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?
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
"Locked in with you and I love it here, like the b*tches be saying. Told you I got you, Cen.”
When Zee Renee allowed us to read Kylo's story a few months ago, I knew I wanted to join her ARC team. But baby, the glimpse she gave us was nothing compared to the entirety of his story. Kylo is known as an unhinged man, but Troubled Waters dives deeper into the reasons behind his catastrophic and sometimes deadly behavior.
Kylo: KYLO! KYLO! KYLO! Handsome, beyond smart (this man was always hacking Innocent's sh*t) beyond measure, and would give the shirt off of his back, but underneath all of this .. Kylo is dealing with unhealed trauma that unfortunately doesn't allow him to sleep or make the best decisions when it comes to processing how his unhealed trauma has affected every aspect of his life. I enjoyed the way Zee wrote Kylo's character because he reminds me of so many of the Black men that I have come across in my life. The unfortunate familiarity in Kylo’s behaviors made his story very believable in some aspects. Outside of Kylo's trauma, one of the things that I enjoyed about him was his humor. If there was one thing about Kylo, he was going to crack a joke and have you hollering. I also appreciated his love for his family, especially his mother, Nova, and brother, Kai. He stood 10 toes down behind them, and I loved that.
Innocent: The story of Innocent and her life made me sad. Trying to navigate being forced into being the boss of your dead mother's (whom you never knew) drug organization while battling a chronic illness while simultaneously wanting more for yourself was her story. Innocent was such a strong FMC that tried to make the best out of life she was given. Although we talk about Kylo being unhinged, we need to talk more about Innocent and her actions. If you thought Kylo was dropping bodies, Innocent was dropping more! That second line scene will always be one of my favorites. It was so nice to see Innocent finally find her voice and grow into the woman she wanted to be. Go ‘head, boss lady!
Favorite parts: - Kylo and his humor! "I have MS. "Mississippi?" BRUH. Kylo had me HOLLERING! - Innocent and Capri. These two cousins were something else! That second line scene was everything. - Post and Olive finally getting what they deserved. - The fish. IYKYK! - Watching Kylo and Innocent go through their healing journeys separately. Them having to do the internal work that’s necessary to heal was so important to their story.
Kylo and Innocent's story was like no other. Two bosses running drug organizations that should have never fallen in love with each other was a story that flowed into so much more than what I originally thought I would be reading about. While reading Troubled Waters, we watched two people come together and fall in love while both dealing with unprocessed trauma, love hard, but loose one another to gain so much more in the end. I’m happy that the two of them got what was rightfully their’s in the end.
Just as a warning, before you read Troubled Waters, please check your trigger warnings.
Thank you so much to Zee Renee for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team to read Kylo and Innocent's lengthy story of love, loss, healing, and self discovery.
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.
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.
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 .🥰🥰
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.
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.
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.
“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)
(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.
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!
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.
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! 🩵🤍🩵🖤
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
This book was the most IGNANT (yes ignant) shxt i’ve ever read. This was not love. This is toxicity to the highest power. I gave it one star simply because this book is 600 pages and also the mention of my favorite love song (L.T.D.-Love Ballad) but it was riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes. Like please proofread your work! More than once! How does an oatmeal creme pie turn into a slice of apple pie on the next page? This is your body of work that you have spent hard days and long nights on. Why put out a rough draft quality book? I have a long review that I voice recorded on my notes app that has too many grammar mistakes to copy and paste on here but overall I realized i’m just not the target audience for this type of story. This will be my only read by the author. But I hope that you continue to write and improve your story telling. And please proofread!!!! Or hire someone to do it. Someone professional!
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.
🎶I have never been so much, in love, before. What a difference a true love made in my life so nice…. So right! Loving you gave me something new that I’ve never felt, never dreamed of! 🎶
🩵🌊Cen and her Sweet Baby🌊🩵
Sometimes when a debut authors gives us an amazing release you have to make sure it’s not a fluke before you lock in. Well I am locked tf in behind Zee Renee and she has jumped to one of the top spots as a favorite author of mines. Come through “instant click shawty” (yes that’s your new name) because anything she releases moving forward will be an auto purchase for me.
I had HIGH expectations going into this book after loving “All In” as much as I did and Zee did not disappoint. She let us know that she needed to take her time with these characters and that she did. Kylo and Innocent were both extremely layered characters that endured more than a little bit of trauma. We got a glimpse into Kylo’s trauma in “All In” however I was not prepared to travel such a heartbreaking journey with him and Cen. Kylo’s character reminded me of Robin Williams; laughing to keep from crying. You never know what someone is going through based off outer appearances so kindness and grace are a must!! All it took was a dice game 🎲🎲 and undeniable chemistry and they were up and stuck behind each other.
I don’t know what it is about books that tackle mental health in the black community but it really gets me behind the ribs to see these strong powerful men on the outside become vulnerable, wanting to be whole, heard and healed on the inside. It will get me every single time. Do y’all hear me every 👏🏽 single 👏🏽 time 👏🏽!
This murderous, chicken nugget lovin dougie hittin, neo soul extraordinaire really had me falling in love with him like my name was Innocent. Kylo was truly one of one! He had my emotions in an uproar this entire book! The plot twist was bananas and TOTALLY unexpected. Kylo’s silent cries for help were also heartbreaking and I wanted to wrap him in the biggest hug. He definitely topped crybaby Harlee in this book 🤭 but I’m glad he always felt safe enough and seen when it came to showing emotions.
Innocent definitely found her soulmate and twin flame when she crossed paths with Kylo. For so long she navigated through a world not intended for her. She “inherited” a lifestyle that stripped her bare and had it not been for her sister-cousin Capri who knows where she would have ended up. She wanted nothing more than to walk through the gates of her soft girl era and Kylo held them wide tf open!
🩵It was 🏎️🏎️ 🖕🏽📸🖕🏽for me ☺️ 🌊It was “You’re worthy of it” for me 🩵It will always be their handshake for me 🫱🏽🫲🏾🤜🏽🤛🏽🫸🏽🫷🏽👉🏽👈🏽 “Head Shot” 🌊It was “Uncle Kywooooo!” for me!! The way I wanted to eat those babies UP!! 🩵The closet 🥹🥰 🌊The pillow fight 🩵🧘🏽♀️ in 🇹🇿 🥵😈 🌊It was the🍊🍊🍊’s for me 😆🤭😩 🩵This man didn’t talk her through it… he SANG her through it 😩🥵🥰🥹💙 🌊I’ll never look at a game of UNO the same again. 🃏🔵🟡🔴🟢🃏
If yall don’t like urban fiction with tons of murder, trauma, drug dealers, wreckless talking, and everything in between please don’t let my review convince you to read this book. If you didn’t like “All In” this is definitely not the book for you 🥴
Some authors write because it’s something to try out while others write because it’s what they were put on this earth to do. Zee Renee was put on this earth to shine so brightly in the literary world and if this is the beginning!!!! Baby the sky is entry level when it comes to what she has in store for us. I cannot wait for what’s next!!!
Troubled Waters is a thick'ems (400+ read) that takes you through all the emotions, a novel that moves you and gets down to brass tacks, this ditty is a love note to Urban Romance readers searching for "the something more". Things I adored:
👓Niggas with glasses rep. I love love love seeing a hard nosed, street MMC with glasses. It was so simple but yet did a lot of showing different character norms than one is used to in Urban Romance 👓That Guy hardened street x protector MMC trope 👓slow burn intimacy romance 👓Boss Lady FMC x hurt girl trope 👓Anxiety, PTSD, MS rep all well done and clearly well researched 👓hurt/comfort 👓Men can cry 👓Violence/gore and street life rep 👓Southern Urban city culture 👓Found family 👓Hurt people hurt people 👓Brilliant use of Beyonce and music in general 👓Upliftment even in the darkness moments
#AndSoItBegins And so much more than I can name. Here we have Kylo and Innocent (love all the names in this book) having a twin flame at first sight romance. Neither one understanding love or even knowing who they are I loved how this book focused purely on Kylo and Innocent. It feels like a sweeping story and romance with multiple conflicts and twists that keeps the story moving.
And Another thing.... No need for multi-povs as we still received enough character building and conflict through the main stars of the show. By the author handling the story this way, the story flows effortlessly and even with us knowing certain roadblocks it allowed the story to feel flushed out.
Moreover, the use of family moments to help these characters feel alive was just beautifully done. I appreciated how the epilogue felt like a true blue epilogue. We truly were able to see the characters have full-circle moments, their ultimate HEAs and that was just a nice refreshing touch after all of the trauma, mud, difficult situations they were put in throughout the book.
All screws are loose Kylo is a tad touch unserious and funny with a reckless mouth but he's also a kind caring G who was hardened by childhood trauma. Innocent is a hyperaware and cognizant street queen pin who can observe and shift gears when needed. Watching these two melt down preconceived ideas of who they are to finally achieve all their wants and dreams was amazing.
Overall: My 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were moments where sometimes the story lagged, or where some of the deaths lacked emotional connection (oftentimes dramatic deaths were handled anticlimactic care or emotionally glossed over in service to getting pages on pages of family moments); because sometimes it felt like there was more scenes with them individually with the family than with them together; and sometimes the joke would last a little too long.
But still a great read with powerful dynamic personalities and darkness told with humor and joy.