In Only For The Moment, Aari and Syx taught us that not all love is meant to last forever. Sometimes, it’s the fleeting, imperfect moments that shape us the most. Their story reminded us to embrace love for what it is in the present, even if the future feels uncertain.
But what if life offered them a second chance? Years have passed, and fate has brought Aari and Syx back together. This is their Act All or Nothing—a bold, uncharted chapter where they must decide whether to risk it all for the love they once shared or let the past stay behind them.
The stakes are higher now, and new complications stand in their way. Old wounds, unresolved tension, and unexpected obstacles make their second chance anything but simple. Will they overcome what stands between them or lose each other again?
4.5 ⭐️ I ate this book down. I was really waiting for a part 2 of Aari and Syx love story and was not disappointed. Syx knew what he wanted and was coming back for his family.
I was one of the people who wanted more, and I’m not gonna hold y’all am I happy I got more? Yes. But I also felt like this story had a whole lot of back and forth with a lack of boundaries.
This is a really realistic second-chance romance, but I really struggled with the family dynamics. While we saw growth in the relationship between Syx and that lady, we didn’t see any improvement in their individual family dynamics. I don’t need every character to be strong and confrontational, but I do need them to STFU. Sorry, but my empathy for both Syx and miss girl is sitting at about 20%.
Nneka, Lorraine, the mama, Kayla all of them needed to be told about themselves. Syx did stand his ground a little more, which I appreciated, but Aari just complained without ever putting her mama in her place. Like, enough. You felt neglected, but you keep showing up and saving the day? Girl, please. At some point, you have to decide—is being close-knit more important than your personal well-being? Because based on the story, that’s exactly what it seemed like for Aari. And if that’s the case, I don’t wanna hear any more about how they treat you because you allow it.
Also, Aari’s profession should have given her more insight and a better ability to navigate these situations, but it didn’t. She’s the social worker, yet Syx is constantly the one handling situations and emotions better than her? Like girl, WTF? I am happy they figured it out but I could’ve done with out the family info since there was barely any improvement or progress.
All or Nothing kept me eager to see how Syx and Aari would rekindle their relationship. One thing about Syx, he applied all the pressure and he was about whatever for his family! However, the twins stole the show for me! Their inquisitive minds and cutesy personalities was the balance I needed. The storyline as a whole was good; the couple kept me on my heels but at times I felt the story was dragging and then the pace would pick up again. If you enjoy second chance romance, family drama, a smooth-talking-confident-BDE slanging “father”, and secret baby, give this one a try. There are a few things that could be sensitive to readers, so take heed to that. Good job on this series.💕
Omg….. this series just… whew Aari & Sxy really took me on a ride!! Man I loved these 2 downnnn! The chemistry between them is insane! It’s like they just got it each other without the other having to say or do anything! Sxy was on a mission & he was not playing about his family!! Aari was torn between her past & present but something about the pull between her & Syx couldn’t keep them away from each other! Their families both added to the never ending drama in their lives! Every time things seemed to be going well for the two a bomb went off in their lives exposing something new! Most love stories are predictable but I was honestly unsure If they would make it or what could possibly happen next!!
Celeste was TRASH 😒 she worked every single nerve that I have! I wanted her outta the picture expeditiously but she just would notttt go away! She pmo from the first page to the very last! 🤣
Chase had no idea just how quickly things would change once Aari & Syx were back in each others presence! I kind of felt sorry for him 😭
Overall this was such a good read!! My first by this author but most definitely won’t be my last!! If you haven’t already get into it!
I love Syx and Aari. Their love felt tangible and authentic. The way they loved and poured into each other was beautiful. I also appreciated how the author didn't just gloss over the transgressions of the family or main characters. They were worked through or cut off. This story was incredible! So emotional and endearing. Syx gets a candle.🖤
Let’s make it last….. Team Syx & Aari ! check it! 🥰
Truly one moment can change the trajectory of many that follow behind , this book is truly the definition of that!
Syx is FREE & the things that unfolds between him and Aari is truly something you would want to embark on . 479 pages and I can read moreee that’s how good this book is ! The perfect story all about expect the unexpected & when it’s meant to be it will be ! & never count someone out because their past not the best! Second chances can happen.
My favorite is Syx & Aari chemistry they’re so in tune with one another it just makes you love them that much more . neither play about the other one! Stepping regardless! Through all the chaos the love they had for one or another you could feel through the pages and I knew they better had got their HAE! Cause what?!
Proud family is unmatched, I love the spin with this family . & Ry & Sevy! Omg! You will enjoy this read Part 1 firstttt!!!!
Okay, talk about chocked full of intense drama. And a love story tied in, wow! Syx deserved this second chance story. Aari also deserved the chance to see Syx's changed side. Celeste was petty petty, and I don't believe a word she said. We could have gone a lifetime, and we did not need her in the storyline. The family drama was lighter this time. Mostly, I enjoyed Syx and Aari getting a part II to their love story.
☆☆☆☆☆ ——- ⇰ I just love my man Syx! He is definitely going down as one of my all time book bae’s. That man stands on business about everyone around him and it is so attractive. He plays no games whatsoever! ⇰ People may think Aari was wrong for her secret she kept from Syx but I completely understand it and I love the boss she is for holding it down and doing what she did for Syx when she didn’t have to. ⇰ Ari’s family had me cracking up so bad. In this read we got to know them more and I’m not mad about it at all. Dana frowned on me and Kayla will just always be that miserable little girl child. The bond Syx had with Jayson was another highlight of this book and just showed the kind of man he is. ⇰ Celeste was the most annoying mf I ever read about. Delusion is real when it comes to her. —— ⇰ Overall, this was an amazing book that continued the love story of Aari and Syx and I ate it up all the way honestly. I usually don’t do series but I am super glad I picked this one up and will be thinking about it for awhile honestly.
I'm so glad we got a follow-up story on Aari and Syx because I just could not handle the way the novella ended. Syx was a man on a mission, and one thing about him was that he was going to apply that pressure. The way he was handling the situation with Chase had me truly laughing. I loved that Syx never wavered on getting Ari back, no matter who was in his way, her boyfriend or his desperate situationship. This was a really good conclusion.
So first, shout out to Aari being a social worker 🥰But Syx was a MAN! A reformed gang member with a criminal history that wanted nothing more than to just live his life and do the right thing to stay from inside. I loved that this was a realistic second chance romance. Rekindling isn’t always pretty, but for Aari and Syx it was so worth it. I enjoyed their banter and their love. The way they poured into, encouraged, and protected each other. Chef’s kiss. There’s also a couple of other underlying plot points regarding challenging family dynamics and the realities of reentry to society for those previously incarcerated. I still have hands for both their mamas, Celeste and Kayla🙄
3.8 ⭐️ This was much better than book 1- Aari and Syx’s story needed a more developed plot, and I’m glad this gave us that! Even though the original storyline was farfetched, I do appreciate the growth of Syx’s character (a former gang member who got his life all the way together) 👏🏽
I'd rate this book higher if the family drama subplot wasn't so annoying, distracting, and dragged out.
3.5⭐️ I was excited to read this part 2 because I just knew I was going to fall deeper in love with Syx and Aari but this was a let down for me. A lot of half explained drama with the family that I didn’t care for. I didn’t feel any spark or butterflies with Syx and Aari, and when they got back together it was anti-climactic for me. There was barely an inkling that she even felt much for him, then all of a sudden she wanted him…I guess. & Aari annoyed me
As soon as I finished Only for the Moment I just knew I wanted a follow-up with Aari and Syx because it could not end like that so I was happy when this book came out. When Syx saw Aari again for the first time I thought they would be able to pick up where they left off at but not exactly. He definitely applied pressure though until he was able to get what he wanted although it almost slipped away from him. The "surprise" she had for him showed a different side with being responsible and trying to make the right choices so that he wouldn't get locked up again as it was more important than ever to stay out of jail and I liked seeing that side of him. Celeste was getting on my nerves with her hating self. Did I like what she went through, no but was a sorry for her also no because she was a roadblock for Aari and Sys's happiness.
Aari's family was at it again with their shenanigans and drama but I was happy that she was able to make amends with Dana and that Syx was able to be the man that her son could talk to to keep him in check. We got to see a little more of Syx's family in this book too and they weren't too much better than Aari's. I still liked the bond that Aari and Syx shared and that she helped him see that he was more than his past even when he couldn't see it himself. Overall I was satisfied with ending for these two because if we didn't get a HEA, I know something...lol.
The family dynamics were everything — the dinners, the chaos, the way they showed up for each other no matter what. I loved that Aari had such a strong support system. Her mama worked my nerves though 😭 and Kayla needs to get a grip!
Auntie Sylvia Renee… oooh honey, my favorite character hands down! I also loved seeing Brionna enter the fold — that girl fits right in.
Umm, Chase should’ve just walked away 😂
And this quote right here had me dropping my iPad:
“When I get my shit in order I’m taking my family back,” I smirked, letting him know I was neither playing nor intimidated. “Until then, she’s ours. So do your part.” “Ours,” Chase mocked, grinning at Aari to hold his composure. “Yes, ours. You know, the possessive pronoun used to show ownership by a group.”
Syx Mann is wild for this one!
I loved the bond between Jayson and Syx, and seeing Dana and Aari make amends. Celeste… girl, for a lawyer you could not read the room 😭 catch a clue!
I definitely wanted more time with everyone, but I loved this book on so many levels. Legos, family dinner, Syx and Sevyn 🥰 and Ry? Full-on Princess vibes.
This was the full story we didn’t know we needed. The beautiful completion to Aari and Syx. Aari was in a caliber and league of her own. Syx my GOD that man. Listen I know we reading a fiction story but he exudes off the pages. The connection they had between each other was incredible.
Y’all I get he told her not to wait it was there agreement BUT Chase should have known was Big Daddy came home it wasn’t nothing else’s there for him. Kaylyn gave us everything we didn’t know we needed. Love, hurt, bonds, family drama, jealousy, but more so a love so strong they couldn’t deny each other. Yeah, I enjoyed this to the fullest.
Act 1 and Act 2 didn’t miss. 5 stars Miss Kaylyn thank you
This felt like the main course and dessert after the starter with the previous book. This book was perfect and I cannot fault it, it just summed it up and gave everything so I ate this book down.
Side note: this has got to be the author's best work, I loved this series.
Syx and Aari’s relationship was tested from the moment they laid eyes on each other. And it seems like anything that could throw a wrench in their plans in forever. But Syx always loving Aari beyond his wants/needs. Syxtopher loved Aari enough to let her go each time he had to. And all his sacrifice wasn’t in vein. Loved this story Celeste, Bohdi, & King can all catch these hands!!
When I read the first book I felt like it was unfinished when the book ended. From my understanding it wasn’t supposed to be a second book but I’m so glad that it was because it answered all of the unanswered questions that I had!
Celeste got on my nerves, I HATE to see a woman chasing after a man that has said multiple times he doesn’t want her!
I felt like Chase was a placeholder because it was so easy for Aari to let him go! But when he got the children involved in trying to play Syx I knew it was over for him!
Syx, did come home with all the audacity! BUT that was his personality in the first book too! I loved that he stood up to anyone, the people from his past and present! He didn’t take sh*t from anyone!
I wanted Aari and Syx to get back together but I was nervous that Chase was going to provoke him into doing something that would land him back in jail!
I loved the end and how things worked out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
From the start, this book gave me way too much angst. It picks up 5 years later, and nothing was going as I anticipated it would when book one ended. Initially, Aari came across bitter and angry for the consequence of an action that she was more than agreeable too, but acted like Syx wronged her. I disliked how she handled him when he first got home. I also really disliked how Syx kept falling under Celeste's spell - he IRKed my soul, acting like he had no self- control with her. And then all the family drama and dialog got on my nerves too because I just wanted the focus to be on Aari and Syx. I digress though. The storyline finally took a turn in the right direction, and then BOOM, here we go again with this Celeste chic and more family drama- UGH! My last nerve was officially starting to get plucked! I stuck with it though and finally it all came together for Aari and Syx. Little Miss Ry stole the show, but Aunt Sylvie also had me literally laughing out loud. These characters went through a LOT, but I did enjoy seeing them grow through it, and the family really started to grow on me too, except Kayla and Lorraine because it's forever F them! Overall, there was no quick road to HEA in this one, but it does come eventually, and then it was kinda rushed through - but ut did come. There was quite a bit of editing that needed to be flushed out: Missing words, misspelled words, wrong pronouns, wrong names, etc. But again, I stuck with it, and I really grew to like these characters even after all they put me through.
Chile don’t get me started with this book🤚🏽 all my hopes were up from how the last book ended (now that’s how you write a part one 🙂↕️)and sadly those hopes all went down the drain.
Lemmie just start with Syx, like sir, i get Celeste was your lawyer and all but NO🤚🏽. How are you going to sleep in this shawty’s house, sleep with her, tell her YOUR BUSINESS and then act like that😒 ugh i can’t even 🙄😭
I don’t think I’ve been disappointed in a part 2 like this before. One it needed to be way shorter(it was too dragged out imo), two what is happening with all this characters? Like fr, let’s actually get it together 🤚🏽
The only person i feel bad for is Dana, everybody else?? Yeah NO!! Chase pissed me off, Kayla pissed me of AGAIN, don’t even get me started on Celeste’s ass🤚🏽
Tbf, I loved syx and aari’s relationship, but i feel like everyone else’s drama ruined their story🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️
Shit was boring for the most part then u add insult to injury by having Celeste claim she pregnant yeah DNF part 1 was amazing this book was such a let down we spent so much time seeing them fuck other people when they get together you what are adding unnecessary drama to there relationship to make ur story entertaining when really it was lack lust from the beginning these characters fell flat bc they aren’t the same from the last book u mean to tell me a man who is obsessed with this women have been for years to the point where he dreaming a life together for them and they got kids not only sliding up with his ex but fucking that bitch raw u can actually keep it truly 🙄
What a great ending to a beautiful love story!! I was one of the last ones to read this series out of my group. I love reading complete series. This entire series was superb!!! I hate that it has ended, but excited how we got here. Yep, that's it, that's the review. Want some insight..? Just read the damn book 😂
I’m glad Syx and Aari got the HEA. I’m especially happy for Syx he grew so much and he kept on pushing even when there were moments he wanted to give up. And I loved that Aari kept encouraging him. Now I will say it was disappointing when he kept sleeping with Celeste. Yes she kept throwing it at him but just because it’s easy p****y doesn’t mean you should take it. And the little third act breakup was pointless. Honestly ole girl popping up pregnant was predictable and didn’t make sense because all he preached to Aari was how she needed to make sure to protect herself because her getting pregnant was a dealbreaker. So why would he be so careless when it came to himself? Especially when he made it clear he was coming for his family. Yeah, made no sense but I guess the author needed the drama to give a reason for the unnecessary breakup which I didn’t understand considering they spent most of the book apart. But when they finally decide to be together you throw that in there? Umm ok. Now Aari she was cool I didn’t understand why she was so angry at him for being upset that she hid the fact that he had 2 babies out in the world. She not only hid it from him. She also hid it from her kids. Like he pointed out he wasn’t going to be in jail forever so what her plan exactly. And I definitely didn’t like how she allowed ole boy (Chase) to use her kids as pawns. Now if Syx and ole boy want to throw little disses about where they stood with Aari cool. But she should have never been cool with him playing around with her kids. I don’t give a damn what he head to adjust to. Also there were so many TYPOS and missing words it was so bad that it felt like this book wasn’t even edited at any point. The book was really long just for the same scenes to constantly repeat themselves. Overall was a decent book. Would have rated it a 3.5 stars but because of the grammatical issues I had to bring it down to 3.
Whew! This was some good story telling that had me talking out loud to these characters.
I was team Syx since book 1. And while his decision making with Celeste annoyed me. I felt so much empathy for the crappy cards he was dealt.
As for Aari- she was relatable. Her professional achievements and care for others. And like Syx, I empathized with her. Especially the family drama and dynamics. Speaking of family dynamics- I wish there would’ve been more flushing out of those storylines. Nothing felt fully addressed with those problematic family members. I hoped to have the conversation with Dawn and Aari happen on page.
There were so many examples of poor boundaries and Aari and Syx would just eat it for the sake of their deeply toxic families. Nneka was doing the most and it wasn’t really addressed. She was fully out of pocket with Aari and very dismissive of Syx.
I don’t have the time to note all the ways Lorraine tried it. And Celeste, King, and Kayla.
One thing that annoyed me each time it happened was, how Aari referred to Celeste. Aari referring to her as a whore annoyed me. How girl?! Yall weren’t together when their thing was happening. And let’s not forget you had a whole man. Syx was single, how is Celeste a whore?!
I could have read more and more on these folks. It was a nice story. I’m glad the author let things end in a natural way- no forced resolutions. And thank goodness she didn’t justify the toxic ish those family members were doing.
Kaylyn, you have no idea how many times I checked Kindle to see if we’d be given an update on Aari and Syx. I mean literally..I was checking OFTEN, so imagine my surprise after finding this gem! Had me staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish reading it.
I love that you gave us a realistic view of how time and life can sometimes delay the HEA. I’m glad Syx and Aari had to work at making all the parts of their situation work despite the hiccups. Syx’s growth was what drew me in the most. The way he stepped into his role in all aspects despite lingering pressures to return to his old life was admirable. I love that Aari remained his anchor, but still worked to maintain the life she created in his absence—even if it meant denying the love she had for Syx for a while.
The dynamics of both their families added the drama and comedic relief needed to explore the complexities of each characters’ psyche. The realism of not all familial ties being healed was also appreciated, even if it meant an argument here or there. Don’t even get me started on the poor unlucky duo that attempted to disrupt Aari and Syx’s love story for longer than necessary.
I feel like I have so much more to unpack, so I may edit my review after I reread this one. Great job!
I loved reading this second chance romance but trust me some parts are going to piss you off. Syx and Aari have so many back and forth moments in the relationship that you feel like it’s dragged out but it really makes sense because a second chance romance is never easy. Especially when 5 years passed and they each have someone else trying to keep them apart. Syx didn’t care about easy though he knew he wanted his baby back and for longer than a few days this time.
Now I removed 0.5 stars because this book could’ve been a little shorter without all the family drama. We learned so much about the families but never saw any growth. I’ll admit it was realistic because families tend to not acknowledge a lot but it felt pointless reading the same arguments and family problem over and over again. Don’t get me wrong Aari’s family is hilarious at times but it always ended with the same damn arguments.
Anyways I loved the book and also fuck Celeste I never liked her and fuck Chase he was deadass wrong for that car show stunt. Inviting someone’s child somewhere before asking them if it’s even okay is weird.
I would highly recommend you go read “Only for the Moment” which is the prequel to this one. The story of Aari and Syx starts there. I can’t give much on the review without giving away spoilers. What I will say is love is unconditional and doesn’t always come wrapped like a perfect gift. These stories will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. What I loved most is the crazy family and their antics. I could relate to the family drama. I laughed and cried throughout these stories. Aunt Sylvie Renee is off the chain! Every family has an Auntie like that! Oftentimes, lots of families have secrets and always a couple of them who will get mad enough to spill some of the skeletons from the closet. As for Kayla, she got on my last nerve with her self-righteous and self-entitled behind! I’m happy for Dana finally getting what she deserves. As for a spin-off, we need Jamel and Rickea to finally see each other and get together. Lexie deserves a spin-off too. I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this novel!
This is a great follow up from the short prologue we got from Only for The Moment! Syx and Aari connect again after five years and there are huge updates. I loved how Syx immediately went into solve mode, and saw that the chemistry between him and Aari was still there and he was not going to give no it up matter what! When it comes to sari, her character developed even more! She still stood on business and was very much aware of her boundaries and upholding them!!
I also loved the family dynamics, that were touched on in this story! Aari’s family was hilarious truly, everyone except Kaila was so great!! I also enjoyed Syx’s sister.
The author did a great job at writing this story of a second chance with a connection that was so strong but because of unforeseen circumstances it could not be persued further, the mess in this book was an added bonus because I love a convoluted story! I would definitely recommend!