From the world of Certified Pressure comes Forever Certified, a raw and unhinged love story centered on Kay’Lo Mensah and Toni Roc.
Toni Roc loves Kay’Lo Mensah with her whole soul, even when his love feels dangerous. Their marriage is wild, passionate, and protective to the point of violence. Kay’Lo is obsessed with her and everyone knows it. Their life together should have been simple, but nothing about Kay’Lo is ever simple.
After he killed her cousin and then her uncle for what he did to her, he believed he was giving his wife peace. Instead, he created a storm that both families can feel. Toni’s family fears him. His family judges her. His love shields her from the world, yet it also scares her because she knows exactly how far he will go for her.
Toni is not the problem. The real problem is the truth hiding underneath Kay’Lo’s confidence, wealth, and power. He isn’t just intense. He isn’t just dangerous. Something deeper is fighting for control inside him, something no one else has ever paid attention to. Toni sees the shifts in his moods. She feels the moments when he changes. She becomes the only person close enough to recognize that Kay’Lo is battling more than anger.
When he is finally diagnosed with a condition that explains his explosive temper and unpredictable reactions, Toni is forced to face a reality no one else knows. She is married to a man who would kill for her without a second thought. She is married to a man whose love can save her or ruin them both.
Now Toni must decide what kind of wife she is going to be. She can walk away from a man who loves her too hard, or she can stand beside him and help him manage the one thing that could destroy their future if no one pays attention. Kay’Lo would burn down the world for her, but Toni has to decide if she can save him without losing herself.
Forever Certified is a story about loyalty, obsession, and a marriage held together by a love powerful enough to heal or destroy. It is Toni and Kay’Lo against their families, their enemies, and the truth fighting inside him. It is dangerous and passionate. It is intimate and unhinged. It is two people fighting to protect the one thing they refuse to lose.
This Love story is more than unhinged, it’s toxic but also tender
At first glance, this love story may look toxic.
The intensity. The obsession. The way these two orbit each other like gravity.
And yet… beneath the chaos is something deeply tender. Forever Certified is unhinged in the way real life often is—messy, impulsive, volatile—but beneath the chaos is something painfully tender: two people trying to survive the chaos while loving each other at the same time. The romance doesn’t pretend that love heals everything. Instead, it asks a harder question: What happens when love exists alongside mental illness, trauma, and self-destruction?
My thoughts: Kay’Lo thinks if he pipes Toni down. That fixes all their problems and even know Toni knows it doesn’t. She still allows him to think that. Now his father was wrong for making that Therapist to change her diagnoses. He knows his son has a mental illness. But he is allowing his pride and fear of what people will think about him as a father. To hurt Kay’Lo not help him. His father is selfish and his selfishness is going to backfire. Now Toni was wrong for what she did. She had to know that Kay’Lo would find out her secret. This book was so good and I can’t for book 2. 10/10 highly recommend
I lived pooping back into Trill Land. Learning how the story is developing between TONI – ROC and KAY – LO is truly interesting to say the least. I think a lot of people counted them out because of how they started. So it is good to know that they were able to stick with each other and learn to love each other through the marriage and being up against mental health and being up against childhood traumas and being up against parents who don’t support the union is very hard. I loved to see the growth between pressure and LO. I loved to see LO and his relationship with his father, even though his father does not approve of his relationship with TONI. It is very telling in regard to his decision-making and his love language and also how he receives love and why he is so obsessed with controlling TONI. Mental health is not spoken about often with black men so to see KAY – LO struggle with his mental health and be receptive to speaking with a therapist and getting medication is very important to exhibit within the black community.
This was a good time… and although I didn’t read the Pressure series, because it’s not my type of storyline. I actually enjoyed being eased into Toni’s past and getting a sense of her character development without feeling lost. That part worked for me and made it easy to connect with her story. I understand for the most part how Pressure and Pluto came about but I’d rather read about them settling into their relationship. I also really appreciated the way the author brought Black mental health to the forefront. That was one of the strongest elements of the book, and of course it made sense that Kaylo’s dad would be the type of Black elder who brushes mental health off instead of addressing it properly. He’s a whole mess, miseducated, but you can still tell he loves his son in his own twisted way.
Pressure and Pluto were cute at first. Pressure is hard-headed as hell, but I respected that Pluto stood firm about not wanting more kids right now. She knows her husband, though, because let’s be real… Pressure would’ve made me fold too.
That said, Pluto started doing entirely too much. She forced an argument that didn’t really exist. Asking for space because your husband finished inside you is one of the weakest conflicts I’ve ever read in a marriage. Not cheating. Not betrayal. Not disrespect. But because he came in you. Go get a Plan B and stop all that negativity. If she wasn’t ready for what comes with marriage, she shouldn’t have gotten married.
Then she dragged this out for weeks, had him holding out, just to turn around and let him slide in raw again on her time, without even clearing up what happened the first time. It honestly felt like she was using sex as a form of control, and that dynamic was not cute. It made me question if she even wanted him, because this had to be one of the weakest excuses for conflict I’ve seen in any marriage storyline.
Now, Kaylo and Toni! Completely different story. They had nothing but sex at first, but at least it came with real chemistry and connection on page. Their scenes were spicy, especially that swing scene…baby, that was written well. I also cracked up when Toni was holding in her laugh when Kaylo went soft, because he was clearly in his feelings. Kaylo is unhinged, a little mental, and not somebody to play with. That man will crash out behind Toni and did!
I also suspected Toni was on birth control, because with all that fawking and no pregnancy.
My other issue outside the characters is with the author. There’s no indication this is a series. No “Part One.” No “To Be Continued.” Nothing. That feels misleading, especially for readers who don’t like starting unfinished stories. If this is meant to continue, say that up front. It will still get read.
Anyway, the Kaylo and Toni storyline carried the book for me. Pressure and Pluto’s conflict just wasn’t strong enough to justify all that drama, especially for a married couple with kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mentally and emotionally heavy! This story had me asking myself is love really enough when love looks like this. Kay’Lo and Toni are the definition of loving each other through damage, through trauma, through unhealed wounds that keep bleeding all over the marriage. Every fiber of my heart screams their love is real for each other. This wasn’t just unhinged it was emotionally exhausting the kind of love that makes you hold your breath because you don’t know if it’s going to save them or destroy them.
Kay’Lo’s love is dangerous. Not because it isn’t real but because it’s rooted in pain, control and a mind that’s been fighting demons long before Toni ever entered his life. The fact that he thought killing for her was peace says everything about how broken his understanding of love really is. Toni my heart goes out to her. Loving someone who would burn the world down for you sounds romantic until you realize you’re standing too close to the flames.
What hit me the hardest is that Toni sees him. She notices the mood shifts, the changes, the moments when something else takes over. She’s the only one close enough to recognize that this isn’t just rage or ego it’s illness mixed with trauma. She's screaming he needs help! Love can't repair mental illness. It's such a heavy burden to carry as a wife. Loving someone while trying not to lose yourself in the process is a battle all on its own.
This wasn’t a pretty love story. It was raw, messy, wearying and uncomfortable. Love showed up in the cracks after they hurt each other, after the damage was already done. It made me sad because at the core of it all are broken kids trapped in adult bodies trying to build a future without ever being taught how to be whole.
A lot of healing is needed. A lot of accountability. A lot of hard decisions about boundaries, self preservation and whether standing beside someone means sacrificing yourself.
This book didn’t romanticize toxic love it exposed it. That’s what made it hit so hard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I opened this book with no particular expectation, but I was not expecting what I got!!!… This book was written to pull you into something deep, something that needs healing!!!…Showing you how you can easily love someone til it hurts you!!!… A broken child who has grown into a beautiful woman, with a heart and desire to heal and help, all while trying to still pull herself back together!!!… You can feel her pain through the pages, you feel the hope she keeps searching for, even when being let down!!!… Kay’Lo is fighting more than the voices in the hall and his head!!!…He’s fighting the desire to help and deeply love a woman that he knows love and wants him totally!!! He has a father that is more concerned about what ppl will think than to face the reality that his son is struggling!!!…This book brought to the forefront of the silent struggles we can have and live life with so many mask, that we forget about the damage or the scars!!!… I can’t wait to see what is next!!!…Although what seems like a deal breaking secret has been revealed, this will be where care and understanding will come to play!!!…
Calling this a cliffhanger feels too gentle — she didn’t leave me hanging, she threw me off a building… and there was nothing there to catch me.
Now Toni… Toni Rock, listen, I love her, okay? A part of me knew — deep down — but still. Knowing her story from childhood to now made everything hit harder. I understand where her struggles come from, I really do. She just doesn’t know how to express them, and I wish she had the space and safety to do that. Because while so much attention is placed on his mental health, it feels like hers gets overshadowed — and that matters.
Let me just say, I am absolutely looking forward to book two. But whew… I need a moment to emotionally recover before I move on, because this one did something to me.
And Pressure and Pluto? Oh, I love them down. The way she got him together, every moment of it, I felt it.
Now them parents though… whew. Lord, give me strength. We don’t get to choose them, but we sure do have to heal from them.
I should have known I'd be hooked! Lo a different type of crazy manz is actually certified! He don't play about Toni at alllll to the point I see how it can get too much (Blaqson) I still don't like the make up, Lo should of started it off not the other way around. I'm happy we got to see some of Pluto and Pressure hittin on some obstacles married couples can face. I think Toni is valid but she went about it all the wrong way wasting everyone time with the workup and tests when she knew the truth. I liked seeing more of all the parents. But I just know Abeni book finna be fire! Not trying to say tooo much in the review but it's sooo much to say lmao! Can't wait for part 2! Yall know she loves to leave us guessing we didn't make it through 4 Certified Pressures for us to think that's when the guessing stops!! Either way I'm SAT! Hoping for a great ending to all the chaos 😩 My manz Renz needs him something sweet toooo!
The only way I can describe how I feel as I reached the end of this book is Heartbroken. I am heartbroken for all that Toni has endured. Heartbroken for how easily Kwame dismissed how Kay’Lo was feeling and purposefully interrupted his progress. If nothing else Kay’Lo needed that peace in his head and spirit he finally had. I’m heartbroken that Pressure ignored Pluto’s cry for a moment to gather herself. I am more heartbroken than anything that these birth control pills may have broken them more than anything else ever could. I believe wholeheartedly that had she explained to him that until they had his mental under control completely for an extended period she wanted to wait on having a baby he would have understood. This is an amazing story! Thank you for sharing it with the world, Friend! ~Krystena Haye
I get their unhinged love and mental healthy journey,but Kwame is really wrong for messing with his son because of being prideful.. I love Treasure and I understand Toni’s view from not ready to start a family to quickly.. She has mental baggage needing exploring before becoming a Mom.. It’s a lot without her understanding the emotions you have as a woman, a mother, a wife before making the decision to bring kids into her mental , physical abuse she went through and continue to struggle with even years after the abuse. It doesn’t disappear or magically heals itself. These Mensah men need more counseling too.
Toni has every right to be on birth control. Why would she want to bring a baby into that marriage. Yes they love each other but in this case love is not enough. The meds were helping him, why didn’t they get a second opinion they both saw how the doc changed up on them. If dad would have addressed his son’s mental health issue as a child he wouldn’t be going through this but no his ego and pride wouldn’t let him. I wonder how long they are going to hide that baby. I need that next book.
I just love these couple, Pluto and Pressure, and then Toni and Kay'Lo! These couples have been through so much, but communication is important to have. While I feel for Toni, in the end, she was wrong about doing what she's doing. Kay'Lo knows he's not right, but he was doing everything, " Toni asked of him. I really can't wait until til they find out what Kay'Lo daddy did to his therapist! Treasure kmow her son has issues and.had them from a little boy, her denial or staying aligned with her husband is annoying! I can't wait for the next installment !
I’m mad as hell that kaylo daddy contacted his dr all because “nothing is wrong with his son “ I wish treasure would speak up as she is the only person he will listen too. I hope pluto don’t get pregnant again unless she wants to cuz she might kill pressure. I’m flabbergasted that Toni went all the way through with that appointment knowing she on birth control and that her husband ain’t right in the head… I didn’t think this was gonna be a cliffhanger and now I can’t wait for part 2 . GO READ IT !!
This book was completely different than the other certified books. It was an emotional story dealing with Toni’s childhood trauma and Kay’Lo’s mental health struggles. It also gave an inside look into Pressure and Pluto’s marriage post 2 children. It’s a perfect illustration of what happens after the happily ever after and the book ends. The MC’s are married but there’s still a lot for them to overcome.
A few things I enjoyed in this book: 1. It gave a real, authentic look into mental health and how it affects the person and everyone around them 2. I was so happy to read Pluto and Pressure’s perspectives 3. It gave the real when you first move in with your spouse and can’t stand them. That part was funny. 4. The married men didn’t play about their wives!!!
This isn't your typical fairytale story. Kaylo is unhinged and fighting demons most people couldn't handle, and Toni Roc has a past that would break anyone else. But Sha Jones writes their connection so vividly that you realize they aren't toxic—they're survivors. Together, they are the only ones who truly "get" it. If you want a story that deals with mental health and trauma with raw honesty, pick this up
This book was so emotional 😫 Toni’s childhood, Kay’lo trying to get help from his parents, that therapist lying to him because of his father, the many metal breakdowns from Kay’lo and Pressure’s apology to Pluto 😭😭 the birth control!!! Why Toni?? Kay’lo has so many people in his life who are lying to him …Lord I’ve cried so much!
Way to much intimacy instead of getting to the issues of the series, I do like the book, but there's a lot left unfinished and some of those sexapades could have been replaced with actually finishing what happens with Abeni, Kashmere's baby, does a war break out, but I digress, on to my next author!
The history down memory lane told alot about Toni 's past and Kay' lo being diagnosed with schizophrenia explains the impulsive behavior he always had no matter what those two made it work and love grew stronger
This book is just a continuing drama of the first four series a certified pressure cousins just as crazy and still makes me want more. Please continue as soon as possible and I’m looking forward to more storylines like this.
Book was great. Slow and steady. When is book 2 coming out ? I hope they pull through this. They are so cute and good for each other. And Kwame is need a reality check !!
Wow I thought this would be a 1 part story but now I have to wait for part 2. Sha why you leave me hanging again. Hurry up with part 2. But I loved this story and can’t wait for part 2. Thank you
Sha did it again… the pressure is on. And real… if you read certified pressure 1-4, then this book dives in for Kay’lo and Toni Roc. I can’t wait to see the rest of this explosive interaction
Definitely a slow burn. Also a lot of storylines left unanswered and new ones opened. I guess we will have to wait and see how they develop, but right now it feels incomplete and that is without the cliffhanger ending.
Whew chile. From cover to cover I was in for a wild ride. All the Mensah men pressure lol. Baby this has got to be love cause they going through it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This book was very good and I love that Pluto impression made an imperious in the book. Kaylo and Tony when through some testing times in this book.. it's about to hit the fan in part 2
Omg I really feel like these Mensah men just can’t catch a break… honestly I really feel for Kayla but I also feel for Tony too… like damnnnn that ending took me out but it also made some much sense smh. Cnt wait for book two
Toni and Kay'lo have so much going on individually as well as a couple it was a crazy, funny, and unhinged ride. I enjoyed reading this story. The author did a good job of keeping the storyline moving and making the characters real.