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Troubled Waters

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Troubled, Beset by problems or conflict. Kylo Lewis. A boss. A menace. Directly beside his name in the dictionary, you’ll find the word unhinged. Under the layers is a sweet little boy that longs for healing. Kylo craves what he never had, Joy.

Innocent, not guilty of a crime or offense; not responsible for or directly involved in an event yet suffering its consequences. Innocent Doucet is everything but her name. She, too, is a boss that faces both mental and physical adversity. Behind closed doors, she craves security and peace.

Enough, is what Kylo and Innocent have to be. Being written off at a young age is a matter these two can relate to. Certain lines were never meant to be crossed, but sometimes red flags resemble rollercoasters. The “terrible twos” phase has nothing on the trouble this duo is bound to create. Their similarities could be their strength or ultimately lead them toward their downfall. Can troubled souls really tie? Will their bond cause the most beautiful train wreck? What happens when twin flames conjoin?

Love. The Streets. Identity.

576 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

1126 people are currently reading
1906 people want to read

About the author

Zee Reneé

8 books325 followers

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5 stars
1,252 (74%)
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309 (18%)
3 stars
96 (5%)
2 stars
18 (1%)
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14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
October 29, 2024
“The love and life we built was worth the Troubled Waters…”

4.5 ⭐️

There are so many things I love about Kylo's book. Let's start there:
 
-Kylo's love for R&B.
-Every time we got on-page moments of Kylo smiling, laughing, and being silly - I loved that for him. He deserved it.
-Innocent's love for Young Dolph 🐬 (because girl, me too)... PREEEAAACHHH!
-Kylo's bond with his nephews.
-The way Kylo and Kaivon loved and supported each other had me feeling like my allergies were acting up.
-The therapy, the journaling, the separate healing journeys
 
I can go on and on. I must be honest and say that I was on shaky ground with the first book in this series. I went back and finished it but Kylo was my focus. He wasn't trying to hide who he was and he was absolutely unhinged. Aside from that, he had some DEEP trauma and ya'll know I'm a sucker for a mmc that has been through something.
 
Kylo's story is dark. It is filled with trauma, grief, and violence so if that's not something you can handle while reading - skip this one. When he met Innocent, he recognized that same darkness in her. Truly a match made in unhinged heaven! I love that the author didn't pair Kylo with the typical "good girl". Innocent was in the streets, making her own money, and dropping bodies just like Kylo. She was also dealing with heavy trauma. Though they'd never met each other, they were connected in ways that threatened to tear them apart.
 
I think Zee Renee handled the mental health struggles within this story with care. She pulled strongly at my emotions and that is not easy to do. I know 600 pages is a lot for some but I really appreciated the time I got to spend with these characters.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,104 reviews333 followers
September 26, 2024
“ You’re worthy of it”

4.5 ⭐️ The unhinged men that Nova has raised I love them dearly.
Listen!! Zee is two for two in my eyes, like we're locked🤞🏾in at this point. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Kylo was introduced to us in his brother's novel "All In". We got a peek of the turmoil and anguish he experienced as a child, but this book takes things a step further. I enjoy reading books on mental health and how what occurs in your youth shapes who you become, as we see with Kylo and Innocent. When written correctly, you want to join the characters on their roller coaster journey, and I felt this way with Kylo. Life is like a dice; you never know what you'll get. In this situation, all it took was a dice game to bring Kylo and Innocent together, and from there the bond was undeniable. Just two bosses coming together and falling hard for each other while coping with buried trauma. They were simply yin and yang energies bouncing off one another. They really needed each other.For so long, Innocent has only had herself and is navigating being pushed into a drug organization while dealing with a severe illness. She was so strong and just tried to make the most of the dice she rolled. My girl was just as insane as Kylo, and she was willing to drop a body for people she loved. Meeting Kylo exposed her to a gentler existence just a soft life she had never experienced before, which I loved for her. KYLO, my rnb-loving, unhinged MC, shows how he deals with unresolved trauma via comedy and by always being there for people he loves. But, who got Kylo? Cen and his family. But when it comes to healing, you must want better for yourself. Thus, we follow Kylo as he embarks on his journey and works within to improve both himself and his family. We had a lot of humorous moments chile Kylo and his fish and cute family moments especially with the twins. I loved all the rnb songs mentioned like I need a Kylo playlist ASAP. I wasn’t a fan of that little reveal at the end but I do know it was needed for the characters.

I wonder who is next on Zee mind but regardless I will be reading.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,470 reviews165 followers
October 3, 2024
A worthy Love

“You’re worthy of it.”

These were words that Kylo used to affirm Innocent aka Cen throughout the story. I only wished that HE actually felt he was worthy of it. Kylo was the mannish azz, unhinged, low-key psychopath, sweet, and loving brother of Kaivon from "All In." In that story we learned about the abuse they were subjected to, especially Kylo. His traumatic childhood constantly impacted his quality of life leaving him feeling like a burden and unworthy of the love he received. He struggled with navigating those big feelings and emotions and it often led to him needing to self soothe through unaliving. I felt deeply sorry for him because he had the biggest heart, but his past was literally drowning him.

Innocent was just as unhinged, mannish, and crazy as Kylo. These two were truly twin flames. Cen had grown up with no parents and no real sense of family. All she had was her cousin. She too was fighting demons of a past that stripped her and had her avoiding relationships. Even though she was crazy AF, I loved that she found journaling to help her heal positively. I loved how she had Kylo's head in the clouds from their first interaction. 

Kylo and Innocent together were scary...unstable, while being so damn loving and sweet. These two were the most prayingest (I know that isn't a word) psychopaths I've ever read about 🤣 They didn't gaf about anything but each other and their families. When Cen and Capri went on that dummy mission I fell completely out cuz they were wild.

Uncle's Boys brought me so much joy.“Us missed you bery lot,” I would have given those bad azz boys everything. Every time they came on the page my heart just warmed.

This story covered so much and it's important that you read the Trigger Warnings. I laughed so much because Kylo is a damn fool and always got something slick to say. He is like a kid with no filter at all. 🤣🤣 But I also cried a lot for them. Kylo writing those letters just hurt my damn heart. I'm talking shambles. The growth that was achieved after that was hard, but worth it. I felt like Kylo was growing up before my eyes and he was truly worthy of it all. 

I will close with I really wish this book was edited properly, because the story itself was amazing and better than All in to me.
Profile Image for Symone.
120 reviews15 followers
November 21, 2024
“ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔…” 💙



The way this book pulled at my heart strings 🥹 I had to take a break in between reading. While I enjoyed Kai’s story Kylo’s story holds a special place in my heart, his growth and healing journey was handled with care.

The mental health struggles specifically with Black men Zee Renee captured really well.
Profile Image for Erin Rae.
396 reviews34 followers
August 24, 2025
I can’t even find the right words to write a really good review for this book. 4.5 ⭐️ It was full of grief & heaviness that at times I had to stop reading hence why it took me 20 days to finish. I just want to input a GIF into this review to wrap up how I felt lol

I remember meeting Kylo in “All In” and declaring him my man my man my mannnnnn lol That’s my sweet Kylo ❤️🫶🏽 He can’t do no wrong in my eyes!

More thought to come…..
Profile Image for Shae Wills.
102 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2025
I have conflicting feelings about this book. I really enjoyed how mental health in the Black community was highlighted. Kylo’s struggle was relatable and honest. It’s not a perspective that’s often explored in Black literature. However, I spent the majority of the book cringing. It was real dark at certain parts and it made it hard to root for Kylo and Innocent. As far as urban romances go, it’s nowhere near the best I’ve read. This was just okay, it didn’t blow me away.
Profile Image for Jaliesa.
188 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2024
It’s Really beauty of the other side of Troubled Waters , Kylo & Innocent describe this so well. Unforgettable 🫶🏽

Let’s start here for this to be Zee 2nd book SECOND, it’s just really leaves me voice less . I can only imagine how her work going to transform Six month from now. My girl exceeded this masterpiece left no crumbs, I knew it was going to be nothing short of perfection , did you not read ALL IN…. 606 pages later KYLO BEAN!!!! & ONE WORD BRILLIANT!! 48 Hours I was lost in the pages. The feelings I have for this story…..
🥹☺️🥰🫣🤭😂🙃😶😓💦🥳🤪😃🙌🏽👏🏽💫⭐️✨

“You’re Worthy of it “this saying was the blueprint of this story because those four words held so much meaning on both side of the spectrum, The overcome , The healing , The loving , The family , The hurt ,The pain , The laugh, The joy , The tears, The breakthrough, The Growth, Cause man you going to feel it . I can go on and on but I’m not cause you just have to take this Journey yourself . I know 606 you be like “idk about that” too many pages but if I’m being honest not enough pages! I know I am going to feel this way every time I read something from Zee and mind you again this her second book “2” I’m so excited to be on this journey with her cause I’m going forever be blown away, cause that’s what I strive for every-time I open a book.

Kylo & Innocent really Queen & Slim Type ish , True Flames the same person and I couldn’t love them no more than I already do!!! They both deserved , & worthy of each other cause man I was rooting from them since the first interaction and it never wavered. Truly Best-friend and if you couldn’t feel that thought out the pages the love that have for one another what the freak! . Love ballad truly a song for them cause every time I hear it from this moment on, Kylo & Cen is going to come to mind ! I smiled & laughed so much just being wrapped up in them!!!

K
L
Y
O
Nugget he fought , he over came , he love , he suffered, he healed , he conquered . & I bawl for him for Them Cause He was worthy of it all!!! & HE IS THAT N***** BEAUTIFUL inside Out regardless if he believe it or not! WE did ! Love him down!

This family is everything and more , Kai , Ken , Harlee , Nova, mama I , Rotomi , Capri the dynamic I could read about this everyday any day of the week.

Kannon Ball, Krue , Kye , Kyse , & Kayson . When they grace the pages you couldn’t help but fall deeply! & I cannot wait to watch they behind grow cause I have a feeling that we are going to see it all!

It’s also the therapy for me I love when books incorporate that in the story cause it’s really a beautiful thing to see the growth first hand , I feel like I’m on the journey with them and rooting for them just as much throughout, & that come back be something serious . Carter man was so good!


The spice waasss so spicey,I have so many moment in this book that going forever live in my Brain. So I’mma lead with this Kylo birthday surprise 5 senses , Young Dolph , the Couples Yoga man(I had to fan myself) , the Uno game just them two ( again pause ) , Africa , the yacht, Keith pack . Indonesia , the vulnerability from everybody just to name a few you gotta dive In to experience the rest. It’s going to be the best decision of your life. And if you think it’s book not going to hold your attention the entire time just Wait! Trigger Warning take heed . You have to Read All in first though, and don’t be one of those people to skip. Ugh.

This review getting too long. But gotta give my girl her props ! Congratulations Zee this was Well Written and it came just in time. Thank you for Truly blessing us with your Talent .🥰🥰
Profile Image for Kyeatta H.
360 reviews23 followers
November 6, 2024
Zee Renee never lets me down. Her character development is excellent. When you are reading her books, you get every part of each character. She doesn't leave anything up in the air. Kylo and Cen were so perfect together. They didn't mind praying over each other. The comical banter I absolutely loved. There are so many issues that are addressed in this book. Childhood trauma, abuse, sexual assault, sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape...so much more. Even though the trauma is there the love that pours out of this book overpowers all of those things and I love that. It will be forever Fuck Keith. Post is a ho and Olivia got what she deserved. Imma keep it a buck I didn't think Cen would get over the whole sister thing, but I stand corrected. It shouldn't had taken me so long to get around to reading this book but I had to mentally prepare myself for a 600+ page book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sher✩・*˚⁺‧͙.
298 reviews42 followers
January 26, 2025
It was a refreshing change because I haven’t read book like this 😩 I need more books like this
Profile Image for Jasmine Johnson.
56 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2024
On Nova! I love it.. it’s just one of those lines that sticks with you. On Nova, this was a great read. I enjoyed every bit of it. Zee Reneé takes you on a journey that starts lighthearted and funny, easing you in, but then transitions smoothly into deeper, more complex territory. The way these heavier themes are handled feels thoughtful and respectful, making you feel like you’re right there with this family, feeling every bit of their love and pain. It’s the kind of story that pulls you in and makes you feel part of something real. I loved it from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Donnesha.
168 reviews
January 4, 2026
Wow!! Great Read!

Wow what a journey! This is my first read of 2026 and my first book by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. The story was well written and explored the darker side of mental health struggles rooted in childhood trauma in a very honest way. Kylo’s journey was raw and emotional, which made me appreciate his character and story even more. His resilience, along with his family’s refusal to give up on him and their willingness to understand his internal struggles, played a crucial role in his healing.

Innocent had her own trauma and found healing through journaling, which was what worked best for her. The growth of their relationship felt organic and intentional, built slowly brick by brick. While there were moments where the story felt like it dragged a bit, overall this was an amazing and impactful read that I truly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Crimson.
627 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2024
Bravo

I read these books backwards, but oh well. This is a beautiful disaster. The tears that I shed were plentiful. I would have finished this book yesterday, but I had to work. The love that this family shared was unlimited. Y'all just read the damn book.
Profile Image for Zarria Gaddie.
52 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2025
“This was what I’d long for, peace. Happiness. The Big Man doubled it and taught me joy. He gave me Joy. Most importantly, God revealed to me who He saw me as. I, Kylo Austin, had finally found my identity. That was one of the two things I was missing. The other was Innocent. She’d never know that she helped put me in my soft nigga era too, if that shit even was a thing. Chuckling at the thought, I rested my lips against her forehead. “Within you, my soul found its missing piece, Innocent. Thank you for showing me that there is beauty on the other side of Troubled Waters.”


I just spent the last 6 hours finishing this book because I got so reeled in that it was no other option. I didn’t think it could get better than Kai and Harlee’s story, but wheww Zee…girl you blew my expectations. That MF Kylo met his match didn’t he? I don’t know how your brain comes up with these storylines, but you are CREATIVE. My emotions were all over as it was with the first book. It got deep quick, and just so many key takeaways that will stick with me. A lot of times I found myself having to pause, and process for a cool minute because it was reading me for filth. The love, pushing through storms both together and individually, healing, finding self, etc. it was all so beautiful. Oh, and let me tell you something. That Uno card scene? Yeah, I will be taking notes when I am blessed with my person…had me questioning everything👀✍🏽😮‍💨

(P.S. I still pray that this makes it to the big screens. I meant it when I said you are talented, and deserve all the recognition for your hard work. Just remember me because I have a whole cast to play the roles)
1 review
June 5, 2025
Was a great read! Also I feel like Kylo’s family didnt truly mess with innocent. I feel like they fucked with her purely because that was his girl. They didn’t like her fr. And the definitely tried to gas light her in to believing she shouldn’t feel away or over exaggerated about her sister. He was sick asf for that. Because that seen almost made me DNF the book. His family definitely should’ve held him accountable for what he did and his mamma bout pissed me off, she held no accountability for what happened to her sons or the way they turned out. But wanna put the blame on someone else for Kylo trying to commit suicide. I feel like that situation should’ve been addressed more. But in my opinion the family wasn’t fucking with innocent.
Profile Image for Monique.
573 reviews30 followers
June 9, 2025
(4.5⭐️) This was intimidating to start because of the size (550+pgs) but it moved quickly because of the shenanigans, the love, and the plot points. This was an excellent read! Aside from being laugh out loud funny (because Kylo & Innocent had not a lick of sense), it was so emotionally raw. The depictions of mental health struggles were🥺I found myself wanting to reach through the pages and just love on the both of them. There was so much trauma for both MCs and even though they loved one another deeply and were healing together in the context of their relationship, there still came a time where they required time apart to find themselves and heal individually, & trust their love was enough to bring them back together.

Also,I love a book where the couple are legit homies too. I cackled at their banter & friendship, and I really did love having a front seat to the two of them learn to build a healthy love.

The only reason it isn’t a true 5⭐️ read for me is that sometimes the dialogue felt overly preachy at times…literally. Despite the dark stuff that both MCs were wrapped up in, It’s A LOT of Jesus & prayer in this book.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
688 reviews30 followers
September 21, 2024
Love and healing!

I loved this! What a story! This is a story about the power of love, healing, and forgiveness. Forgiving those you love, forgiving those who’ve wronged you, and forgiving yourself. Kylo and Innocent were incredibly cute together, but I loved that this book not only showcased the love between the two but also the love story of Kylo and his family, which was just so heartwarming. Kylo’s journey in this book is powerful. His pain was so visceral, so raw you could almost feel it through the page. So many times I wished I could hug him. I’m so glad Zee Renee wrote this book the way she did. Showing that although Innocent loved Kylo with all her heart, sometimes love isn't enough and you have to heal yourself; put in that work to come out on the other side. Five phenomenal stars!
Profile Image for 5 Star Delta.
296 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2026
4.5⭐️

This is an interconnected standalone and I suggest reading All In for the best reading experience and understanding Kylo.

I was a bit turned off with the author’s comments stating if you didn’t like All In, to not read this book b/c she didn’t wanna read the reviews! This book sat in my TBR for a minute b/c All in was very long and could’ve been about 200pp shorter. It was terrible, just too long for no reason. After seeing, how long this book was, I didn’t know it I wanted to go thru that again. BUT, it kept coming up from Book Tockers I follow, so here I am.

This story was true character development for Kylo! A love story I was not expecting. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end even thru all its length. Ky & Cen were truly twin flames that were made fo each other.

Suicide is heavily discussed in this book, so proceed with caution.

The playlist is 🔥
Profile Image for Onehellofalady.
191 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2024
🥹 Just read it!

I gave this book five stars because I already loved kylo from the first book. Read the trigger warnings before reading this book contains violence, suicide and abuse. I enjoyed every minute of the roller coaster of emotions that this book took me through. Innocent and kylo were really twin flames he met his match with this one. The way this family ride and stand behind one another is so beautiful all while keeping God first,the whole family circle is lit. I recommend this book if you like gangstas, love, unaliving and money in your urban fiction. Author Zee Renee kudos to you for completing this book going through all of your own personal trials, it was worth the wait.
Profile Image for Jasmine Jones.
13 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2026
“Within you, my soul found its missing piece, Innocent. Thank you for showing me that there is beauty on the other side of Troubled Waters.”

KYLO AUSTIN LEWIS! I love that man! I have literally laughed out loud reading Troubled Waters. Kylo says anything and it is hilarious! I was not expecting the novel to take the turn that it did (no spoilers) but it was a beautiful journey. The love between he and Cen and the love for themselves was so special to see develop. This was a good read. I only gave it 4 and not 5 because I felt like it was dragging at some points. However, the family bonds, friendships, entrepreneurship, overcoming demons, showing love in all 5 languages, all the scriptures and music references...it made up for it.
Profile Image for India Nicole .
52 reviews
October 29, 2024
Kylo’s Happy Ending!

I’m not gon lie I waited so long to read this and when I saw that it released I downloaded it immediately, however it took me a whole month to finish because poor Kylo went through some heavy trauma! Very relatable and at this vulnerable moment in my life this book took me through all the emotions. It was truly worth it all. I love Innoncent and Kylo’s story real bad! Zee Renee does it again! 🩵🤍🩵🖤
Profile Image for K Lewis.
131 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2026
This is not your normal lovey, dovey fluffy romance. This book was very deep. It made you think. It had very dark at moments. Remember to read the triggers before you deep dive into this book. This book was beautifully written.You learn a lot more about Kylo, and you fall in love with Innocent, and you just take the journey with them. I laughed. I cried. Zee Renee did her big one!!!
Profile Image for Taees_Cozy_Corner.
851 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2024
This book was sooooo good. First it’s sad as shit don’t get me wrong it really is. The characters have been through it all, but in spite of it all they are all hilarious as hell. I never he a book make me cry and laugh at the same time.
Profile Image for Kamal Ricketts.
13 reviews
June 19, 2025
Good read

This one is a slow burn. This one also brings out all the emotions. I enjoyed reading it even though the heavy parts. This book is real, raw and very relatable. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Domi Denise .
6 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2026
This was a very well written book, absolutely amaaaaaazing. So healing 💖
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
487 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2024
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. I feel like I’ve said “oh this in my top favs of the year” like 15 times but I’m stamping & finalizing that this is my number one favorite of 2024. I HIGHLY doubt there will be a book that takes its place. This book had me snotty nose crying. I mean I cried soo hard my eyes hurt & I had to step away & take a lil nap (it’s been a looooong time since I read a book that pulled that much emotion out of me.) I suggest reading All in first but you don’t quite have too because even though Kylo was a prominent character in all in troubled waters is his story. It’s about his experiences. It’s about his journey to love both romantically & self love. Kylo’s story is relatable in the way that it’s plenty of people who have been through what Kylo went through some had the same outcome as Kylo & some wasn’t as fortunate as Kylo. But also Innocent was also on her own journey of self love & healing through her trauma & grief. This book was heavy af but also good af too.
63 reviews21 followers
February 13, 2025
This literally made its way into my top 3 books! I loved everything about this book from the way it was written down to the MMC 🩵. Never wanted to mean a character before until now! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of Zee’s bother books!
Profile Image for Brisace.
561 reviews
November 8, 2025
I truly appreciate Kayla for putting me on, because girl, why did I wait this long to read this? This one right here was deep, dark, and dangerously beautiful. A chaotic match made in emotional mayhem. Their connection was magnetic, raw, messy, and real in a way that hits you right in the chest. I loved how Zee Reneé peeled back their layers, showing the softness buried beneath all that pain. It’s giving twin flames, trauma bonding, and toxic love, trying to heal. Heavy, but so worth the ride.
Profile Image for Ambra | ambreadbooks.
450 reviews19 followers
May 19, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
— I loved this love story. Zee pulled out so many emotions from me while reading this book. I loved the depictions of trauma, therapy, healing, mental health struggles and journaling in their story. — Both MC’s were fighting demons and carrying heavy trauma.
— I love Kylo Lewis real bad. I wanted to protect him at all cost. He deserved to be loved unconditionally. He deserved patient healing. He deserved genuine happiness, internally and externally. — he was unhinged for sure, but in the best way!
— Innocent was a true match for Kylo. They were both crash outs, I’m talking looney tune. — she was the female version of him; in the streets, making money, and catching bodies.
Profile Image for Pia Green.
200 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2024
Whew babyyy the tears I cried 🥺

The tears I cried and the way I laughed. Zee baby you have a gift! The way you write and Kylo’s story! I thought I loved the way Kai loved Harlee through it all. But Kylo and Innocent’s story easily became my favorite! Cannot wait for what’s up next!
Profile Image for IndiaC’iera.
3 reviews
February 3, 2025
Overall, this was a decent book. Was it lengthy? Absolutely I found myself skimming through the end of the book just get finished with it. It does have a lot of spicy moments and I enjoyed seeing the MC’s development. Overall I enjoyed reading this book! Sometimes even struggling to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews