The story was a sweet treat. Imagine going to your front door and finding your baby. And later finding the best Mommy for your baby girl. The Z names had me going, but oh well...
I felt like it was rushed at the end and the story towards the end was well thought out. The entire book we read about Caziya’s issue with her mom’s abandonment of her. Towards the end said mom enters into the book and Caziyas acts like a complete child. I get some people have real trauma but she wasn’t even trying to heal from him. All she did was shut down and push zakai away and again acted like a child who couldn’t communicate.
Then the whole scene when she meets up with her mom and her mom’s dude like what was that? That was the perfect opportunity for her to tell her mom how she felt but all she did was run away and go run to her aunt. However, talking to her aunt somehow healed her which we don’t get to see on page.
Fast forward to the end of the book because of the Caziya told her mom to “have the day she deserve” that miraculously opened her eyes to everything and wanted her to change. They had a coming to Jesus moment and all was ok? Like really?? If that was how it was going to end then why drag out her trauma throughout the entire book? Again the story was ok but to me Caziya was very childish in the way she handled things with her mom. I at least would’ve liked to see her healing on page and not just mentioned in passing. And the mom was NEVER held accountable for how she treated her daughter.
If it’s two things that Ms Baxter is going to do that’s give you lots of God in a book & somebody gettin put through the mattress🤣(the sound effects at one point had me like “oh that’s what we doin?”) I’m not going to lie I did start to get a little bored about 2/3 in. But I pushed through. If nothing else though, this story is a testament to the way that parental wounds will affect how you move in relationships until you make the choice to continue old patterns or address the hurt & heal. And while we love a redemption arc, I think the person that was forgiven didn’t deserve it.
Rehabilitated Love seriously, this is a book that I have had a love and hate relationship (in the best way possible) with since I started reading this book. The title has the book in a chokehold because Zakai came into Caziya’s life and turned it upside down (for the better of course). He showed her what’s it like to be love and seen by your significant other, and how being treated as his woman feels like. Zakai came into the relationship with a two year old daughter named Zakiyah. Zakiyah’s mother was a nasty person who dropped her daughter off on Zakai’s doorstep with a note and the note was just as nasty all for that heffa to unalive herself (I was floored and so confused at that point. Ever since, Zakai has been raising his daughter and minding his business, until one night at a bar that changed his mind about his future when he seen Caziya sitting at a bar with her boyfriend and his wife. The rest was history when they talked and he nursed her broken heart. If Zakai didn’t know that Caziya was the women for him, he defiantly knew the moment in the ice cream shop sitting at a table with his daughter and Caziya bonding like she was her mother.
Caziya was a woman who her mother had no emotional tie to her what-so-ever. Caziya’s mom gave birth to her and as soon as she was out the hospital, she dropped Caziya off with her Aunt Emmy to care for and raise like her own (which she did). Fast forward, to the present, Caziya now has abandonment issues and it affects her life and a way that causes her to shutdown whenever her mom tries to contact her, and causes her to have all these thoughts about people up and leaving. Caziya’s mother was an evil person from her attitude, to the way she spoke to her daughter like she was nothing. Caziya was in a relationship with a guy for 6 months or years (hell, I don’t know), anywho she found out that he was married and that pretty much was the end of that rodeo, until Zakai came to her rescue and one night (without adult activities involved) he nursed her broken heart, and their relationship bloomed from there.
What my problem is why did Caziya let her mother do that much emotional damage to her mental? I understand everything that her mom did to her but by golly I would have caught out a Therapist and kept my life pushing. I would have erased that evil emotionless woman out my life for good. She gave too much to a dead situation when she could’ve just stopped communication and the torment that her mother caused by eliminating her all together. I mean, seriously, shutting down and pushing Zakai away was a lot and it wasn’t caused for because she choose’s to let her mother come in and be mean and nasty towards her. In the end, I’m glad that her and her mom are on the same accord and are working towards a better healthier relationship.
Closing Argument: I understand Rehabilitated Love was about loving a person through their trials and tribulations, but Caziya’s issues was a little dragged out and got really old very fast with me. Caziya wanted to be in a place where she couldn’t prosper, she liked the mental damage that her mother was doing to her because if she didn’t she would have taken the proper steps to move on and erase the woman and her damage, but she didn’t. I loved the story, and I loved how Zakai was willing to love Caziya through her issue, but Caziya mad the book unbearable and I found myself skimming through her parts just to get to Zakai’s parts because Caziya was on my nerves tough. Still this book is a 5 star.
Zakai and Caziya’s story was truly a journey worth taking. 💫 Caziya carried the deep pain of being abandoned by her mother, and it showed in her bouts of depression and emotional shutdowns. To make matters worse, she discovered—without knowing—that she had been dating a married man. 😩💔 Zakai just so happened to witness the heartbreaking moment she found out and stepped in to help her through one of her lowest nights. 🫶🏾
Zakai, a devoted single father, focused solely on work and raising his daughter. 👨🏾👧🏾 He wanted more for their lives but didn’t realize what was missing until he reconnected with Caziya a week after they first met. From there, he pursued her with intention and purpose. 💪🏾❤️
Caziya needed time to heal, and even when she pushed him away, Zakai stayed patient and never gave up on her. 🌧️➡️☀️ Together, they weathered the storm and came out stronger—with a love restored and rehabilitated. 💞✨
I really enjoyed reading Zakai and Caziya's book. They met when Caziya was going through a devastating moment in her life. Zakai spends the night with Caziya comforting her. By coincidence, they meet while he is out with his daughter, Kiki. They begin to spend time together, but Caziya still suffers from abandonment issues due to her mother. After her mother contacts her, I felt sorry for Caziya since that made her spiral. I'm glad that Caziya knew that she had to heal before she could commit to Zakia and Kiki completely. I thought that Caziya's mother was a no-account individual, but I understood just a tiny bit after she confessed why she acted the way she did. I loved Kiki because she was sooooo adorable, and she fell in love with Pwitty (Caziya) at first sight. Riley added so much love, feelings and emotions in this book that I hardly wanted to put it down. Great storyline and great characters!!
Love as a verb, healing power, and foundational building block
“Rehabilitation is knowing deep inside that you alone have the power to decide to pick yourself up, to stand once more, even when you’re weary, aching, and sore.”
Such a beautiful story grounded in love and prayer. Caziyah’s prayer that Kiki would not experience the same abandonment and rejection Caziyah lived with, Zakai’s prayers over Caziyah for complete healing, and Caziyah’s prayers for and over Zakai were beautiful and vulnerable and the most perfect display of love in action.
Mrs. Baxter continue to write the vision and make it plan- there is someone who needs to know that this is possible for them. It is more than a story- it is a parable that can be someone’s reality. Much love to your craft and willingness to write the stories that both entertain and teach. Thank you for pouring out your gift- even when not deserved.
All of Riley Baxter’s books are beautifully written and this is no exception. The FMC Caziya and MMC Zakai both have some traumatic experiences and past relationships that have them with guards up. A couple chance encounters prove they were meant to cross paths and help encourage and help each other grow past the pain and hurt. Zakai proves to be patient and so gentle as Caziya goes through a tough time. He doesn’t give up but still is super loving and supportive even when it’s not expected. They are surrounded by family and friends that love and want what’s best for them. They push them to let go and just be happy. I loved Kiki too she was a sweetheart. 10/10 for me.
As always Ms. Riley, you have done it again by writing a beautifully heartfelt story. My heart is so happy and full.
Zakai is a beautiful man with a beautiful heart. He took the raising of his daughter and never missed a beat. His village was great as well. And God showed him favor when Kelvin messed up with Caziya. She was exactly who he needed and vice versa.
Caziya was a mess due to mommy issues. But Kai stayed the course. He gave her space, but he also let her know that he was here when she was ready.
Love is an action word that if displayed perfectly brings much joy to those on the receiving end. We all deserve rehabilitated love.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Zakai and Caziya were cute together. Their meeting was fated and I liked that their foundation was friendship and getting to know each other. I liked that Zakai pursued her with intention and showed up even when she tried pushing him away. He showed her the consistency and love she was used to only being given by her aunt and best friends. I also loved the bond between Caziya and Zakiyah. That baby took to her so easily and I knew even if he hadn’t already started falling, that would have made it that much harder to not fall in love.
Caziya had some deep abandonment issues that stemmed from birth. Although she found great love the mental abuse from her mother had her about to lose a great man. It was more than just him because his daughter adored her as well. She was attached to her YaYa from day one. Zakai, had to navigate waters he was not used to especially after what happened with his ex.
This was a push and pull romance that had me engaged from the beginning. You will not understand unless you have been there. It is hard for someone to fill a void you have yet to move one from. Release yourself from the toxic.
This was such a beautiful story of how one heartbreak can lead to you finding real love! From the moment Zakai saw Caziya he knew she was something special. Zakiyah was the cutest during the whole story, and she loved her “Pwitty”. Even when her issues and insecurities drug her into a depression, Zakai didn’t give up on Caziya. I did want a little more at the ending, as it felt a little rushed. I loved the book nonetheless. I also loved the prayers throughout the book in needed moments. This was another good one from Riley Baxter!
As I make my way through your catalog I’ve come to expect swoon worthy MMCs. You definitely didn’t miss with Kai! My goodness that man was everything. The way he loved Ziya was just the sweetest and then throw baby girl and there and I was literally done. Sometimes you just need a good love story where a beautiful BLACK couple find their way to each other without too much craziness. That’s Rehabilitated Love. Two people allowing themselves to be vulnerable enough to allow love to take root.
This story shows not only the power of rehabilitation, but the gift of determination. The victory in perseverance. Fear causes us to miss so many good things, along with comfortability. It's challenging to step out of your comfort zone & decide to do or be something different. But it is in these times when the decision leads to the best times of our lives, as scary as they are Great writing! The characters were relatable & I found myself rooting for them.
I have loved everything that this author has written and this book is no different. Each book steals my heart. Zakai and Caziya were meant for each other. Caziya needed to heal because of both mother and man trauma. The mother trauma, was something that she had to handle herself, in order to move forward.
They molded together perfectly. That little Kiki was adorable with her "Pwitty." Children can definitely sense things whether they be positive or negative. So glad that Caziya gave him a chance to restore her faith and love in man, and prove that he was the right man to fix her heart.
Wow! So intense at times! Love the love exhibited with each character! Zakai was set on Caziya and rightfully so! Love babygurl , Zakai daughter ☺️so cute! But the demon Rosetta (mom to Caziya) she had me angry 😠 glad she finally came clean with Caziya to develop a real relationship with Caziya ❤️🩹❤️🩹 love the spiritual portion 🙌🏾🙌🏾Aunt Emmy🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
What a great story of healing and finding love. The inner monologue for our main characters were hilarious! I admit I was a little frustrated with Caziya and how she handled the situation with her mom, but in the end I realized it had to go that way for their plot line to play out. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
This was so cute! One night that shattered Caziya emotionally brings her to her forever. Zakai was blindsided when a former lover drops off a surprise on his doorstep and he's now a dad! This novel just shows out of hurt a beautiful ending can occur! Hearts were mended, forgiveness happened and they got their HEA!
This was a very sweet book about surviving the challenges of life and finding a love that you dreamed of but didn’t think you would find. I loved Zakai and Caziya’s love story. There’s something beautiful about drama free black love.
Restoring yourself for love is a process and these two went through a process. Mostly Ziyah who endured the abandonment no child should. Luckily she met the man who took one man’s trash and made it his forever treasure.
I truly enjoyed this book and was so happy to see how the story unfolded!!!…This book was written very well and the story line was one that you could really see yourself in!!!… I love me some Auntie though!!!…
Kiki was such an adorable little girl. It was such a shame that her maternal side didn't want anything to do with her. Ziya finally got out of her own head and let Zakai love her like she was meant to be loved.
Excellent love story! Zakai and Caziya needed each other. Love like this does not come along often . Falling in love fast is the work of a higher power. Riley you always bring us real stuff.
“Rehabilitation is knowing deep inside that you alone have the power to decide to pick yourself up, to stand once more, even when you’re weary, aching, and sore.”
Two wounded hearts meet and make an arduous journey to love and trust! It has all the elements... sassy elders, good friends, and a cute kid! The "antagonists" were close to being over the top.....but it all made sense.
Another 3.5⭐️ read for me. Zakai was doing a bit much & a bit too fast with the inner monologue for me. He didn’t necessarily act on them, but the mindset was wild considering he had a small child to also consider. Overall enjoyed the book.
I sympathize with the FMC the relationship she had with her mother is similar to my own. No matter how old you're those wounds linger for a long time. Love the MMC and his daughter. Another wonderful book from one of my favorite authors👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This was a great quick read. It just goes to show we can want something so bad and sabotage it all.at the same time. She wanted but was pushing it away because of her emotions. I am so glad he never gave up on her.