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Off The Charts

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One mistake was innocent until it wasn’t.

After almost a ten-year relationship, Jersei Lane is forced into a journey of self-discovery. Her codependency made her put her own life on the back burner, but with one spark to her soul, everything shifted.

Vayce Denver is the school counselor at Sweet Pea Academy. His life is built on saving others until it is time to address his own. Love became a distant memory and peace became his priority.

How sweet can a guarded heart’s lesson be? Is love possible if we keep it Off The Charts?

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

209 people are currently reading
441 people want to read

About the author

Zee Reneé

11 books237 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,421 reviews158 followers
September 28, 2025
Opening to LOVE again

4.5 stars
I loved it! This book opened up HOT and I was locked in from there. Jersei had wasted a decade with her baby father only to find out he was NOT the man she thought he was. Vayce was divorced after finding out his wife was NOT the woman he thought she was. These two collide at Jersei's sons Zion's school and baby the chemistry was there. An accident in communication opens up a door and baby the way Vayce jumped through it!!

I am in LOVE with Vayce!! I love a man that knows what he wants, is smart, professional, a giver, sexy af with a side of hood 🥷🏾. Literal perfection 🤷🏾‍♀️ Y'all the way this man loved on Jersei. He was so patient with her, made sure she was seen, his gestures both big and small were so thoughtful. Then on top of that he was the best Stepdaddy! They already had a relationship, but the way it expanded was just beautiful. Zion was such a sweet, respectful, and funny boy. He was so observant and I just loved every time he was on page. Vayce didn't play about Jersei or Zion and I loved that for them.

I loved when the 🥷🏾 came out of Vayce and he checked the trifling baby daddy. He deserved every bit of karma his raggedy azz received.

I enjoyed this book and the only thing I wanted more of is Zion in real time. We got the summary, but I wished we could have experienced more of them with Zion. Other than that I truly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,070 reviews322 followers
October 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Listen, the prologue had me hooked and ready to devour this book after a 12-hour shift. Listen, this book was humorous but spicy and soothing in a sense with its urban ways.

We follow Jersei, who discovers her baby daddy is living a double life after investing a decade with him in the hopes of becoming his wife. She lost herself trying to cater to his needs, and through her newly single journey, she's striving to discover herself. Jersei is introduced to Vayce, the school counselor, after her son Zion gets into trouble at school, and the rest is history. This was a slow but soft burn, and these two were quite outspoken and communicated clearly while expressing their thoughts or emotions, but I really enjoyed their banter and how unfiltered they were with one another.

You know when Zee Renee writes about a man, he is everything. We love a reformed criminal; it always gives the man an extra edge. Vacye was very attentive, had a great heart for those he loved, and was very intentional, patient, and secure in his feelings for Jersei. He really didn't play when it came to Jersei. It's amazing how a healthy love may blossom from two broken hearts.
Profile Image for kiriahsbookshelf.
297 reviews27 followers
September 25, 2025
ahhh not zee’s typical story but still a got damn good story! so proud of my good sis! vayce that’s a good man savannah!

that epilogue tho?! oh my!
Profile Image for Ambra | ambreadbooks.
450 reviews17 followers
September 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW

4/5
— Vayce and Jersei’s love story was a good time. A slow burn done just right. I think my cheeks are still hurting from all of the smiling and blushing they had me doing. Vayce was intentional, confident and patient when it came to Jersei. Jersei’s defenses couldn’t stand a chance when it came to Vayce.
— Two broken hearts unexpectedly mend and heal into one healthy love. Stepdaddy MVP. Black woman loved the right way.
Profile Image for Kayybereading .
46 reviews13 followers
September 27, 2025
This was so good! Definitely a different vibe for Zee but she nailed it! Vayce an Jersei story was so beautiful! A single mom just tryna make it on her own and a divorced man who was broken and thought he wouldn’t have a love of his own again! Baby daddy was trash! Vayce ain’t play about his queen and i loved when the “hood rat” came up outta him ! Loved the bond between Jersei and her son Zy! Loved the sibling bond between Vayce and his sister . Bubby and sissy were the cutest! The bond between Vayce and Zy top tier! We love a good step daddy moment ! Everything about the book was chefs kiss. I loved it !
Profile Image for Monique.
470 reviews23 followers
September 28, 2025
(3.75) Don’t let the cute cover fool you….Vayce and Jersei were some trash talking firecrackers🤣And I just know Vayse was a retired crash out😅He was also a yapper (IYKYK). I liked them though. They were a fun couple. Despite both being guarded when it came to love, Vayse recognized almost right away what he wanted. And he moved with so much affirmation and intention that Jersei couldn’t help but feel safe with him and let down her walls. It got a little preachy in some parts for me but faith seemed to be a foundation of their story.
Profile Image for YanaKeii.
159 reviews
February 5, 2026
UHH YEAAA NO!!!!!

The prolouge pulled me in for sure. The inital scene with Solomon, Victor and Jersei, YAASSSSS!!!

Cause tf lol.

But after that everything fell apart for me. The way Jersei was talking to Vayce (ok) was the most diabolical disrespectful ish ever. OMGGGGGG. First, very confused on why she came in so hard and the way they were talking to each other at the school, first meeting and Vayce not the daddy. LIKE WHATT!!!...

There was so much fictioning in this book, I was taken aback, couldnt even compare it to my good TUBI ( i love TUBI). The way Vayce acted when meeting Solomon, made me like Solomon and Victor. I was over it if team doing too much was a thing it was Jersei and Vayce, im sorry.

Every adult interaction in this book was awful and yea no. While the explicit scenes were hot and heavy beside the one towards at the school while in session turned me more off from the story. This truly would have been a DNF but it got me through my workday.

I received an early audio copy of the book of course Ja'Air Bush was great. The male narrator Jaceion Hunter, as the male narrator voice, great but as a female or child, is a no.

Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia.
Profile Image for Lashanda.
17 reviews
October 13, 2025
Sweet Romance

I loved how intentional the main characters were about expressing their feelings. I enjoyed that the couple got their HEA.

The pacing of the book was good, but I feel like this book didn't leave anything to be imagined. Everything was narrated, and sometimes, the dialog seemed corny.

I enjoyed the length of the book and the way we got to learn about the family of the main characters.

Overall, I would probably rate it a 3.5.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
653 reviews28 followers
October 18, 2025
Sweet with a touch of mess!

This was such an unexpected surprise. That prologue sucks you right in. There is so much mess in this book! Vayce was a man! And I loved how he loved not only Jersei but also her son as well; they healed something in each other. This is a really different type of story for Zee Rene, but it was so good.
Profile Image for Ty.
56 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2025
thought this was a cute teacher story

I thought was going to be a cute teacher story. Nope! Their love is off the charts and reminds you that there are second chances at love.
12 reviews
October 13, 2025
Unexpected

This book was not what I expected!
The humor, the spice, and the ex getting karma! So enjoyed every moment
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,454 reviews27 followers
January 19, 2026
off the charts

While the love Jersie and Vance shared was off the charts her ex Soloman was off the hook…I was happy to see Victor will prob break his heart.
27 reviews
October 30, 2025
LONG POST!!!!

I Love Zee down but I had to DNF at around 82% in the book. This just wasn’t one of her best work TO ME and I tried to keep pushing through. The story didn’t flow like her writing usually does and some stuff seemed to be added in for extra “drama effect” when it wasn’t needed.

My lord the use of the word “nigga” in this book was a major overkill. I know this is urban fiction and I know we are some niggas but damn. It was literally almost every sentence🥴🥴.

Her having the MMC hint at the fact that he killed someone and that he was willing to do it again seemed so out of place and forced in this book🙃. I don’t care how “hood” she tried to make him…. It just didn’t give that to me🤦🏾‍♀️.

Also, while I get we were suppose to hate her ex and he was trash for how he did her. Having him SUDDENLY hate her so much and SUDDENLY become this dead beat who doesn’t acknowledge or spend time with his kid seemed odd. They were only broken up for about 10 months and you’re trying to tell me suddenly he doesn’t even know his child’s interest anymore when buying a gift for his birthday? The birthday party scene was cringe and predictable with the gifts. It would’ve been different if these were some of his traits from the beginning but we were told the opposite. We were told how he was a great dad and how much his son loved him. So to have him suddenly be this dead beat just to make the new man look good was very odd.

Another thing, midway through the book it started to give off that Jersei weren’t use to things (in a sense) or that the MMC was introducing her to a life of luxury. When that also wasn’t the case. We were told at the beginning that the ex took good care of her FINANCIALLY, paid all of the bills, she was riding in a luxury car, they were living in a three story 5 bedroom home in an upscale neighborhood, the son had a condition that definitely required a lot of money and good health insurance and she was a SAHM. So he was definitely financially well off even if he wasn’t a “millionaire”. So that was throwing me for a loop as well, like she wasn’t used to luxury.

I just feel like the story would’ve been great had we completely forgotten about the ex. Just keep him in the background being a co-parent who we never hear from again. Let us see Jersei build her life over and find a new man who love her down. Building drama around the ex and having him suddenly be a dead beat and still talking about him and the drama going on in his life or even the Karma that he was receiving I just didn’t care for🤷🏾‍♀️. Because it just seemed like that was done in an effort to boost the new man which made it corny TO ME🙄. Once she stepped out of that office in the beginning and the time jump hit I was cool with never hearing from that man again other than a mention of the son being with him for the weekend so her and her new man had the house to themselves.

Other than that I did like the banter between the MMC and FMC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
817 reviews31 followers
January 6, 2026
Sweet little read is exactly what the author tells us it's going to be. For a nice, slow burn and self-discovery for both main characters mind as well bop on down. As always:

📻 Jersei is a great FMC. To start the novel at the lowest moment of her life, going to surprise her man, father of her son, of 10 years at his job in something sexy she ends up with the surprise. Her man on his knees sucking his best friend-Son's Godfather-Uncle dick. After realizing she gave her all to this man and questioning who does she have for herself we slide into the MMC

📻Vayce is a wonderful counselor. The author dropped some good nuggets about mental health, mental health in the Black community, and especially mental health for Black boys/men. It was a refreshing beginning but this isn't an Urban Romance.

📻Black Contemporary vs. Urban Romance. There are no pew pew, no plotting and scheming, no delulu ain't-even-really-a-side-chick side chick, and no crime. This couple will take their time being all sweet, working on themselves, drinking wine, talking about music and favorite colors. That's what type of time the story is on. Even though it moved a smidgen slow for me and I wished for just a smidgen more of the angst. It is what it is and it is a sweet romance.

📻No TiddyTiddyBangBang comes before the first 50-60%. Slow burn means slowwwwww. The characters are like building themselves while circling each other. But in true Zee fashion once the gloves come off we see a explosive of smutty smut goodness. Some eating it out from the back, sit on my face, come taste us on your dick 😉, public lickety lickety.

Profile Image for Jessica Womble.
52 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2026
Off the Charts by Zee Reneé wastes zero time. This story comes out the gate with its foot on the gas and never eases up — emotionally, romantically, or with the life stakes. I was locked in from the very first chapter.

Jersei is the kind of FMC you can’t help but root for. She’s a single mom doing everything she can to rebuild her life while the world keeps throwing obstacle after obstacle in her path. Watching her keep pushing forward “despite life LIFING” was powerful and so real. Her strength wasn’t loud — it was in her resilience, her love for her son, and her refusal to give up even when things felt impossible.

And then there’s Vayce… whew. The man is the definition of wounded protector. He’s carrying his own pain, his own broken pieces, yet the way he shows up for Jersei and her son had me fully in my feelings. He doesn’t try to save her — he stands beside her, supports her, and protects what she’s building. The emotional depth he brought to the story made the romance feel earned and deeply satisfying.

This is a beautiful “two broken people healing together” story wrapped in tension, heart, and chemistry. The romance felt tender but intense, and the family element added so much warmth and emotional weight.

If you love single mom romances, protective but emotionally layered MMCs, and stories where love feels like a safe place to land after the storm — this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Profile Image for DANI.
101 reviews10 followers
September 27, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Off the Charts by Zee Reneè and it was a ride! From the very beginning, Vayce and Jersei had me locked in. Vayce’s rough edges melting into genuine care for Jersei created a connection that felt raw and real. Their dynamic went from aggressive sparks to moments that made me swoon, and I could not put the book down.

Jersei’s child’s father (Cause I don’t even want to say that man’s name 🙃) had me heated. Every time he appeared on the page, I wanted to square up 😂. The way Zee Reneè wrote him made the emotional stakes feel even more real, so I loved to hate him.

Without spoiling too much, the birthday scene for Jersei’s son was hands down my favorite moment. The way Vayce stepped up and put everyone in their place was perfect. It showed his strength, his loyalty, and his deep care for both Jersei and her child.

Overall, this story was passionate, messy, heartfelt, and full of energy. I adored the slow burn, the way the romance unfolded, and the balance of drama with healing. Five shining stars. Zee continues to put out amazing firebooks, and I cannot wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Marie Ashley.
6 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2026

Off the Charts by Zee Renee was one of those books that immediately pulled me in and kept my attention from start to finish. The characters felt real, layered, and emotionally honest, which made it easy to connect with their journeys. I found myself rooting for them, feeling their highs and lows, and wanting to see how everything would ultimately unfold.

What I appreciated most about this book was how authentically it explored relationships, ambition, and personal growth. Zee Renee does a great job of balancing emotional depth with engaging storytelling, making the story both heartfelt and entertaining. The dialogue felt natural, the pacing was smooth, and the plot kept me turning the pages.

Overall, Off the Charts is a compelling and enjoyable read that blends emotion, relatability, and strong character development. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy stories about growth, connection, and finding your way—even when life doesn’t go exactly as planned. This book truly lives up to its name and left a lasting impression on me. 📚✨
Profile Image for Alexis Victoria.
49 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2025
Off the charts by (arc) review 🍷📋


This is book 6 in the Sweetest lessons series featuring 6 authors.

I just always know reading a Zee Reneé book I’m in for a treat. And a treat was had! The way I kept cheesing and blushing throughout the entire book, just know Vayce is that man and mine 🤭 I love a man that’s patient, confident, and goes for what he wants. He knew how to put Jersei in her place without being controlling and it was just sexy! He was also so thoughtful and intentional when it came to her. I really love me some himm

Jersei is another fmc I’m putting in my favs list& I really loved the relationship between her and her son. 🥹

Overall this story was 10/10 I cannot recommend Zee’s novels enough. Her pen game is immaculate 🤎 & don’t forget to go back and read the other 5 books of the series to get the full experience if you haven’t.

Off the Charts available now on Amazon and KU

62 reviews20 followers
September 26, 2025
She did it again!!!!

This book isn’t Zee’s typical kind of writing, but she does it again as always! One thing about it, there’s going to always be a funny/silly person in one of Zee Renee’s book! That was Jersei in this book! From the start of the book, you get hit with instant drama, and not what you’d expect. You’d be surprised by some of the things these adults partake in on their alone time. The character development was perfect, great detail without going into too much detail or overdoing it. The MMC is everything Jersei deserves and desires, but her role of being a mother and finding herself after that messy drama of a relationship of hers, she’s found wondering where she should look to find herself and build herself from the ground up!

10/10 as always, highly recommend!
Profile Image for Onehellofalady.
185 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2025
you did that!

I am so proud of this book! I love to see authors step out of their comfort zone and Zee did an amazing job. I don’t listen to playlist while I read but listen to them separately and this playlist had me like let me hurry up and finish this book! Zee reneè always will be an auto buy author for me off the strength of the love and messages that she pours into these stories.

Now I thought Mr. Denver was one of the four daddies lol but anyway I loved him and Jersey’s story it’s nothing like a good man humbling you and loving you right. but baaaaby that Solomon can go straight to the deepest, darkest pits of Lava land. Zion was wise beyond his years and I loved his little personality. Victor was a cold peace of work I was shooketh like IKYFL when mama put him on blast.


Profile Image for Kali Dempsey.
2,265 reviews63 followers
February 4, 2026
4.5 ⭐ 3 🌶️ 3.5 🎧

It took me a minute to get into this one, but once I did I fell so hard for these three. I didn't love how Jersei handled the breakup, it felt a touch homophobic and she used some ableist language... But at the same time I was like "GIRLLLL GO OFF!" because holy crap Solomon was such a freaking dud. I adored Vayce though.

Vayce was sooooo freaking sweet. His backstory broke my heart, but the way he fell for Jersei and Zion was so beautiful and I was so happy he was able to let his walls down and allow them in. He was exactly who they needed.

The audio was good. I loved Ja'Air Bush and thought she did a wonderful job, but I had a hard time with Jaceon Hunter's female voice. That being said, I did loveeee his male voice, so this was still a great listen. Thank you so much to Dreamscape for the advanced copy!
Profile Image for Velvet.
166 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 5, 2026
This is an ALC review. All opinions are my own.

On NetGalley, I will be professional. Here? I am going to tell y'all I ate this audio up like a Thanksgiving Turkey. This was good! I mean, fantastic. I am going to get the physical book (she is going to be at CCLF, and so am I), and I am going to listen to this again and again because it will now be a custom listen. Miss Ma'am put her foot into this book, and Jaceon Hunter and Ja'Air Bush brought the book to life. I loved it.

Please let me add that this is a BLACK ROMANCE and they are using AAVE. If you are bothered by that, please don't rate this fantastic book because you were bothered by the language used. It's written for an audience that may not include you, and that is okay because reading is subjective!

Thank you, NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Zee Renee for the opportunity to listen. It was so good!
Profile Image for Aly.
213 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2026
I sat down planning to read a few chapters and somehow finished the whole thing in less than four hours because I could not put it down. The chemistry between Jersei and Vayce was off the charts, the spice delivered, and there were multiple moments that had me genuinely gasping. It was messy in the best way and was full of big feelings that just made me eat it up. I especially loved the family dynamics, from Vayce and his sister V to the warmth and chaos of Jersei’s family. And the audiobook was so good and made everything even more immersive. An easy 4.5 stars for a swoony, one-sitting kind of read.

Thank you to Zee Renee and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
452 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2025
Zee did it again

Listennnn this book was funny & spicy af!! This book is classified as a contemporary romance but baby I feel like it still has Zee’s writing style all up in through this book. The vibe of the book is the same vibe as the other books in her catalog (vibe does not equate to plot, plot wise this is very much different from all of her other books). Jersei was hilarious & sooo unserious & unfiltered & I loved every bit of it. Vayce was like a smooth (reformed lol) criminal. I ate it up!!!!
32 reviews
September 28, 2025
OFC

It’s so much I want to say about this book !!!! But first I would like to give flowers 💐 to the Author !! Zee never misses and for her to take this book in another direction shows she is really that GIRL!! Just like Jersie is and was that girl All Book !!! Even in the beginning she stood 10 ! And Vayce was my my my !!! That’s how a man comes correct about you !!! Please go read their beautiful love story . And I don’t mention someone on purpose . He didn’t deserve to be in my review 🙄
1,088 reviews8 followers
October 31, 2025
Off the charts

This was my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The cover had me intrigued and after reading a few reviews, I decided to see what the hype was all about.

I really liked Vayce and Jersei together. They were funny and supported each other. I liked that they could be themselves with each other and how Vayce encouraged her and supported her in following her dreams. They were good together. Their energies and vibes matched and their chemistry was organic and their spice was spicy.
Profile Image for Courtney Coco.
269 reviews
January 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this story, from the beginning it was a lot going on, poor Jersei was trying to pick up the pieces from her past relationship and found herself again. But when she has to go to her son’s school, it was love at first sight when she fuss Vayce the school counselor out. Vayce also had his own sad story to tell but when they both decided to stop fighting the feelings it became a cute love story. This story was funny, loving, inspiring. This was my first time reading from this author and I look forward to reading more of her books!
Profile Image for Madison.
169 reviews1 follower
did-not-finish
February 5, 2026
Woah.

The intro to this book starts off CRAZY.

Jersei walks in on her baby daddy giving his male best friend and work associate head and breaks up with him on the spot in an explosion. The intro was the best part of this book.

The writing and dialogue just felt so cringeworthy and not how people really talk or think (at least, I hope). The MMC, Vayce, is just a walking, talking penis who is looking at everything through horny goggles, and Jesei is rage incarnate without any further depth.

My favorite character is her son for fighting back against his bullies and defending his mom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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