Cesar & Siah

by Ashantay Keys

Cesar and Siah seem to be life’s golden couple. He’s a successful contractor and she’s a full time mom. Both are loving parents to a healthy newborn and a disabled toddler. Love pours from every inch of them. However, recently Siah has been feeling overwhelmed. The remedy, she has decided is a drastic plea for space and solitude. When her husband takes on the children and grants Siah her wishes, time seems to heal her burdens or does it?

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2024

Reviews

[Jahda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ Siah's reasons for abandoning her children and spouse did not make sense to me. It wasn't a sufficient justification. She apologized, and the matter was never discussed again. The filler chapters we received could have centered on the "mental issues" she mentioned. The story had potential but could have been executed better delivered.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma'am, you did not have to do me like that. My damn feelings are all over the place after finishing this read. 😤

I adore men who are intentional and hands on with taking care of their families, especially the babies. Cesar was the man honey! 🤩 As we learned of Sir's disability, and the meticulousness that was required to care for him, broke my heart. 💔 Add to that a seven-week-old baby that needed time and attention, made me love Cesar right then and there! 💖 He took on the responsibility of caring for his children full-time, and running his business, while Siah took a "break". 👀 Although he didn't quite understand exactly what was up with her, he never questioned it and allowed her the space she needed. This man loved his family more than anything, and if time was what she needed to get herself together so their family could emerge stronger, so be it.

I began to grow tired of Siah's tired ass excuses, the way she was treating Cesar and abandoning her children. What the hell is wrong with her? Girl, you have a near perfect man at home, but you need to leave without even attempting to talk to him first about what is bothering you. 😡

A quick mention of a mental health issue was brought up, so I gave her a tad bit of grace, but sis you was hanging on a string wit me! 🤬 Then the revelation as to why her mood, attitude, and body was all outta wack, stunned me to silence, cause what???? 🤯

This realness I felt, as I can only imagine how Siah was feeling, and what she was experiencing, especially now that I know the outcome. But it was Cesar for the win, cause this man was every thang!! Great job!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[ReadnliftwithShar]

Few things I liked:
- Sir’s inquisitive mind
- Cesar being super dad to his kids
- The awareness of caregiver burnout
- The challenges of caring for a child with disabilities
- Education on medical diagnoses and signs/symptoms

I would have liked more in depth discussion between Cesar and Siah. The miscommunication and lack of accountability from Siah really bothered me. I understood she was overwhelmed but the way she handled it was not the best. I also felt the story moved really fast for such heavy topics and there were many opportunities to flesh out the scenes.

Nonetheless, I am interested in seeing if there is more to this family and/or the brothers.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, what had happened

What had happened with Cesar and Siah isn't uncommon after close births. The way the doctors handled Siah's situation was uncalled for calluousness. I knew something was off. Cesar was a particularly good man to his wife. I truly hoped Siah would come back to feeling okay with her family life with her husband. I was surprised Cesar did not have a frank discussion with the doctor. No spoilers, but you might be upset with Siah for most of this one. Anyway, it's a good read.

[Tee Miles · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential but fell short for me. Instead of having so much filler, the story would have benefitted from focusing more on the main characters. Giving more detail on Siah's mental state & the reason for her choices would have also made her a more likable character.

[Castina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cesar’s love and patience he had for his wife ran deep. Many individuals would not be able to handle the things his wife put him through. Through it all, he maintained his composure for their kids. He was such an amazing father. Hope to get more updates from this family!! Overall, I enjoyed every minute. This author does it every time!!

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD READ

I really enjoyed this story. Cesar really stepped up when Siah wasn't feeling her true self. He allowed her time while he made sure their children didn't lack the love and care they needed. Siah did piss me off when she refused to mention what she was going through. I'm glad she did seek the help of a support group and decided to go back to her family. Cesar is definitely bae in this book. His love, support, and protection for his family showed the type of man he was.

[Shahtia Gay-hairston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cesar & Siah

I feel like this was a glimpse into the parts of life we don’t usually get to see. A look at the daily grind of a couple raising a family. Cesar was a manly man and held it all together while Siah took a much needed break. It’s hard not to judge her for her absence as a reader in the way society judges moms but Cesar’s patience suggests understanding is more appropriate. Love the plot!

[Shawberry Likes To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love runs deep.

Cesar, Cesar, Cesar!!!! I want to say that he is what most women want in a husband or partner in general. Siah displayed all of the signs of a woman overwhelmed and fighting to stay mentally well. Cesar was patient and allowed her the space needed to regroup. I loved that her family encouraged her to allow her husband to be there during this trying time. The love was clearly present between the two and was evident from start to finish. Sir is the sweetest and displays strength daily despite his limitations. Sire is a daddy's girl to the core. I was curious if the cause of her latest issue would be that obvious and sure enough it was but with a twist. However, all was well in the end aslove, Family and prayer would continue to carry them through.

[Arnell Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok in the beginning of the story I was a 🤏🏾 annoyed with Siah until I continued on. I totally felt for her because that was a lot. But the star of this story for me was Sir, he was a little kid who just wanted to live and do things like normal kids. He was the cutest in this story for me he was very smart, loving and I’m sure he kept a smile on his face because I definitely had one on mines when he was speaking!! I loved it 😍


Ashantay Keys- Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but…..

A deep read! I felt so sorry for Cesar the MMC, through out the story. I understand postpartum depression and that every one handles the stress differently. In this story I felt that the MFC Siah came off a bit selfish and her mom could have been more helpful knowing what her daughter was doing. I’m glad that the Cesar was strong and kept it together through such a difficult period, until Siah got her mind right. This was a great short read!

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Point me in the direction of a man like Cesar. This man ran a business and took care of both his kids ( one with Spina Bifida ). Siah left him to take care of their family to have time to herself. She really irked my nerves until I found out what was her problem at the end of the book. The book was well written, flowed well and kept my attention.

[Helen Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life

I love the way Ms. Ashantay weave her stories. Real life situations but with an edge.

I love the complexity of the story and how love swooped in and save the day.
All smiles with the male character being hands-on with his children and love his wife without a doubt.

Magnificent story!

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even though Siah made me mad a little bit. As a parent to a special needs child, I get her needing a break but sis should've talk to her husband. Cesar was an amazing husband and father and I loved how he was patient with her and let her know whatever she needed he was there to help. I'm intrigued about this family and I wouldn't mind more on the brothers. Overall a good and informative read.

[martha fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cesar is the man!!!

This author knows how to craft a story. Her attention to detail is always mastery, and the way she delivers a story that feels both genuine and authentic is noteworthy. I didn't know what to expect of this story but was pleasantly surprised to see a man holding home down with a 7 weeks old daughter and disabled son while his wife try to process her life away from the family home. Cesar is that dude that will have you searching for him in the daylight with a flashlight. What a man! Recently received word that this work will be this author's last. I am sad about it because she has a place in the literary world and she will truly be missed.

[Kim Coleman-Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... learned some stuff here too❣️

Wow!
This read had me ready to snatch Siah up on more than one occasion. I felt like she was going through, yes, but dang she was gonna let someone snatch up that husband of hers.
Cesar is a rare breed of a man. Lord knows we need so many more of him.
Reading this I also learned of more on spina bifida and another rarity that you will have to read the book to see! 😁
Well done Author Ashantay Keys! 👏🏾

[lasonte ruthertold · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!

I wish this was a series! I was not ready for it to end. Great read! I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family.

[An'Drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Cesar!

Cesar is my dream man. Sigh pissed me off, leaving without communicating to him. Thank God he was understanding and loved her and his unconditionally.

[Iris Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good but felt rushed

I liked this book but definitely finished wanting more to their story. It felt rushed towards the last chapter & then book we were at the epilogue right when it was getting good!

[Shar · Rating 5 out of 5]

love story

I loved how Cesar loved his family great story of trails and tribulations but love always gets you through. Great novella

[Nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique perspective on love

I love reading books by Ashantay. She has a unique way of spinning a love story. I'm always left wanting more. I love good men like ceasar who are all about family. I love how he supported siah during this difficult journey. Overall this was a great read.

[Shonda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!

Three kids under 4!!! Poor Siah she was striggling at the beginning and Cesar was so accomadating to her!! I was praying there would be no issues with them! Their story was one to love!!

[Melise · Rating 2 out of 5]

So the love shown throughout this book was beautiful it made the story easier to stomach. I still gave it two stars because while I understand the struggle of mother hood and the postpartum journey I don’t feel like the main characters handled either well. Like we see Siah struggling to gain her sense of self back and her husband playing a super supportive and loving role. What we don’t see is any discussion of BIRTH CONTROL OR CONTRACEPTIVES. Yet we spend a few chapters seeing Siah struggling drowning and neglecting herself and her responsibilities. I liked that she was able to find support in that group but I didn’t like how selfish she seemed throughout like girl share the resources, explain yourself ect. Hated how her parents acted but they were old school so those attitudes are to be expected but I could’ve done without them. Now I get that everyone is grown and free to choose what they do with their bodies but all this unprotected sex and shooting up the club just seemed ridiculous and outright dumb. Like I get it they married but if you are struggling to get a grip on your life, love and marriage because one of your kids is facing medical issues that you were aware of and you continued with the pregnancy I struggle to empathize. Then we get the second baby that miss lady didn’t want yet it’s no mention of Birth control or condoms or pulling out. Like okay so does anyone care about Siah’s mental health herself included or does everything fall to the wayside cus they are married. Like as loving as Cesar was I’m sorry after baby number two I would’ve started pulling out offered to get a vasectomy ANYTHING we got nothing. I just felt like this story missed the mark of poignant story telling while still applying the romance and sensuality aspect. By the end of the story we just have an overwhelmed couple who is making it work but we never get a real solution to Siah issue or how she intends to move forward and ensure her mental well being is prioritized or even her physical health. Author has a lovely writing style and I would definitely read more of her work but this one just missed the mark for me.

[Naji Naji · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have my feelings




Overall, I enjoyed this short novella. I had never read anything by this author before and didn’t come across the book through recommendations or social media. Ironically, I stumbled upon it while browsing my Kindle and decided to give it a try because I wanted something quick and easy to read. True to form, I didn’t bother with the description, synopsis, or trigger warnings—I like going in blind for the surprise factor.

To my delight, I ended up loving the book. While I don’t have kids and don’t plan on having them, I could still appreciate the themes it explored, particularly the toll that motherhood takes on a woman’s body. I admired how the male character in the story gave the protagonist the time and space to recover, showing grace and understanding without condemnation. That level of support and empathy really stood out to me.

That said, the story started to lose me a bit toward the end. As someone who is child-free and gravitates toward child-free narratives, I struggled with the pacing when the plot brought up the “five weeks” timeline. It felt too soon to focus on that aspect, especially considering the heavy emotional undercurrents earlier in the book. Some of the symptoms hinted at in the beginning—postpartum depression, guilt, and the emotional weight surrounding her disabled child—felt like they could have been explored more thoroughly as the story progressed. Instead of shifting toward intimacy, I think the ending could have focused more on her healing journey and the dynamics with her children.

Despite that, I really enjoyed the protagonist’s voice and the author’s writing style. The story was easy to follow and engaging from start to finish. While it wasn’t perfect, it was a satisfying read overall.

[Nile Princess · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cover is gorgeous but, and I hate to be harsh but I'm so annoyed, this book was a complete waste of my time. First, I appreciate that the author wants to 'set the stage' but it's a story, not a set of bullet points. We don't need every single detail of every move the characters make. Cesar made a bottle and fed his baby. We don't need he took the bottle out, and put in the microwave and the microwave beeped and he took it, and he propped the baby up ..we get it!!

Siah was a waste of skin and I was really hoping that her medical issues meant she was dying lol. I get that the author was trying to get us to empathize with a young mother who had a seven week old, and a special needs child. Caregiving is not for the weak, and caregiver burnout is absolutely real and underdiscussed. You can't serve from an empty cup, we get that. But nothing about the way Siah went about this put her in a good light. Cesar deserved better, and the fact that he was so patient and loving and kind to her when she called, or deigned to show up at her children's doctor's appointments made him an amazing character, but also someone who deserved better. The whole scene with the apartment? Huh? And the twist at the end made no sense at all. So, at no point did anyone think to test this?? The author's solution to someone who is already overwhelmed and burnt out, and wanting to go back to school for a job that maybe they don't even want is that ending?? Yeah ok.

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: I liked it

Thoughts: The main thing that I loved about this story was the dedication that Cesar had for his family. He made the necessary changes that he needed to do to take care of his son and daughter. He also loved his wife. You can tell how much he was for his wife and how much he supported her with anything that she had going on. The patience that he displayed for his wife was amazing and out of this world.

Siah really stressed me out. I understand being overwhelmed with 2 kids under 5 as well as having a child with special needs. Her lack of communication with her husband is what stressed me out. As if she forgot that he was as understanding as he was. She acted as if she forgot that they had been married for years. Every time he asked her a question about when she would come home, she hurriedly left the conversation.

Once they were able to resolve the elephant in the room, these two had a lot of sex. I felt like it wasn’t necessary for them to do that much consistently towards the end of the story. I can’t say it was rushed but then reconciling and always having sex for the rest of the story kind of changed my view.

I am interested in learning more about his brothers King and Pharaoh because they seem liken a good time.

[Taees_Cozy_Corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m so sorry but this book was absolutely terrible for me. The only reason I’m giving it two stars is because of Ceasar being the amazing man he is. I am unsure what exactly the plot of this book was supposed to be about but it gave nothing. All I got from this book was that Ceasar needs a better partner because the fact that she left him with no conversation, no communication and then to turn around and tell him that the reason was because she think she wanna go back to work 🤬🤬🤬!!!! Seriously ???? You don’t think he’s was understanding enough for that to have been a simple conversation and be fixed? Then she just comes home like everything is cool? I feel like if she would have had PPD or something it would have made more sense but truthfully this was plotless to me and pointless. I feel bad for Ceasar and the children because if it was that easy to walk away who’s to say she won’t again when she’s overwhelmed with Sir’s care or now having three kids under 4??? Ugh I’m glad this was a novella and not a full book cause throw it the fuck away!!!! I’m more mad than anything lol. Imma try something else from this author but this being my first read I’m truly sad.

[TheReaderVert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this author's work but this one was more difficult for me to shift through.

A) Siah really was an ain't ish mom for the majority of the book, and even though I understand it was most likely Postpartum, the way she left her family was never resolved. There was never any accountability. Her husband wasn't even mad. There was no real angst from that, nor was there a lot around the mental anguish or her mental anguish. Instead, we ended up with a lot of filler.

B) Cesar was kind of too perfect, like he didn't have any fears, insecurities, or anger with his situation, just endless patience

C) There were some medical issues presented that I didn't care for....making it seem like cerebral palsy can be caught from vaccines, not having an ultrasound when she mentioned movement in her abdomen, plus cussing at nurses for giving their infant daughter shots. It was really working my nerves a bit. I also thought with the introduction of a new lady (work related) she would be the real love interest, but alas it was not so..

[Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 really. So much left to wonder. . . .I would love more of this couple. I was hooked from the first page. Cesar stepping up with no anger or bitterness. Sir holding his dad down, observant, as strong as he can be; Sire, just being daddy’s angel and Siah doing the best she could knowing something’s not right.

Hoping this story took them to couples therapy, Bible Study, her Prayer closet; or more BMCD meetings (cause Diane!!), more lunch/dinner meet ups to talk, more parent talks (love her parents), and definitely more conveys with Sir. . . . . until I remembered it was a novella!!

More desired about Siah’s mental and physical state; Cesar’s success with his company and their attention to interior details for those with disabilities (my take), Sir’s progress in all aspects. This book as a full novel, so much potential!!

First read from this author. A wonderful snack leaving me wanting a meal. Which of her books should I try next?

[L'Amour Coulture · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ

From the first chapter, I was moved and touched. Caesar was a great father and an understanding husband. There needs to be more Black men in this world like him. Loving someone, flaws and all, and enduring within a union is much needed in these times we're living in.

Great job, Author Ashantay Keys... Don't ever question your craft again. ❤️