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Back Home: An instalove urban romance
*Instalove Story*Onyx Zaman has been the hottest R&B singer in the industry for the past decade. Money, Fame, Women, he has it all. While others strived for the life he lived… Onyx hated it.
When he meets Troian Munroe, he realizes she’s exactly what he’s been searching for. Unfortunately, there are forces in Onyx’s life making it difficult to leave the industry and return to the normal life he loves.
Onyx’s world is turned upside down as he struggles to find his way Back Home.
When he meets Troian Munroe, he realizes she’s exactly what he’s been searching for. Unfortunately, there are forces in Onyx’s life making it difficult to leave the industry and return to the normal life he loves.
Onyx’s world is turned upside down as he struggles to find his way Back Home.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2023
109 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Keta Denise
10 books52 followersKeta Denise was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, where she currently resides with her two children. Although, a new author, Keta has always had a special knack for creating unique and captivating stories. Writing stories on pen and paper for family and friends was something she did for fun, until one day the call to pen a full novel became too loud to ignore.
Keta is excited to allow the world into her creative mind as she introduces a writing style just outside of the ordinary. Her debut novel, THE HEIST, will be releasing soon and will be an explosive introduction into the industry.
Keta is excited to allow the world into her creative mind as she introduces a writing style just outside of the ordinary. Her debut novel, THE HEIST, will be releasing soon and will be an explosive introduction into the industry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 24, 2023
This book has been on my TBR since its release in September and I had no idea I was sitting on GOLD!! I meeaaaannnnnn!!!!! I’ve interacted with Keta on GRs as a fellow reader and had no idea she was an author until she casually mentioned it while we were discussing another book. Back Home was my official introduction to Keta the author and what an introduction it was! 🗣️WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG TO READ THIS BOOK!!!???? And yeah you’re probably like sis chill it’s only November 🤣🤣 but I’m saying this was a book that should’ve read on its release date!! I’m a SUCKER for an instalove story and Onyx and Troi’s story was beautifully written!
Both Troi and Onyx were Virginia natives! As a successful R&B singer, Onyx splits his time between Virginia and LA. During a recent visit “Back Home”, Onyx meets Troi after a mix up at the club lands them in the same VIP section. For him it was love at first sight but for Troi, she wanted no parts of the smooth talker known for singing women out of their panties. Onyx was dead set on proving to Troi that he was not the man portrayed in the blogs but he definitely struggled a bit.
This couple gave me all the feels🥰🥰 from beginning to end! When the information Onyx held close to the chest was revealed, I spent like 40% of the book holding my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. My anxiety was HIGH!! The emotional rollercoaster Keta took me on in this book wasn’t right 😩😩 I’m sending you my doctor bill!!
Y’all read this book! You will not be disappointed. This book has EVERYTHING you want in a good @ss read and you will not be disappointed! I can’t wait to dive into Keta’s catalog because I’m a fan after this book!
Both Troi and Onyx were Virginia natives! As a successful R&B singer, Onyx splits his time between Virginia and LA. During a recent visit “Back Home”, Onyx meets Troi after a mix up at the club lands them in the same VIP section. For him it was love at first sight but for Troi, she wanted no parts of the smooth talker known for singing women out of their panties. Onyx was dead set on proving to Troi that he was not the man portrayed in the blogs but he definitely struggled a bit.
This couple gave me all the feels🥰🥰 from beginning to end! When the information Onyx held close to the chest was revealed, I spent like 40% of the book holding my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. My anxiety was HIGH!! The emotional rollercoaster Keta took me on in this book wasn’t right 😩😩 I’m sending you my doctor bill!!
Y’all read this book! You will not be disappointed. This book has EVERYTHING you want in a good @ss read and you will not be disappointed! I can’t wait to dive into Keta’s catalog because I’m a fan after this book!
September 23, 2023
Say, yes Onyx! 🥰 I really enjoyed this book. This is my first read by this author although I have the Heist series. I’ll be reading it soon.
August 20, 2024
2 up and 2 down, stand up for my hometown!!!! VA baby! I love when I read a book and I know of and have been to every location mentioned. This was definitely a roller coaster ride, the highs and lows had my anxiety 😬 on 💯. Loved everything about this love 💕 story. Yanna and Kas kept a smile on my face and I can’t wait for their story.
March 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
January 25, 2024
So this book started off really strong. I was really into what Troi and Onyx had going on but when Brea was introduced, the entire remainder of the storyline became predictable for me.
March 12, 2024
Onxy is the man and Tori knew it! This was a really good read!
November 7, 2023
😮💨😮💨
Alright, Ms. Denise, I get it and I understand 🥰. Back Home was such a great book! We love insta-love and the right person, wrong time-ish things. Onyx is a big-time R&B singer who happens to go home, where he quickly meets Troi at a club. The two hit it off and things progress quickly. Troi was not persuaded easily by Onyx’s charming ways but my boy kept applying pressure and she was wide open- quite literally. Honestly, I too would have given in to an R&B sangin’, sweet talkin’, big d slangin’— y’all get it 😮💨🤪.
As a whole, the story moves at a good pace, it has just enough romance, and spice, and offers many laugh-out-loud moments. It was refreshing to read. Onyx and Troi’s chemistry was off the charts and clearly described throughout the book. Of course, there’s drama and I appreciated it. However, the way I wanted to jump inside the book and shake Onyx was insane because sir, please tie up those loose ends?! I loved the relationship both characters had with their families. Mama Layla was my shero because she held her sons accountable for their actions and she gave sound advice to both women. It took some time but eventually love wins!! This is the one to put on your TBR. ❤️
Alright, Ms. Denise, I get it and I understand 🥰. Back Home was such a great book! We love insta-love and the right person, wrong time-ish things. Onyx is a big-time R&B singer who happens to go home, where he quickly meets Troi at a club. The two hit it off and things progress quickly. Troi was not persuaded easily by Onyx’s charming ways but my boy kept applying pressure and she was wide open- quite literally. Honestly, I too would have given in to an R&B sangin’, sweet talkin’, big d slangin’— y’all get it 😮💨🤪.
As a whole, the story moves at a good pace, it has just enough romance, and spice, and offers many laugh-out-loud moments. It was refreshing to read. Onyx and Troi’s chemistry was off the charts and clearly described throughout the book. Of course, there’s drama and I appreciated it. However, the way I wanted to jump inside the book and shake Onyx was insane because sir, please tie up those loose ends?! I loved the relationship both characters had with their families. Mama Layla was my shero because she held her sons accountable for their actions and she gave sound advice to both women. It took some time but eventually love wins!! This is the one to put on your TBR. ❤️
November 12, 2023
Loved it
This is my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was funny, tugged at my heart strings and offered a little wisdom. Instalove can be tricky but it was done really well in this book. Looking forward to Kas and Yanna’s book!!!
This is my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was funny, tugged at my heart strings and offered a little wisdom. Instalove can be tricky but it was done really well in this book. Looking forward to Kas and Yanna’s book!!!
November 25, 2023
Babbbbyyyy. 🎵It's a 5 ⭐ b....it's a 5 ⭐ b 🎵.
I ate IT UP!!! I love it when a man falls hard & fast. Onyx and Troi were fantastic. The side characters were amazing. The mess was beautifully messy.
I ate IT UP!!! I love it when a man falls hard & fast. Onyx and Troi were fantastic. The side characters were amazing. The mess was beautifully messy.
November 8, 2023
Troi and Onyx
The damn near instant connection that was brewing 😮💨.
I will say this book was giving love and it was also giving playing on my emotions. The fact that Onyx just felt so at home with Tori. Introducing her to the family right after meeting spoke volumes. I love that Onyx wanted to cater to Troi . I really hated that he kept a secret from her. Literally my jaw dropped when I found out what was going on . The kicker, though was all the secrets that were spewed throughout the book. I’m honestly happy that Troi and Onxy were able to overcome and although they had some hard times in between it, just made it 10 times better for their reunion.
Now I know we’re getting a book on Yanna and Kas and I’m just gonna say Tinto happy for that because Kas was making this book with all his funniness and I love that.
The damn near instant connection that was brewing 😮💨.
I will say this book was giving love and it was also giving playing on my emotions. The fact that Onyx just felt so at home with Tori. Introducing her to the family right after meeting spoke volumes. I love that Onyx wanted to cater to Troi . I really hated that he kept a secret from her. Literally my jaw dropped when I found out what was going on . The kicker, though was all the secrets that were spewed throughout the book. I’m honestly happy that Troi and Onxy were able to overcome and although they had some hard times in between it, just made it 10 times better for their reunion.
Now I know we’re getting a book on Yanna and Kas and I’m just gonna say Tinto happy for that because Kas was making this book with all his funniness and I love that.
November 11, 2023
Dat's My Babbbyyyy
Whewwww... in da words of Usher, "There goes my Babbbyyyy!" Lol 😝 Keta did it again!! I loved every chapter... except raggedy P female heir... lol The friendship that developed from these families was so organic & the love was pure. Great read! Highly Recommended!💯💚💜💛
Whewwww... in da words of Usher, "There goes my Babbbyyyy!" Lol 😝 Keta did it again!! I loved every chapter... except raggedy P female heir... lol The friendship that developed from these families was so organic & the love was pure. Great read! Highly Recommended!💯💚💜💛
September 16, 2023
Really good story.
This was the first book by this I’ve read. I was really impressed by her storytelling and writing style. I loved the instant connection between Onyx and Troi. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this authors catalog.
This was the first book by this I’ve read. I was really impressed by her storytelling and writing style. I loved the instant connection between Onyx and Troi. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this authors catalog.
December 3, 2024
Keta. Okay gworl!
For sure ya right on.
This was an unexpected 5 for me. An insta love story with crazy chemistry and good vibes between the MCs.
Onyx, the lowkey, clingy crooner had me crossing my ankles and rubbing my feet together. He was drawn to the curvy, southern Vet like a moth to a flame from the moment he laid eyes on her. The ever so cautious Troi put up a good fight but was too enraptured by the sexy starlet to hold out on what they both were feeling.
The banter was top tier.
Kas and Yanna were hilarious.
Loved the brotherhood.
Loved the cousin/sister hood.
Tennnnn. *Keith Lee voice*
For sure ya right on.
This was an unexpected 5 for me. An insta love story with crazy chemistry and good vibes between the MCs.
Onyx, the lowkey, clingy crooner had me crossing my ankles and rubbing my feet together. He was drawn to the curvy, southern Vet like a moth to a flame from the moment he laid eyes on her. The ever so cautious Troi put up a good fight but was too enraptured by the sexy starlet to hold out on what they both were feeling.
The banter was top tier.
Kas and Yanna were hilarious.
Loved the brotherhood.
Loved the cousin/sister hood.
Tennnnn. *Keith Lee voice*
November 15, 2023
Instalove at its best!!
🩵Black Romance
🩷Instalove done right
💛 Strong FMC
❤️Celebrity and Fan
💚Lots of laughs
💜Fake Relationship
💗Main Characters💗:: 🤎Troi and Onyx 🤎
🌟Rating🌟
Storyline
💥💥💥💥💥
Character Development
🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
Angst Level
😰😰
Chemistry
🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Swoon Factor
🥰🥰🥰
Steam
🥵🥵🥵
Humor
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💞Reading Mood💞
For those in the mood for a believable instalove story that’s done right. Those that want a story that keeps them entertained, laughing, and stressed the fuck out sometimes 🤣
⭐️My Review⭐️
Full disclosure, I am not a huge fan of instalove. I find it unbelievable and pretty corny at times. I saw so many good reviews for this story and I just had to read it! Let me tell y’all something!! “Back Home” was an instalove story done right! I loved this story from beginning to end.
Troi and Onyx were so good together! Their chemistry was off the charts! I enjoyed their talks and banter so much. Their attraction was instant but I loved how Troi played a bit of hard to get. Troi and Onyx were both really strong characters. Onyx was a popular R&B singer but was super down to earth. Troi was beauty and brains. She was a successful veterinarian and a huge sweetheart.
The supporting characters added so much to the story, especially Yanna and Kas who had me cracking up with their shenanigans. Ms. Layla, Onyx’s mom was the voice of reason and I loved her so much.
The story kept me engaged and thoroughly entertained. Onyx with his loose ends drove me crazy. Troi and her hidden talents was unexpected and I was here for it! This story had me laughing and kept me on my toes.
Keta Denise is a new to me author and I was thoroughly impressed. The writing was seamless and so well done. I loved these characters and the story so much. I highly highly recommend you read it!
🩵Black Romance
🩷Instalove done right
💛 Strong FMC
❤️Celebrity and Fan
💚Lots of laughs
💜Fake Relationship
💗Main Characters💗:: 🤎Troi and Onyx 🤎
🌟Rating🌟
Storyline
💥💥💥💥💥
Character Development
🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
Angst Level
😰😰
Chemistry
🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Swoon Factor
🥰🥰🥰
Steam
🥵🥵🥵
Humor
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💞Reading Mood💞
For those in the mood for a believable instalove story that’s done right. Those that want a story that keeps them entertained, laughing, and stressed the fuck out sometimes 🤣
⭐️My Review⭐️
Full disclosure, I am not a huge fan of instalove. I find it unbelievable and pretty corny at times. I saw so many good reviews for this story and I just had to read it! Let me tell y’all something!! “Back Home” was an instalove story done right! I loved this story from beginning to end.
Troi and Onyx were so good together! Their chemistry was off the charts! I enjoyed their talks and banter so much. Their attraction was instant but I loved how Troi played a bit of hard to get. Troi and Onyx were both really strong characters. Onyx was a popular R&B singer but was super down to earth. Troi was beauty and brains. She was a successful veterinarian and a huge sweetheart.
The supporting characters added so much to the story, especially Yanna and Kas who had me cracking up with their shenanigans. Ms. Layla, Onyx’s mom was the voice of reason and I loved her so much.
The story kept me engaged and thoroughly entertained. Onyx with his loose ends drove me crazy. Troi and her hidden talents was unexpected and I was here for it! This story had me laughing and kept me on my toes.
Keta Denise is a new to me author and I was thoroughly impressed. The writing was seamless and so well done. I loved these characters and the story so much. I highly highly recommend you read it!
November 22, 2023
Yes
Oh how I enjoyed this. I loved all the main characters. Onyx and Trio was just so great together. Yanna and Kas were just hilarious. Good read
Oh how I enjoyed this. I loved all the main characters. Onyx and Trio was just so great together. Yanna and Kas were just hilarious. Good read
March 23, 2024
Back Home
This is my first read by this author…I will definitely be reading more of her work. The drama was dramatic, but Troian and Onyx were great. Kas and Yanni are hilarious and I can’t wait to read their story.
This is my first read by this author…I will definitely be reading more of her work. The drama was dramatic, but Troian and Onyx were great. Kas and Yanni are hilarious and I can’t wait to read their story.
March 21, 2024
loved it!!!
This was so much a good read! I loved the chemistry between Troi & Onyx! I loved the way he was obsessed with her. And when he was on the wrong, he had me feeling bad for him because of how depressed he was without her. This was my first book from this author and I can’t wait to check out more.
This was so much a good read! I loved the chemistry between Troi & Onyx! I loved the way he was obsessed with her. And when he was on the wrong, he had me feeling bad for him because of how depressed he was without her. This was my first book from this author and I can’t wait to check out more.
January 26, 2024
Me and this book were in there like skincare, even with the hilarious use of “mumma” 😭😂 which was used 108 times in the book….any I’m on a tangent. Unfortunately I had to DNF at 29% right as Onyx got home. Cheaters aren’t sexy they are enduring especially considering of your money long like I’ve been being told it is for last 100 pages act like it! I hate when there are real world solutions that I have to pretend they don’t exist…you clearly wanted out the music industry so whether your album was shelved or not you fulfilled your contract OR get a goddamn lawyer like wtf 😭 in any event I can’t rock with a cheater and a dumb ass that takes them back…yes I skimmed through and also read someone’s highlight…had it not been for that I would have finished but…nah you not finna gaslight me into thinking cheating ass nakers deserve second chances…GROW A SPINE! I will check out other things by this author though
November 3, 2023
“Back Home" is the first book I've read by Keta Denise and I must say, she has captured my attention. As a fan of well-done instalove stories, this book satisfied all of my cravings. Onyx, returning home, never expected to meet the love of his life in Troi. But as they say, when you know, you know, and he was willing to fight to the death to keep his woman, no matter what challenges they faced. Onyx and Troi's relationship was everything I needed and more. Their chemistry and connection were evident and it was a joy to witness. I particularly loved Troi's strong personality and how she wasn't swayed by Onyx's looks or money. She set boundaries and made him work for her time and attention, making their journey even sweeter. This story had its fair share of drama and interesting side characters, such as the witty and comedic duo of Kas and Yanna. I also adored Onyx's mother Layla, who was a true Black queen, preaching about boundaries, self-love, and protecting the bag at all costs. However, there were a few minor issues, such as a particular subplot that didn't add much to the overall story and left me wanting more insight into some characters' storylines. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be exploring the author's other works. Keta Denise's writing style and pacing were on point, and she created relatable and funny characters that I couldn't help but root for. If you're a fan of instalove and flawed but lovable male leads, I highly recommend this book.
November 6, 2023
My ratings 4/5 ⭐️s
This was my first read from
Kita Denise
And this book was actually a great read! And hilarious 😂
Yanna and Kas is a mess chile smh 🤦🏾♀️
Now that damn Onyx had me in the beginning till his ass flew home from VA and I was like hold up wait a min , ikyfl 😭😭👋🏾 then shit started afterwards smh whooo 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
Cause Troi is too good of a woman for him to do my girl like that
Now Kas that’s a different story lol 😂wasn’t expecting much from him, they both young him and Onyx got more growing up to do!
Love their brotherly relationship though ❤️
Onyx ass knew better though
I just knew this shit was gone blow up eventually 😭😭😭 with Onyx tried to keep it to himself 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
And when momma Layla gave Troi the real! I loved her frl frl , she a mother everybody needs in their life!
Loved 🥰 the family dynamics as well
I’m glad 😀 Onyx and Troi got it together cause they were giving me damn headache with the back n forth along with Yanna and Kas silly asses 😂😂😂
This was my first read from
Kita Denise
And this book was actually a great read! And hilarious 😂
Yanna and Kas is a mess chile smh 🤦🏾♀️
Now that damn Onyx had me in the beginning till his ass flew home from VA and I was like hold up wait a min , ikyfl 😭😭👋🏾 then shit started afterwards smh whooo 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
Cause Troi is too good of a woman for him to do my girl like that
Now Kas that’s a different story lol 😂wasn’t expecting much from him, they both young him and Onyx got more growing up to do!
Love their brotherly relationship though ❤️
Onyx ass knew better though
I just knew this shit was gone blow up eventually 😭😭😭 with Onyx tried to keep it to himself 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
And when momma Layla gave Troi the real! I loved her frl frl , she a mother everybody needs in their life!
Loved 🥰 the family dynamics as well
I’m glad 😀 Onyx and Troi got it together cause they were giving me damn headache with the back n forth along with Yanna and Kas silly asses 😂😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Coming home Onyx didn't expect to find true love but he did and fought to keep it. Once Troy enters his life there's just something he can't escape. Now the gold digger Bre and her snake of a father got exactly what they deserved, her father try pushing her off on any man that was making money because he knew she wouldn't amount to anything nor was she driven to do anything. Law and Bambi you can't help but to love them they kept everyone on their toes and was the life of the party.
Coming home Onyx didn't expect to find true love but he did and fought to keep it. Once Troy enters his life there's just something he can't escape. Now the gold digger Bre and her snake of a father got exactly what they deserved, her father try pushing her off on any man that was making money because he knew she wouldn't amount to anything nor was she driven to do anything. Law and Bambi you can't help but to love them they kept everyone on their toes and was the life of the party.
September 16, 2023
Onyx my man my my man
This insta love story was cute and entertaining. Well written and the comedy was everything. This couple made it through everything meant to tear them apart. Don't get me started on Kas and Yanna Boo cause I totally loved them. Job well done on this book 👏🏾🥳🎉
This insta love story was cute and entertaining. Well written and the comedy was everything. This couple made it through everything meant to tear them apart. Don't get me started on Kas and Yanna Boo cause I totally loved them. Job well done on this book 👏🏾🥳🎉
September 26, 2023
Okaaayyyyy! This was my first read by this author and I was very impressed! It had everything I look for in a book. The story was good and consistent, it even did a good job of making the "farfetched" details not look TOO farfetched. It was current, very 2023 - which helped make the characters seem more realistic and relatable. Overall I really enjoyed reading this. Can't wait to read more from Keta.
October 6, 2023
Good read
First read by this author and she a great job. Kas and Yanna was a trip but I loved them. Drea was a delulu and got what she deserved. Still mad Tori let Black.....
Onyx and Tori I liked their chemistry and how they found their love. Onyx gave that I'm on you energy and BDE.....
First read by this author and she a great job. Kas and Yanna was a trip but I loved them. Drea was a delulu and got what she deserved. Still mad Tori let Black.....
Onyx and Tori I liked their chemistry and how they found their love. Onyx gave that I'm on you energy and BDE.....
January 12, 2024
Back Home
This book was so good. Onyx was applying PRESSURE, he did not let up off Troi. I appreciated Ms.Layla, she was like don't let any man including me son knock you off your square. The twist and turns in this book had me like wayment say what now, but it all worked out in the end. Must read
This book was so good. Onyx was applying PRESSURE, he did not let up off Troi. I appreciated Ms.Layla, she was like don't let any man including me son knock you off your square. The twist and turns in this book had me like wayment say what now, but it all worked out in the end. Must read
January 13, 2024
When I say Onyx had audacity. That man was full of audacity. I’m so happy Mama Layla was around because she was spitting so much facts. Troian was definitely blinded my love and lost her mind.
The book ended beautifully. I just wanted Troian to make Oxyn sweat and release how much he could lose and when she finally did it. I was so proud of her.
The book ended beautifully. I just wanted Troian to make Oxyn sweat and release how much he could lose and when she finally did it. I was so proud of her.
October 3, 2023
What I appreciate most about Keta is that she’s been receptive to conversation and feedback on all of her stories. I can really see her growth as a story teller developing and her character are becoming more complex. I will continue to support her work and celebrate her growth.
November 10, 2023
I feel like I ran a damn marathon!
Onyx got on my nerves from the moment “Nyxie” came into play! He was extremely SELFISH, Troi talented ass was an outstanding citizen and didn’t do anything wrong in my eyes!!!
Onyx got on my nerves from the moment “Nyxie” came into play! He was extremely SELFISH, Troi talented ass was an outstanding citizen and didn’t do anything wrong in my eyes!!!
November 26, 2023
Loveddd
This was so cute and enjoyable! I loved that my birthplace, Hopewell was the main area. That's for sure what got my attention but i think i found nd a new author to get into!! I'm excited.
This was so cute and enjoyable! I loved that my birthplace, Hopewell was the main area. That's for sure what got my attention but i think i found nd a new author to get into!! I'm excited.
January 16, 2024
Definitely 4.5 stars! I absolutely loved Onyx and Troi (her cousin and his brother were also such a great comedic relief)
Onxy, a singer from Virginia, came home for a couple of days & met Troi at the club. He was instantly attracted, but she didn’t want anything to do with someone famous.
However, a late night on call allowed their paths to cross paths & a beautiful (drama filled) love story was created.
Onxy, a singer from Virginia, came home for a couple of days & met Troi at the club. He was instantly attracted, but she didn’t want anything to do with someone famous.
However, a late night on call allowed their paths to cross paths & a beautiful (drama filled) love story was created.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews