In this romantic drama based on the book by Terry McMillian, a man and woman learn the hard way that sometimes even fervent passion can't overcome reality. Sanaa Lathan (Brown Sugar) is Zora, an aspiring singer recently moved to a new city with high hopes she'll finally begin a music career. Until she hits it big she also works as a music teacher. As she moves into her beautiful new brownstone, she meets Franklin (Wesley Snipes), a cocky construction worker who is a genius when it comes to restoring old brownstones. He has a real passion for his work and soon develops a intense passion for Zora. The sexual chemistry between them overwhelms them both and they fall into a physical relationship which gradually evolves into an emotionally one.

As they get to know each other, reality hits hard. Franklin sees that Zora can be materialistic, a perfectionist, and a nag. Zora notices Franklin's immaturity, his laziness, and his and his insecurity with his modest financial status. They begin to recognize that they know very little about each other and Franklin reveals a secret that may push Zora away permanently. Before they can adjust to the changes to their relationship, Zora realizes she is pregnant. Of course, this changes things even more drastically and the struggling couple and as they decide whether or not to have the baby, one of them makes a decision that could destroy them both.

This movie, like the book, realistically examines the highs and lows that many relationships face. Just as many relationships do, this one starts out hot and heavy and is nearly extinguished when the couple take a step back to truly examine who they're with.

Lathan and Snipes were wonderful together on screen, loving and fighting as if it were real. Rapper Q-tip (A Tribe Called Quest) made an appearance, playing a small-time producer only concerned with making a star, not a friend. Not a big Wesley Snipes fan, I was pleasantly surprised with his level of skill portraying Franklin in this movie. Lathan was great as Zora, truly bringing her to life with passionate emotion and a vunerable heart. From the giddy, lustful beginning to the sad grim end, these two actors had us believing. You won't be able to help taking sides.