow closer, they begin to expose their deepest fears and vulnerabilities, discovering strength in their connection. Qamar gets frustrated with his pursuit of taking his family to the top. They've already been there, planted a flag there so his journey doesn't feel as fulfilling. That is until Siasia reminds him that the universe doesn't end at the moon, it journeys beyond the stars. Together, Qamar and Siasia navigate the challenges of their lives, leaning on each other for support and inspiration. Beyond the Stars is a heartfelt tale of love, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. It's ayoung adult contemporary romance with a sports theme and centered around black characters.

At twenty-one, Noodle is done being America's little sweetheart. Once a beloved child star, she's now desperate to escape the glittering image forced upon her and discover who she is as a woman. Her ultimate dream? To pour her soul into music and finally sing on her own terms. But carving out a new identity is messy, especially under the relentless gaze of a public that refuses to let her grow up. Bu, on the other hand, is six months out of prison and navigating a world that moved on without him. At twenty-five, he's rough around the edges and no-nonsense, determined to focus on starting a landscaping business and leaving his mistakes behind. Love is the last thing on his mind-until he crosses paths with Noodle. Despite their differences, an undeniable connection blooms between them. As they navigate their own struggles-Noodle fighting to reclaim her voice and Bu learning to trust himself in a free world, they find solace, understanding, and passion in each other. Together, they embark on a journey that's as unpredictable as it is beautiful, proving that sometimes, chasing galaxies means finding the courage to reach for the stars in each other.