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Impacted by Love
Asaiah Harrison
Providing rescue comes second nature to me. I’m used to running in when everyone else has run out. Only the pressure is mounting, and no one acknowledges the sagging within my shoulders. Understanding why the caged bird sings takes on a new meaning when my prayers continue to go unanswered. What I don’t anticipate is encountering her. Who knew her kindness would ignite the flame dimming in my weary soul that grows with every smile, touch, every moment spent in her presence?
Onesti Jeffries
Helping people soothes my soul. My career as an X-ray technician at Shadow Stew Memorial allows me to mingle with various people. Until one day, I face off with someone my charm has no effect on. Maybe I’m incapable of removing the weariness within his eyes. Yet, I could have never imagined that fate had other plans until the third collision. They say the third time is the charm, but will it be the one that thaws the ice in his eyes?
Can Onesti’s nurturing qualities remove the fractures within Asaiah’s heart? Or will Asaiah’s demons make her question if possessing his heart is obtainable? Find out within the pages of Impacted by Love.
Providing rescue comes second nature to me. I’m used to running in when everyone else has run out. Only the pressure is mounting, and no one acknowledges the sagging within my shoulders. Understanding why the caged bird sings takes on a new meaning when my prayers continue to go unanswered. What I don’t anticipate is encountering her. Who knew her kindness would ignite the flame dimming in my weary soul that grows with every smile, touch, every moment spent in her presence?
Onesti Jeffries
Helping people soothes my soul. My career as an X-ray technician at Shadow Stew Memorial allows me to mingle with various people. Until one day, I face off with someone my charm has no effect on. Maybe I’m incapable of removing the weariness within his eyes. Yet, I could have never imagined that fate had other plans until the third collision. They say the third time is the charm, but will it be the one that thaws the ice in his eyes?
Can Onesti’s nurturing qualities remove the fractures within Asaiah’s heart? Or will Asaiah’s demons make her question if possessing his heart is obtainable? Find out within the pages of Impacted by Love.
Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
212 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 18, 2025
3.5 stars
The storyline was simply, I guess. However, I'm not sure what word I'm searching for that explains my feelings. The religious and then the secular parts kept me thinking about the mixtures and the realities shown here. It's a good read.
The storyline was simply, I guess. However, I'm not sure what word I'm searching for that explains my feelings. The religious and then the secular parts kept me thinking about the mixtures and the realities shown here. It's a good read.
May 10, 2025
Not her normal type of book or writing style. This is Bible-heavy and can be confusing as it switches from current day to past events in the same chapter. It does end on HEA.
May 15, 2025
Now that I have had time to sleep on this review, This book was interesting. In the Authors not she put some context to this book. She wrote this book while grieving. Dealing with grief puts you in a different headspace. This was ok for me and I love Riley. It seemed that she was trying to force a HEA with the 2 main characters and it just wasn't there. I have no idea why Roy even showed up in this story or the other girl Jessica, Jennifer or whatever her name was. I don't know what I thought about Annalise but what I got wasn't it. Baby girl was a hot mess. Asiah's parents, I don't even know what to say. Onesti and Asiah I just don't know, he was freaking mean to her like grump on another level and she was like oh his eyes are so sad I love him. There is grumpy and there is mean. The love just didn't match. I finished the book bit it took me days. It should've never taken me that long to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 12, 2025DNF
I really wanted to like this I enjoyed the first book in the author's last series, and since this one is set in the same city, I was curious to see how she’d build on that world. But clearly it’s something terrible in the water, the air and in the soil cus the men be a MESS.
We’ve got yet another MMC with deep parental trauma, and instead of directing his anger toward the crackheads he calls parents, he’s downright hostile to the FMC—who literally did nothing to him. Like, sir, please redirect that energy.
The final straw? The FMC hitting us with *“I can’t get him off my mind, something is there.”* Ma’am, you’re an X-ray tech, not a therapist. That man needs to be on someone’s couch yesterday.
And the pastor? Don’t even get me started. If someone’s coming to you stressed and heart-heavy over the same addict parents you *know* mistreated him, the last thing he needs is a vague scripture and a pat on the back. He needs real support—like therapy—and to stop taking his anger out on strangers.
It’s also becoming a trend in this author’s work to turn Black women into emotional dumping grounds—therapists, mental health facilities, and trauma healers for broken men who refuse to seek help in a timely manner. Like it shouldn’t take a potential love interest for you to realize you down bad.It’s exhausting and off-putting, and I’m tired of seeing Black women’s softness and emotional labor constantly exploited like this.
Bottom line: this book had potential, but the way trauma and emotional damage were addressed was a lil tired and repetitive. Can we get a Man from Baxtown that’s a rehab facility for his woman?
I really wanted to like this I enjoyed the first book in the author's last series, and since this one is set in the same city, I was curious to see how she’d build on that world. But clearly it’s something terrible in the water, the air and in the soil cus the men be a MESS.
We’ve got yet another MMC with deep parental trauma, and instead of directing his anger toward the crackheads he calls parents, he’s downright hostile to the FMC—who literally did nothing to him. Like, sir, please redirect that energy.
The final straw? The FMC hitting us with *“I can’t get him off my mind, something is there.”* Ma’am, you’re an X-ray tech, not a therapist. That man needs to be on someone’s couch yesterday.
And the pastor? Don’t even get me started. If someone’s coming to you stressed and heart-heavy over the same addict parents you *know* mistreated him, the last thing he needs is a vague scripture and a pat on the back. He needs real support—like therapy—and to stop taking his anger out on strangers.
It’s also becoming a trend in this author’s work to turn Black women into emotional dumping grounds—therapists, mental health facilities, and trauma healers for broken men who refuse to seek help in a timely manner. Like it shouldn’t take a potential love interest for you to realize you down bad.It’s exhausting and off-putting, and I’m tired of seeing Black women’s softness and emotional labor constantly exploited like this.
Bottom line: this book had potential, but the way trauma and emotional damage were addressed was a lil tired and repetitive. Can we get a Man from Baxtown that’s a rehab facility for his woman?
December 8, 2025
Asaiah and Onesti, Prayer Changes and Love Grows
This was a very heavy book and I truly was not ready for what unfolded in these pages, I’m glad I kept going!!!…
Asaiah had a very difficult and violating childhood, one that he carried over into adulthood!!!…A man of integrity, but with such a tortured soul!!!…He took on the responsibility of raising his sister, when he was just a child and raising his parents during his adult life!!!…
I was happy and scared for Onesti, because she was on a battle for more than Asaiah’s love, but his heart also while watching him heal from the brokenness from his parents!!!…Onesti’s mother always had some gems for her and I love how she encouraged her!!!…
When Asaiah’s mom propositioned Onesti my tears just kept coming!!!…
I didn’t think I had any more after reading about what Asaiah had to do to feed his parent’s habit!!!…
Through prayer, love and counseling, Asaiah found that he had the ability to love someone and worthy of being loved!!!…
This was a very heavy book and I truly was not ready for what unfolded in these pages, I’m glad I kept going!!!…
Asaiah had a very difficult and violating childhood, one that he carried over into adulthood!!!…A man of integrity, but with such a tortured soul!!!…He took on the responsibility of raising his sister, when he was just a child and raising his parents during his adult life!!!…
I was happy and scared for Onesti, because she was on a battle for more than Asaiah’s love, but his heart also while watching him heal from the brokenness from his parents!!!…Onesti’s mother always had some gems for her and I love how she encouraged her!!!…
When Asaiah’s mom propositioned Onesti my tears just kept coming!!!…
I didn’t think I had any more after reading about what Asaiah had to do to feed his parent’s habit!!!…
Through prayer, love and counseling, Asaiah found that he had the ability to love someone and worthy of being loved!!!…
May 15, 2025
Impacted by love
This book was heavy but so well written to me. The author mentioned being in a period of heavy grief recently and while writ in this story and the heaviness she feels is felt on these pages. I felt for Asaiah and all he had to go through with his parents, but I admired his resilience and faith through it all. It was crazy the abuse he went through with his parents and still managed to honor and support them when they never did that for him once their addiction took over.
I enjoyed the relationship between Asaiah and Onesti and how they seemed to be spiritually equally yoked. Their internal conversations with themselves provided some brevity to the heaviness of the story and gave me a few laughs. I liked their private moments together and that they were able to talk, pray and worship together. I also loved Asaiah’s charm. You would think that someone who went through what he went through would be hard and unmoving but he was charming and in touch with his feelings and not afraid to pray about or reach out to his pastor for guidance and prayer.
This story also included mentions of Pastor Reece and Dr. Baxter and I’m hoping at some sprint we get a story on the good Pastor Reece.
This was a good story and worth the read, but I would caution anyone triggered by heavy stuff like drug addiction and child abuse from reading it because those themes are heavy in this story as they are a huge part of Asaiah’s backstory.
This book was heavy but so well written to me. The author mentioned being in a period of heavy grief recently and while writ in this story and the heaviness she feels is felt on these pages. I felt for Asaiah and all he had to go through with his parents, but I admired his resilience and faith through it all. It was crazy the abuse he went through with his parents and still managed to honor and support them when they never did that for him once their addiction took over.
I enjoyed the relationship between Asaiah and Onesti and how they seemed to be spiritually equally yoked. Their internal conversations with themselves provided some brevity to the heaviness of the story and gave me a few laughs. I liked their private moments together and that they were able to talk, pray and worship together. I also loved Asaiah’s charm. You would think that someone who went through what he went through would be hard and unmoving but he was charming and in touch with his feelings and not afraid to pray about or reach out to his pastor for guidance and prayer.
This story also included mentions of Pastor Reece and Dr. Baxter and I’m hoping at some sprint we get a story on the good Pastor Reece.
This was a good story and worth the read, but I would caution anyone triggered by heavy stuff like drug addiction and child abuse from reading it because those themes are heavy in this story as they are a huge part of Asaiah’s backstory.
June 21, 2025
Asaiah and Onesti
Once again Riley Baxter gives us the real! Talk about carrying a burden. Asaiah is forced to live a life no child should, then he's forced to be an adult when his only care should be playing outside, and the same people who should be caring for him - he's carrying them on his back as the monkey they can't shake continues to rule their lives. This man has been put through the wringer, but continues to hold on to his faith. God hears his pleas and sends him Onesti... a little unorthodox, but she sees him, intercedes on his behalf, and becomes his peace. While he can't save the day, he finds a family with the amazing Onesti. Let me address Annalise...how she cut the fool like she did when she didn't have nothing to give them when they were living??? That was CRAZY work! Baxter is a master at weaving faith, trauma, and finding love with the right amount of laughter! Plus we get Letitia and the good pastor to help with the mental and spiritual. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
Once again Riley Baxter gives us the real! Talk about carrying a burden. Asaiah is forced to live a life no child should, then he's forced to be an adult when his only care should be playing outside, and the same people who should be caring for him - he's carrying them on his back as the monkey they can't shake continues to rule their lives. This man has been put through the wringer, but continues to hold on to his faith. God hears his pleas and sends him Onesti... a little unorthodox, but she sees him, intercedes on his behalf, and becomes his peace. While he can't save the day, he finds a family with the amazing Onesti. Let me address Annalise...how she cut the fool like she did when she didn't have nothing to give them when they were living??? That was CRAZY work! Baxter is a master at weaving faith, trauma, and finding love with the right amount of laughter! Plus we get Letitia and the good pastor to help with the mental and spiritual. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
May 19, 2025
Impacted By Love
Aww.....this is the sweetest story. Parents everywhere need to make sure that they are doing right by their children. Children don't ask to come into this world, and the least we could do as parents and grown-ups is protect them.
Poor Asaiah went through it. His parents did the most and then some. Subjecting your child to drugs and sex at an early age is awful. I'm so happy he had the constitution and the love of God to help him along his way. Adding Onesti to the mix was heaven sent.
As always, Riley brings her story to life with exceptional character development. The characters are real and you feel everything that they are going through. Thank you Riley for creating relatable stories.
One Love!!!!
Aww.....this is the sweetest story. Parents everywhere need to make sure that they are doing right by their children. Children don't ask to come into this world, and the least we could do as parents and grown-ups is protect them.
Poor Asaiah went through it. His parents did the most and then some. Subjecting your child to drugs and sex at an early age is awful. I'm so happy he had the constitution and the love of God to help him along his way. Adding Onesti to the mix was heaven sent.
As always, Riley brings her story to life with exceptional character development. The characters are real and you feel everything that they are going through. Thank you Riley for creating relatable stories.
One Love!!!!
May 20, 2025
Asaiah and Onesti!!
Asaiah and Onesti's story is one of healing and love. Asaiah is suffering a traumatic life dealing with his parents. Onesti was placed in his life to help him deal with his issues, and she is just who he needed. I loved how both of them used their faith to help them get through the difficult times. I believe Onesti's love for Asaiah helped her to help him through the tough moments. Even though I know drug addiction is an illness, I found it hard to sympathize with his parents because of their treatment of Asaiah from his childhood to adulthood. Asaiah's sister was trifling to me because she knew what he was going through but abandoned him. Ms. Baxter wrote a book filled with faith, undying love and soul healing that was very enjoyable.
Asaiah and Onesti's story is one of healing and love. Asaiah is suffering a traumatic life dealing with his parents. Onesti was placed in his life to help him deal with his issues, and she is just who he needed. I loved how both of them used their faith to help them get through the difficult times. I believe Onesti's love for Asaiah helped her to help him through the tough moments. Even though I know drug addiction is an illness, I found it hard to sympathize with his parents because of their treatment of Asaiah from his childhood to adulthood. Asaiah's sister was trifling to me because she knew what he was going through but abandoned him. Ms. Baxter wrote a book filled with faith, undying love and soul healing that was very enjoyable.
June 14, 2025
Asaiah and Onesti. I'm not sure what to say. I've enjoyed all of her books but had a difficult time connecting with the characters.This book was a slow start for me.
Isaiah had a lot on his plate. Too much, starting at an early age. His life was a mess! I didn't feel the chemistry between he and Onesti. Maybe because
1. he was mean at the beginning and later on when dealing with the deaths and
2. because I felt Onesti pushed too soon be accepted, vs. putting her foot down with him.
Overall, the book was decent, but it just didn't hit me like her other books.
Isaiah had a lot on his plate. Too much, starting at an early age. His life was a mess! I didn't feel the chemistry between he and Onesti. Maybe because
1. he was mean at the beginning and later on when dealing with the deaths and
2. because I felt Onesti pushed too soon be accepted, vs. putting her foot down with him.
Overall, the book was decent, but it just didn't hit me like her other books.
September 13, 2025
Wow!
Reflecting on this challenging journey, I am overwhelmed by divine grace and unwavering faith. Throughout 36 years, God's presence has been a beacon of hope, transforming seemingly impossible situations into pathways of resilience. His miraculous ability to create solutions where none seemed possible is a testament to His boundless love and compassion. This narrative is a powerful reminder that even in life's most difficult moments, divine providence guides and sustains us. A truly inspiring testament to spiritual strength and perseverance. ReneeG
Reflecting on this challenging journey, I am overwhelmed by divine grace and unwavering faith. Throughout 36 years, God's presence has been a beacon of hope, transforming seemingly impossible situations into pathways of resilience. His miraculous ability to create solutions where none seemed possible is a testament to His boundless love and compassion. This narrative is a powerful reminder that even in life's most difficult moments, divine providence guides and sustains us. A truly inspiring testament to spiritual strength and perseverance. ReneeG
October 30, 2025
Angel conversations
This book was a good read Asaiah and Onesty were both in need of their person to love unconditionally….Asaiah was dealing with his parents addiction even though they let him be abused he was praying for a miracle that they get clean this story was deep but the banter between Onesity good & bad angels were hilarious & I could have done without Annalise I did feel her character all
This book was a good read Asaiah and Onesty were both in need of their person to love unconditionally….Asaiah was dealing with his parents addiction even though they let him be abused he was praying for a miracle that they get clean this story was deep but the banter between Onesity good & bad angels were hilarious & I could have done without Annalise I did feel her character all
May 12, 2025
good read with heavy topics
Wow this book was heavy but so good. The journey that he had to travel through to gain his peace and healing. Onesti is a strong and patient woman. Them parents is trash and his sister is something else. This book made me laugh with some of the internal dialogue battles they were having. Over all good book.
Wow this book was heavy but so good. The journey that he had to travel through to gain his peace and healing. Onesti is a strong and patient woman. Them parents is trash and his sister is something else. This book made me laugh with some of the internal dialogue battles they were having. Over all good book.
May 20, 2025
I love this book 😍
It's a wonderful book. As I read it, I felt sad and hopeful. At times, I prayed that Asaiah would be able to fly away. I believe his relationship with God saved him. I'm grateful for how God placed loving and supportive people in his life. I believe Onesti is the answer to his prayers, and he is hers. As always, it is my pleasure reading your books 🥰.
It's a wonderful book. As I read it, I felt sad and hopeful. At times, I prayed that Asaiah would be able to fly away. I believe his relationship with God saved him. I'm grateful for how God placed loving and supportive people in his life. I believe Onesti is the answer to his prayers, and he is hers. As always, it is my pleasure reading your books 🥰.
June 4, 2025
Christ followers beware!
If you’re looking for Christian fiction, this isn’t it. The Bible tells us that Satan also knows the Bible. This book is not Christ centered nor is it a good example of our struggles. Be careful. As Christians we are called to guard our eyes and ears. We fight against principalities. This book was heavily influenced by one.
If you’re looking for Christian fiction, this isn’t it. The Bible tells us that Satan also knows the Bible. This book is not Christ centered nor is it a good example of our struggles. Be careful. As Christians we are called to guard our eyes and ears. We fight against principalities. This book was heavily influenced by one.
December 2, 2025
Emotional but very good
I enjoyed this story of hurt, pain, love and God. Riley can really write a story and pull you in. Real family issues and heroism. Asaiah was a good one. I would have left poor mommy and daddy out to dry alone after the torment they put him and his sister through. And not she at the viewing falling out...sit yo a** down...lol. Loved it.
I enjoyed this story of hurt, pain, love and God. Riley can really write a story and pull you in. Real family issues and heroism. Asaiah was a good one. I would have left poor mommy and daddy out to dry alone after the torment they put him and his sister through. And not she at the viewing falling out...sit yo a** down...lol. Loved it.
June 3, 2025
Kinda Sad
Poor Asaiah went through more trauma than any person should. Onesti was just what he needed. She was strong and rooted in the Word so she knew how to support and love this man.
Poor Asaiah went through more trauma than any person should. Onesti was just what he needed. She was strong and rooted in the Word so she knew how to support and love this man.
June 18, 2025
Life😳
I didn’t expect all of what I read. The author did a great job with the characters and storyline. I laughed, shed a few tears and kept reading until the end.
The way she used scripture shows flawed individuals struggling but also knowing God can still bless our mess.
I didn’t expect all of what I read. The author did a great job with the characters and storyline. I laughed, shed a few tears and kept reading until the end.
The way she used scripture shows flawed individuals struggling but also knowing God can still bless our mess.
June 30, 2025
Is Ok To Hate Love ?
What A story about grief and trauma associated with love.
Onesti and Asasiah Wanted love so bad,but was denied the experience.
Love this story because you kept it so real.
What A story about grief and trauma associated with love.
Onesti and Asasiah Wanted love so bad,but was denied the experience.
Love this story because you kept it so real.
August 5, 2025
Riley does it again!!
Every book I've read by Riley leaves me in my feelings and this one was no different. I love how she incorporates scriptures into the stories but you also get just the right amount of drama!
Every book I've read by Riley leaves me in my feelings and this one was no different. I love how she incorporates scriptures into the stories but you also get just the right amount of drama!
August 8, 2025
My Love was Impacted
Asaiah parents put him through a lot. His sister in my opinion was ungrateful. Onesti was very patient with Asaiah. I was really hoping she would put Annalise in her place.
Asaiah parents put him through a lot. His sister in my opinion was ungrateful. Onesti was very patient with Asaiah. I was really hoping she would put Annalise in her place.
October 17, 2025
love heals!
I adored this story! I felt so bad for Asaiah and what he endured: but so happy Onesti came along and delivered what he needed 💕🤗praise God for pastor keeping Asaiah grounded 🙏🏽🙏🏽
I adored this story! I felt so bad for Asaiah and what he endured: but so happy Onesti came along and delivered what he needed 💕🤗praise God for pastor keeping Asaiah grounded 🙏🏽🙏🏽
December 19, 2025
😍😍😍😍😍😍
Hurt people don’t always choose to hurt people ! ! ! Asaiah could have walked away but the love he has for God allowed him to love those who didn’t choose to love him ! ! ! Onesti was his just deserve ! ! !
Hurt people don’t always choose to hurt people ! ! ! Asaiah could have walked away but the love he has for God allowed him to love those who didn’t choose to love him ! ! ! Onesti was his just deserve ! ! !
May 12, 2025
This was a good book.
May 17, 2025
Never Disappointed
Reading Riley Bacter’s books never disappoints me. I loved how you brought love in his life when he really needed it. Great read.
Reading Riley Bacter’s books never disappoints me. I loved how you brought love in his life when he really needed it. Great read.
May 19, 2025
Riley’s books always pop up when I need them. I’m only giving this a 4.5 b/c the jumping from different parts of the story to the other had me confused lol. But another good story line.
May 31, 2025
whewww
I haven’t typed a review in over a year but this book was so damn good. Ms.Baxter give yourself a pat on your damn back ❤️
I haven’t typed a review in over a year but this book was so damn good. Ms.Baxter give yourself a pat on your damn back ❤️
June 10, 2025
I haven’t read a book by Ms Baxter that hasn’t left with teary EYES YET. But I am always pleased with the happy ending
June 13, 2025
That sister
She was a mess. The scriptures and intimate scenes realistic. I need to find me a him. This was an amazing read.
She was a mess. The scriptures and intimate scenes realistic. I need to find me a him. This was an amazing read.
July 15, 2025
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews