Kayshon Patton is overcome with painstaking nightmares that fuel his survivor’s guilt after escaping the bullets from his father’s gun. With tainted blood, why would he ever consider anything that could add to his father’s legacy? His plan is simple, until it isn’t, when he pulls up on her in a predicament that warrants his assistance. Yet, one feisty exchange causes him to question the life plans already in motion.
Ashari Weeks has built armor around her heart and has no plans to let another man in. A flat tire amid a thunderstorm forced her to meet a man who was determined to change her mind. A monthly lunch date with her godfather detours everything she thought she wanted. The more she learns, the more she believes that her godfather and God should have set their sights on someone else.
Hooked on Loving Him is a tale of letting go of everything to benefit from falling in love. This is book two of the Baxter County Blues, a three-book series. Each installment will have a complete story for three men whose lives have been everything but roses and the women tasked with loving them through their challenges.
Ma’am, how have you learned the art of not only pulling at my heart strings, but snatching them out of my body? The way I shed tears about this read….. whew! 😢 I was sad for Kyce after learning of his situation and experiences in book 1, but THIS ONE! Kayshon’s story had me angry, ready to fight, and heartbroken at all he had experienced in his young life. Now he is struggling in ways that have him troubled and tormented. Although doing well professionally, his personal life is filled with meaningless sex to silence the noise from his traumatic past. Never had he thought of a woman for more than to satisfy his needs until her.
Ashari was a sassy spitfire, and I loved her personality. She cussed like a sailor and praised God by listened to her old school gospel music a minute later. 🤣 Trying to find balance in her life away from her overprotective parents, and her dull dating life, she was just done. One night when her car breaks down on a stormy night, and a handsome, yet cocky man stops to help her, she knew her life was about to change. How is this man stopping to help me with his ho in the car? Yes, spitfire I told you. 🤷🏾♀️ When he told her that he was going to marry her, she was giving him the serious 👀 cause ninja what?? 😤
Kayshon didn’t know what it was about this feisty woman, but he knew that she was his future. But would she be able to deal with all that comes with me? I am full of baggage and have not begun to unpack. No worries he was going to pursue her anyway and figure it out as he goes. It didn’t take him long to wear Ashari down, and their coupling was on track.
However, when Kayshon’s demons started to come to the surface, it frightened Ashari, but not enough for her to leave him. Thank God for Dr. Leticia and Pastor Reese because Kayshon had sooooo much to address about all aspects of his life. When it all came to light, I was gutted and hurt like I knew him personally. The way all the adults in his life failed him! 🤬 Ughhh…..
There were a lot of moments in this story that were hard to read, but if you can get through them, it is worth it. ❤ As this couple comes out on the other side healing, renewed, faithful, and full of love. Now, there were many laugh out loud moments too ya’ll to balance it all out. I cannot wait for Juwaan’s story. He was so against his brother’s finding love and “leaving” him. What is his story? I just hope that it isn’t as heartbreaking as Kayshon’s, cause imma need a minute to recover from this. However, I have a feeling that his is going to top them all. Great read! 👍🏾👍🏾
This book had some heavy stuff going on, but there was also laughs, and loves. I almost shed some tears because my heart hurt for Kayshon. Even Kayshon had such a traumatic childhood and used women the way he did, he knew Ashari was his one. They had some obstacles getting there, but with love, some mental and spiritual healing, they got to where they needed to be. I can’t wait for Jawaan’s book, but at the same time I’m not sure, lol. Like the author suggested, please check the trigger warnings but if you can get through them, then you’ll enjoy the book.
While this story had some super heavy moments, there were also moments of brevity that had me laughing as much as the heavy moments saddened me and made me want to cry. Kayshon and his brothers went through hell and it is clear from reading about Kayshon and Kyce that a praying, loving and nonjudgmental woman is what they needed to get past their past and traumas. Their women plus therapy is providing these men with healing.
I loved that Kayshon immediately knew he would marry Ashari from their first meeting. I also loved that she didn’t hold any punches with him and made him have to come correct and recognize areas in which he needed to grow. I also loved that they prayed for each other. The prayers and messages in this book was well written and well received. I also loved that these men are embracing therapy and that there is a need for it to get to their healing place. I love the relationship between the brothers as well as the relationship with Ashari and her girls, parents and Pastor Reese.
I’m looking forward to diving into the final book in this series whenever it gets released. I have a feeling Jawaan is going to take me through it emotionally as well, but I’m also anxious to get his story.
This series addresses themes of child abuse, child sexual abuse including statutory rape, parental death, child neglect and abandonment and I would caution anyone who is triggered by these to take care of themselves if they decide to dive into this series. While these themes are heavy and prevalent throughout, there is a happily ever after and the journey to get there, while at times may be painful for the reader and the main characters, it is worth the read.
These are getting heavier and heavier…whew. I love that while they are navigating their trauma, they are learning to do it in a healthy way. These books show how although you have scars, you don’t have to have toxic love. The fact that Riley emphasizes therapy and having a relationship with God on your healing journey is top tier.
I was wondering when she was going to bring all of the Bellamy brothers in. After she gave Gavyn show up in the first book, I knew it was only a matter of time. Kyce, Kayshon and Jawaan meeting up with Cain, Nino and Gavyn was a boys night out I don’t know I needed lol.
One rainy night. A chance encounter. He made the decision that she would be his wife. God, family and the universe prayed and worked on their behalf for them to be together. He put in the work. To heal, to overcome his trauma. To not be like his father. He was patient, she was patient. They were understanding to each other.
This was a beautiful story of 2 people choosing each other and doing the work to be together despite their past. She helped him become a better man. He knew he wanted her and that she would be his wife and he proceeded to do everything he needed to do to make sure it happened.
This one was okay to me, idk I just feel like we didn’t see any monumental growth from our MMC. He was quite self absorbed and inconsiderate majority of the book and while I appreciate the role his therapist played I did find it a little strange that he didn’t think to communicate with ole girl and needed the therapist to explain that to him. I understand the depths of his trauma I just didn’t like him and miss girls relationship. While they both learned things the rehabilitation for men plot line grates my nerves. Especially when it’s a black romance book, like black women do enough are enough and never receive enough so for her to have to shoulder the burden of his trauma in order to arrive at the love just wasn’t a journey that was enjoyable. While I really liked the first book in this series idk something about this story just didn’t flow to me. I may revisit but so far book one has been the best. I felt like we got way too many bible references and messages from the lord that we didn’t really spend enough time with our characters. I know a lot of people get stuck at the age they was traumatized but yeah he acted way younger than his age and it just made this story drag to me.
Kayshon definitely had a story and I cried for the little boy that lives inside him that his father broke when he took his mother away from!!!…My heart broke for the little boy inside of him that was told he would be just like his father, words spewing from his grandfather’s mouth!!!.. My heart broke at the fact that the ppl he was sent to care for him are the very ppl that broke him even more!!!…He saw it as plzure, when in fact, they were violating him in the worse way!!!… I was so happy that Mrs Therapist took that hat off and read him for filth, because he needed that reality check!!!… Ashari was a perfect fit for him and I was soooo glad she stood in that mess with him!!!…She walked away when she felt invaluable in his world, even after he felt like he did nothing wrong!!!…She spk her truth with wanting a family and let it be known that she needed to think and pray about it!!!… She spk life into him so that he can see that the little hurt boy can be healed, so that the man she was loving can live in his FULL POTENTIAL!!!… But the most chilling part of this book was the power of those prayers that his brothers spk over Kayshon!!!… Gave me chills!!!…So far, this is an amazing series!!!…
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is how it dealt with male trauma in a REAL, compassionate way. We all know the stigma men go through stuff, deep trauma, and instead of getting help, they push it down, ignore it, or mask it. So seeing a male character actively in therapy, taking his healing seriously, doing the work for his own mental well-being? That was beautiful. More books need men like this.
Just like book one, this story blended faith and normal life perfectly. The author showed how someone can love God, have their beliefs, and still live in the real world dating, loving, being intimate, laughing, growing, making mistakes. And the way the book handled intimacy… listen, I appreciated the honesty. Yes, premarital sex is technically a sin nobody’s sugarcoating that but the author didn’t turn it into some dramatic “the world is ending” catastrophe either. It felt human. Relatable. Balanced.
This book had SO much going on, but in the best way. It was funny, sweet, emotional, and surprisingly deep. And let’s talk about him… because WOW. His foster parents? They did a NUMBER on that man. At one point I genuinely thought he was developing a full-blown addiction like sir, blink twice if you need rehab, because PROBLEMATIC wasn’t even the word. But the fact that he sought help instead of spiraling? I loved that.
And the humor? TOP TIER. I laughed so many times.
This was such a warm, uplifting romance the kind of story that leaves you smiling when you close the book.
It's been a minute since I read Kyce's book so I had to remember everything that happened in Rema and Humphrey's house. It seems as though Kayshon was groomed a little more than the others, but we haven't heard Juwann's story yet so we'll see. However, Kayshon experienced so much before even arriving to the place he thought would save him...death, rejection, more death...it was a lot for a 9 year old boy. It wasn't until he runs into smart mouth Ashari that he thinks God may actually be looking out for him. Ashari was dare I say the perfect other half to Pay shin because no matter what he did, she prayed for him, she supported him, and held on to the promise that all things work together for good. Letitia was such an amazing therapist, and I'm glad Kayshon took Kyce's recommendation of her a actually went. While heavy, it was funny, inspirational, and proof that family doesn't have to be blood. Read the CW/TW and happy reading y'all!💋
Listen, the foster care system is something else. I know that all of the homes are not bad, but the ones that are wreck havoc on the lives of the children who are effective.
Kayshone was messed up. He stayed away from love and vowed to be a bachelor for life. Seeing his dad kill his mom, and then his dad turning the gun on himself was too much for his nine year old mind to handle. He had constant nightmares and refused to father children.
That all changed when he met Sharu on the side of the road with a flat tire. She gave him the business, and he told her that he was going to marry her. She side-eyed him and told him that he was crazy.
Turns out they both were crazy about each other. It took them a while to get it right, but as always, love always wins.
Kayshon and Ashari's book took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I was crying with him one moment and laughing at the brothers' antics the next. The inclusion of faith and therapy interwoven into the story was part of the healing process for Kayshon, and I loved that he was able to overcome the childhood trauma that was inflicted upon him. I'm glad that Kayshon didn't let his past keep him from his blessing in Ashari. I loved their vibe and chemistry which made their sex scenes 🔥🔥🔥. In Kyce's book, Masani saw the 2 women that she thought were made for Kayshon and Jawaan. She was spot-on about Ashari being the right woman for Kayshon. I can't wait for Jawaan's book to see who both Masani and Ashari think is the right woman for him because it is going to take a special one. Great writing and great storyline!!
Omgggg the best story ❤️ ♥️ 💕 ever🥹😭😭😭😭 the emotions I went through in this story kayshon and shari were mean for each other 🙏🏽 God bring people together in way we don't see coming 🙏🏽 because he knows what we need even sometimes when we don't see 🙏🏽 yesss the man truly open up and loved this woman and the way she stood by him even when she wad upset at him 💙 ❤️ 😢 simply beautiful brilliant 👏🏾 written one of my favorite 😍 and the foster care system as well as family can sometimes be your worst enemy but God loving favor always win! This couple was so beautiful amazing together ❤️ definitely book Bae 🤤🥵 loving this series ❤️ and the botherhood was so beautiful 😍 loved it loved it
Kayson kayson boy he was crazy and really a person that when he love he love hard and it was a journey watching his emotion go up and down. I see how he struggled and was ready showing his emotion how his pass really haunted him about having future children because of his controlling father that took his wonderful mother from him. I sadden finding out how sex to him was like a way to survive because of how young he was taught that to endorse the pain .Ashari had her up and. Downs to and not really understand sometimes that kayson really was the way he is and his actions a couple of time had her walking away or needing space because she could understand why he. Was acting like that but god keep saying though her uncle and other that stay in their and be very patient with kayson . In the begging when kayson old cat lady that he use to fuck she mad fun of because she pulled no nonsense when it comes to some saying they use to do something with. Kayson. She showed Kayson how to probably to make love to her and not fuck like he robot and take his time with her body and they because a couple that prayed and healed together . 10/10 recommend you read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The story is a good read. I have gotten over my initial shock from book one. It is still a little difficult, but it is worth the read. Kayshon and Ashari's story made me smile. It wasn't easy. These two fit like perfect puzzle pieces. I don't want to give anything away. As always, God showed up and showed out. I am so happy that these three brothers have the love and support they should always have had. This is a must-read series. It is always my pleasure to read your books. 🥰
This book was a good read. This love story was especially well written by Riley Baxter. You could feel the passion and love between Kayshon and Ashari in this storyline. There are some erotic scenes in the book. I loved how the author incorporated Biblical verses in this book it was very touching and inspiring that gave the readers strength and confidence to go on when life begins to become to tough. I would most definitely recommend reading this book.
What a great series. Kayshon had a past so deep in hell, I didn't know if he could see his way out. Therapy was a must along with trust in God. A good woman never hurts.
I loved Ashari for him. She was guarded, yet God opened her heart to Kayshon. Her strong belief in God got them both through this storm in their journey.
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Lord, I don't know how much deeper baby boy's story will be from his brothers, but I'm excited for Juwaan's story.
So I don’t have too much to say except that I don’t think I will be able to read Jawaan yet. The only thing I liked about this series are the Bible verses, the references, and the reflections on the gospel. This is why I gave it a 3 stars, but the story and characters were so boring and lame and lacking that I would have not even been able to reviewed the book.’ It was truly not that interesting but rather a very boring story!!!!
The things Kayshon has to work through, no one, especially a child should experience. Having people with strong love and faith will always carry us through. Ashari was a strong woman with strong faith. This was a very good read. Now on to Jawaan. I am so worried about him. Can’t wait to see who tames his tongue!
This series is very heavy. Kcye, Kayshon and Jawaan have experienced some things that kids, let alone adults should NEVER EXPERIENCE. I am happy to see them as adults in church, therapy and finding loving relationship.
Ashari and Kayshon, were literally meant to end up together and I LOVE that for THEM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a good read the story gets a little heavy especially during therapy but the banter between Kayshon his brothers and Ashari help lighten the story…would someone please put Rema out her misery did s add he any morals…loved how therapy and faith were used hand in hand to help Kayshon cope with his trauma
Kayshon’s realized and unrealized trauma was A LOT. None of the adults in his life were worth two cents aside from his mom. He was lucky to have Kyce and Jawaan. Shari def had her hands full with him because only someone handpicked by God could handle the level of trauma he endured. I was tired after reading this one.
Kayshon had my little feeling all over the place. The stuff that happened to him was foul and he couldn’t do anything but attach it to happy times. I need somebody to do something to that foster mom. Love Kayshon and Ashari story will definitely need an update on these two
I’m enjoying reading these books about the brothers. I like the fact that the author doesn’t give you any insight on what the other brothers are struggling with. Kayshon upbringing was definitely different from Kyce. I was always proud that Kayshon didn’t go through with that procedure. Ashari was just what Kayshon needed
Papa REN (pastor) we thank God for you!🙏🏽your spiritual guidance navigating Kayson thru his trauma past and getting the help needed thru therapy with Letitia who is on her bizness 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽 His brothers support; Kyce /Juwaan👏🏾 btw; jawaan is the comedian of the brothers😂 this series is so good! On to Jawaan story!!!
It delivers a heartfelt and sometimes heavy journey through trauma, healing, and unexpected romance. Kayshon Patton is a complex protagonist, struggling with guilt and the weight of his family legacy, while Ashari Weeks is guarded but relatable in her own right. The story picks up when fate brings them together, and the ensuing connection is both believable and gradual. However, the pacing drags at times, and the emotional turmoil can feel repetitive. The novel does a solid job of exploring themes of forgiveness and self-discovery, and the chemistry between the leads is engaging. However, some readers may find the narrative a bit predictable, and secondary characters lack depth compared to the leading duo. Although it can be read as a standalone, it is best appreciated by those invested in the Baxter County Blues series. Overall, “Hooked on Loving Him” is an average but satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance with a touch of drama and emotional baggage.
I love Riley Baxter books. This book was really good because as a Christian I love how God was in this book more than book one. The trauma in this book was more than book one, but I am glad through therapy Kayson is able to get through and Ashani is supporting. The narrators are new to me, but I am enjoying the way. They are telling the story. On to book 3 to hear about Jawaan story .❤️❤️❤️
R. B. you have written men with flaws and faith. I had to stop a couple times to get my bearings on this being fictitious because I wanna beat the brakes of them foster parents and their friends. 🤢🤮🤢🤮 Kayshon 💔 that man still in all his pain knew that Ashari was his from day 1! This story was told with some humor and a little drama. No cheating. HEA.
Riley Baxter did her thing with this one. The challenges and faith Ashari and Kayshon must face and have throughout this book is amazing. Love it being centered around healing mentally and spiritually for both characters. Page turner for sure.
What these men went through as children and how it shaped them is unfortunate. The growth in their spirit and lives is inspiring. Papa Ren is becoming my favorite. This was a beautiful story of wading through trauma and coming out on the other side.