4.5 ⭐️ Omg I absolutely love the way the author wrote this book. I could picture every page. She gave details that brought the story to life. I felt like i was watching a romance movie from back in the day. The love was genuine. I could feel it in my soul 🥺 This was a beautiful read. I cant wait for the next book of the series. 🥰

This book made me fall in love with the second chance trope. As a lover of romance I absolutely enjoyed the story of Nikayla, a successful business coach and Desmond, divorced single dad & sports podcaster. Despite the challenges of separating their senior year of college, these two find their way back around one another. The unpacking of their stories and the beauty that develops had me smiling for ear to ear as I read each page. This story, though a slow burn was very well written and kept my attention with each and every page. Their love story is one that made my heart smile. I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you NetGalley and Kafi Wise for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Both MCs banter, energy and romance was written well! There were a couple of times I LOL’d and that’s always a good sign.

I liked Dez’ character development and enjoyed that we also got into the lives of the side characters (Jess, Jay, Elaine and even Dani(ish))

The pacing of the story was good and I am glad that Nikki finally stood up to Elaine (I was getting annoyed at how long it took) but honestly who needs enemies when you have Elaine chile.

Excited for the world to read this!

Single dad reunites with his college sweetheart whose heart he broke. I love a second chance trope done well.

This is the perfect read when you need true romance on a soul tie level. I loved the growth of these characters and the support they gave each other (well some were more supportive than others…Elaine I’m looking at you 😂).


This was a slow burn that was worth the wait. I really enjoyed watching their beautiful love story unfold. I’m excited to read the next book.


Thank you to the author Kafi Wise for this Advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

Nikayla and Desmond were the perfect definition of right person wrong time. These two met in college and had a situationship. Desmond always kept Nikayla at arms length and at the end of their senior year they went their separate ways. Nikayla rightfully so wanted more, however Desmond wasn’t ready. Years later they are back in each others lives due to mutual friends getting together. They are both growing in their careers and dealing with jealous friends, divorce, new career opportunities. The attraction is still there and as it grows, those outside things try to get in the way. Through individual self discovery, love, humor, and real family and friends Desmond and Nikayla were finally able to get their second chance. I loved their connection and the support they at for each other.

Second chance is my favorite genres and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Kafi Wise is a NTM author and I can’t wait to read more of her work coming.

Was a very beautiful love story. I really appreciated this writing in this book. I found myself able to relate to the fmc in this story. If anyone was to ask I would definitely suggest this book to others. This is a story that should be shared. I hope that this author gets all the love for this book.

Swoon! OMG! I loved every single minute of this book! Nikki and Desmond were made for each other! I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this book did not disappoint! From the build up, to the reunion, and the banter! This book had it all! Even the drama between Nikki and Elaine kept me on my toes! Definitely a new favorite! Great read!

“A HUGE thank you to Kafi Wise for trusting us with an advanced reader copy of her debut novel in exchange for our honest review! 📚✨ We couldn’t be more thrilled with this second chance romance! 💖 Check out our review below and let us know if this one’s going straight to your TBR! 📖👇 #BookishVibesOnly #ARCReview #DebutNovel #SecondChanceRomance #KariWise #HonestReview #March17Release #TBR”

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Chole’s Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I absolutely adored this novel. It was unexpected yet predictable in some areas but overall, I enjoyed this experience. There were so many parallels I could relate to. From rekindled college romance, to breakups, to finding confidence from within! I loved how effortless this love grew. The certainty Desmond and Nikayla showed each other was a breath of fresh air. I laughed out loud, I GASPED, I cried, I cheered. Smitten doesn’t even begin to cover my emotions. This novel was so well rounded, it had depth and growth. Even the side characters had their moment to shine! I’m honored to have read this.

Favorite Quote:
“She did not experience death, but the betrayal and loss is someone she loved deeply feels just as permanent.”

“Oh? Well, don’t let the bucket fill up too much. You have to deplete it as often as you fill it. Time is a slippery creature”

A Certified Love is certified emotional rollercoaster full of sweet nostalgia and unresolved tension that is real and raw between Nikayla, a driven business coach, and Desmond Childs, a cocky yet charming sports podcaster. It’s not without drama (wait until you meet Elaine). The chemistry between Nikayla and Desmond is electric, and the emotional depth of their characters pulls you in immediately. The tension they feel, both from their past and their present circumstances, is palpable and makes their journey toward reconnection all the more rewarding. Truly they’ll show you how to balance romantic moments, personal growth, forgiveness, and the tug-of-war between ambition and love (right place wrong time cycle). This story will have you rooting for these two every step of the way.


Thank you Kafi for Sending me your book! It truly is wonderful!!! Had me kicking my feet and staying up way past my bed time to finish.

She said "... so you took the scenic route to me?" OMG Nikki and Desmond had be SWOONING! They are college sweethearts that got off course with each other. Their separate lives progressed in different ways that eventually led them into running into each other at a party. The way they fell right back into stride with each other after so many years was so authentic. Their love was soft and deserving. Desmond's character development from college to the man Nikki runs back into made him more prepared when the second chance presented itself. Desmond is in tune with his wants and is so intentional with Nikki. Nikki is driven and focused but also a people pleaser that puts herself last.
The friend dynamics and work life balances are relatable. They both faced uncertainty in their chosen careers. Desmond has to adjust his life for single parenthood. Luckily, he moves back to a city where his village is ever present. Nikki needed Desmond. He came just in time.

This was such a beautiful story of second chance love! While it may not have been the right time, it was always the right person for Nikayla and Desmond. It was refreshing to see a couple evolve as individuals and see them fall in love with the versions of each other in the present and not hold on to past heartbreak. Great start to a series and while second chance romance is my favorite trope, I am excited for the possibility of a redeeming love in Book 2!