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Saint

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After the passing of their mother, Saint Carmichael is raised by his older brother Bishop—who is a true example of his brother’s keeper—ensuring that he wanted for nothing while keeping him away from everything street related. Saint’s life is mapped out with several college basketball scholarships to choose from and a future with the NBA on his horizons. However, in a mere moment, his life goes from promising to abysmal when he’s falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit, losing not only years of his life to an unjust system but all of his future plans and aspirations too.

Following an eight-year prison sentence, Saint is reunited with the outside world but a complete transformation has taken place. Reality chin checks Saint as he realizes that his welcome home plans are significantly ruined and the only person he can fall back on is himself. That is until fate unknowingly positions Saint to regain everything he has lost plus more, restoring his life in unimaginable ways.

Saint is not your ordinary hood romance. It’s an exceptional and jubilant story of redemption, restoration, unbreakable bonds, and loyalty. Check out Saint as he takes on a remarkable journey of dreams deferred but not denied in this inspirational African American urban romance standalone.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2023

494 people are currently reading
325 people want to read

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Lakia

70 books280 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,175 followers
August 23, 2023
Saint and Ava gave me the love story I never knew I needed and the way I was OBSESSED with everything about this book was unnatural! I meannnnnn it gave me all the feels!! 🗣️EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! This was one of those feel good underdog stories that you can’t help but enjoy! I wanted Saint and Ava to win so bad and I was rooting for them until the very end!

Saint was a high school senior and well on his way to being an NBA phenomenon! Unfortunately life took a turn in a way he could have never imagined when he was accused of and sentenced for a crime he didn’t commit! The way I cried for Saint!!! I mean I felt his pain during this entire ordeal! Saint’s brother Bishop did his best to advocate and fight for him but it seems like the sins of his brother had the courts throwing the whole library at Saint. Bishop made sure that Saint would be set from the moment he was released but Saint knew all too well after his arrest that getting his hopes up would be foolish! Coming off an 8 year sentence Saint realized that the life he left behind was way different and he was forced to start from the bottom! But as we know with the bottom, it’s only up from there!!

The little nuggets of hope that Bishop left for Saint really turned out to be a life saver and when he met Ava these two created a friendship and bond that saved them both! Ava was fighting her own battles and just when her back was up against the wall, Saint came through for her in a major way! I absolutely loved their story of hope and redemption! These were two resilient and used their resources to not only overcome all odds but to rise and come out on top! This was my first book by Lakia but will not be my last! I HIGHLY Recommend you add this book to your list and make it a point to read it ASAP!!
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,072 reviews324 followers
September 7, 2023
I LOVE THIS BOOK. That prologue has me PISSED. Saint spent eight years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. As soon as Saint was freed, Bishop his brother made sure he had everything he needed, but Saint had learned from his incarceration that he should not get his hopes up. After serving eight years in prison, Saint found that his old life had changed drastically, and he was back at square one. Saint's life was saved by the relationship and bond he formed with Ava, and Bishop's encouraging words proved to be invaluable. Ava had been fending for herself, but when she was at her wit's end, Saint helped her. Absolutely adored their story of redeeming against all odds. Everyone needs a big brother like Bishop! He couldn't protect Saint from the cruel world, but he always made an effort to be there for his sibling. I was hurt by what Natalie did to him, but he eventually found happiness with Kaleesha. Kaleesha's husband abandoned her after learning that their kid had autism, and it was so cute watching them grow into a couple. I’m still trying to figure out how Natalie was just living in they house … with a new family… COMFORTABLY. Also fuck Lamont and that bull shit ass post. I think Bishop character was a little too redeemed because some people needed to be put in the dirt.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,426 reviews163 followers
December 1, 2023
I loved Saint, but I think I loved Bishop more!

Saint was on top of the world! He had just helped his team win their state basketball championship and he was college bound. Unfortunately he caught a bs case, and lost 8 years of his life for a crime he didn't commit. When he finally touches down, life as he knows it has changed. His life was a literal mess, but he didn't fold or panic he just focused on grinding legally and making a way out. He meets Ava and although they are both at low points in life, they end up becoming friends...companions, and were deeply in love before they were able to say it out loud. I loved the way Saint loved Ava, he was so sweet and patient with her and he gave that same love to baby Jordyn. They were the sweetest little family.

Bishop was so mannish and I loved him. He was really a teddy bear under his hard shell. He was crazy protective and anyone he loved felt his love deeply. He was the guardian of his brother Saint, and he made sure he was set up for success. It seemed as if he lost a part of himself when Saint went away. I appreciated that he made plans for a new life for Saint once he was free. I also appreciated his growth and for him realizing he had to let Saint make his own decisions. Allowing Saint to live his life, expanded his heart and their family. Kalesha and Jabri were so good for him. He didn't play about them at all and did his best to make their life easier. Jabri was just everything, his little smart bossy self. I was hoping for their family expansion, but the ending was still sweet.

Let me close with all the fools that had all of the AUDACITY...starting with Natalie cuz she had me fkd up, this heaux really really had the nerve to be living her best life in somebody elses house smh. Vince...punk azz baby daddy x 3 was hot trash and he didn't get enough of a beat down. Jermaine junky self was doing way too much talking and definitely didn't understand what standing on business was, because he claimed his child with the wind. Just know there was enough drama along side all of the love to keep the book interesting.
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
September 15, 2023
Loved It 🖤

Oh, how I love Saint! He had every reason to be an angry and bitter young man but he was the complete opposite. After spending 8 years in prison, Saint returns home and sees that his circumstances are not what he thought they’d be. My heart broke for him but when life began to turn around for him it was so beautiful to read. He deserved all of the good things. I loved how he and Ava crossed paths and took care of each other - no matter what. I loved the community they had within their friend group. It was just healthy black love all around and I loved it.

I was not prepared for how amazing Bishop was. What a big brother! He raised Saint after their mom died and he did an amazing job. I adored how much he loved Saint and all the kids! Especially, Jibri. Jibri made me smile and I just know he’s going to grow up to be an amazing architect.
Profile Image for BrownBookNerd.
244 reviews36 followers
September 14, 2023
I fell in love with Saint’s story. I adore his relationship with Ava
& their family and friends. This is a story of redemption. Looking forward to reading more from Lakia.
Profile Image for Ebony.
291 reviews33 followers
July 25, 2023
Whew! a story of redemption and love

This book tore at my heart strings. It shows how crooked cops can be. Saint doing 8 years for a crime he didn’t commit, had me TIGHT! But he had the ultimate comeback story with love and success. Getting the Job with Carl after Natalie showed she wasn’t loyal, let him to Ava and it was up from there.

Saint legit is an angel on earth. The way he loved Ava and Jordyn. My goodness. My heart was overjoyed in the epilogue.

Bishop is the big brother everyone wants and needs! He couldn’t save saint from this unjust world, but he did everything in his power to show up and show out for his brother. I was upset that Natalie did him like that, but he met Kaleesha and they were a better match. Seeing Kaleesha parent her son with some much love and care when her husband dipped cus he was diagnosed with autism did something to me. The way Bishop learned about autism and showered Jibri with love WHEW!!

I can’t forget about friendship between Jibri and Gideon. 🫶🏾🥹

There is so much healthy black love in this book, beautiful friendships, and success.

I was wondering if we would figure out who set Saint up and boy I was shocked!!

I will always think about Saint and his pure heart. One of my favorite characters to date!

Lakia wrote this so beautifully, it is definitely one of my fav reads so far this year. 4.75⭐
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,879 reviews
August 2, 2023
🙂

Good read! The brotherhood between Saint & Bishop was refreshing. Ava and Saint truly captured my heart; their chemistry was oozing from the pages and I couldn’t wait for them to get together. The author took good care with Kalesha and Bishop’s storyline. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
974 reviews39 followers
September 10, 2023
Brother's Keeper

Ms. Laika this is the first full-length book I have read by you. I first came across your work in a Kindle Vella story that was intriguing and engaging. In this book, Saint was magnificent and I was fully invested after the first couple of pages. Saint was destined for greatness and for someone to change his trajectory in life was disheartening. Just like the sport he loved, he bounced back from that huge setback. He met the love of his life when he was at his lowest. She needed him just as much as he needed her. She was there when the one person who practically raised him wasn't. Natalie was wrong on so many levels. I thought it was hilarious when she had the audacity to move another man into Bishop's house. That was her first and last mistake. And Bishop was the best big brother/father that Saint could have had in his life. Yes, he was rough around the edges but when you are getting yourself and your little brother out of the mud it takes grit to make it. I loved Kalesha for Bishop she complemented him well. They were soulmates. And her son Jibri was so intelligent you wouldn't have guessed his disability. I did hope that Kalesha would give Bishop at least one child. He deserved to have his own legacy although he and Jibri were tight.

This book demonstrated true love, compassion, hustle, determination, and loyalty. Saint was dealt a bad hand on the night of his first championship but he rose from that setback. Bishop's loyalty and love for his brother aided him in fulfilling his dreams. He may not have been an NBA player but he still got to do what he loved. If "brother's keeper" was a person then Bishop is that person. Ava opening her heart for Saint was well received and reciprocated. She not only gained a man but a family as well. This book shows not only healing and transformation but the true meaning of family doesn't have to be blood. A must-read so grab your copy today. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,512 reviews35 followers
August 9, 2025
So freaking good

This was such a feel good read and definitely a palate cleanser… Saint and Ava was just pure love personified from the beginning and I loved the whole family unit to balance out the dynamics especially Bishop and Kaleasa… It was mostly drama free and unproblematic and I loved that for them all I can’t wait for what’s next
Profile Image for Sha-keh-ree.
338 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2024
“There was nothing like brotherly love.”

Brotherly love at its finest. Saint’s story is all too familiar, but so happy to see he recovered from it all. Not many get a story like this, but I’m glad this story was told to honor those who have experienced injustice from a corrupt system. Loved Bishop and the way he loved his brother. Loved the found family aspect. Ava and Saint deserved each other. Loved Kalesha and how she didn’t take no stuff from Bishop. They were great match for each other. Bishop had me laughing! Also, the spotlight on autism was well done. I didn’t see that twist coming at all. Overall, I enjoyed this story. 🖤
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,186 reviews72 followers
October 13, 2023
One for the books

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen folks ask why can’t Black people just have stories about our life and I think this checks that box in a major way. Im truly impressed by the author branching into “women’s fiction” with this beautiful version of a Black American Dream type story. While it’s just one example of our lives, dreams, possibilities and potential I think it was very well done. I loved the way the author stayed true to her writing roots with the added bits of spicy and romance. And I loved loved loved the brother’s keep dynamic.
Profile Image for readingsprints_and_chaisips.
487 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2024
I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this and I’m ecstatic with what I got. Saint is a good man, and Bishop, though more wild is a great man as well.

Found family, overcoming unforeseen circumstances and obstacles, navigating relationships, diagnoses and illnesses, protecting the ones you love, growing up and opening up, learning from your mistakes, taking accountability.

Saint & Ava🥰
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,108 reviews21 followers
September 19, 2023
Great story!!

This was such a good story. I can’t even pick a favorite character!!!! Saint and Bishop, I just loved their relationship and brotherhood. Bishop literally only wanted his loved ones to do well. Ava & Saint, were the cutest. I loved how they found each other when they were down and out. They started out as friend and that grew into a beautiful love story. Bishop and Kalisha were perfect for each other. Bishop with Jibri was so adorable! I loved everything about this story.
Profile Image for Natoi.
220 reviews
July 25, 2023
The brothers!!

When I say I loved the brothers relationship it was truly a beautiful story to read!! The love between Ava & Saint was timeless & trust worthy & feel good because when you think you hit bottom you find the peace that builds you up!! Bishop with his wild mouth but protective careing nature was everything a big brother should be and watching him meet his match in Kalesha was a sight to see. Just a beautiful, loving & sexy feel good story.
Profile Image for ashley.
901 reviews18 followers
July 26, 2023
4.5 good read

This was good in a is deeper than what you think level...the bond of the brothers and love that the showed was beautiful... this was more deep than messy which I truly enjoyed and more of a different wat to get to HEA. This boom also touched on not judging a book by its cover or pass.
Profile Image for Tamekia .
408 reviews15 followers
August 31, 2023
Saint

Saint was a real one from the jump! You don’t see many young guys standing up for and helping women. In the beginning I was like poor Ava cause I know being ill while carrying a child can be a lot. I love how they instantly clicked. It was truly love at first sight although they tried to fight it!
Profile Image for B.
489 reviews
August 28, 2023
okay

I wish the book had more saint and Ava in it. I didn’t mind the other characters I just expected what the description said to be in the book. I wish we could have seen saint grind it out some more. Even Bishop come home and grind it out. After two chapters they were both back on top. I hate how the chapter of the Halloween party which was Ava’s turning into Bishop/Kalesha chapter. My reason for ending the book early. Plot was there the execution could have been different.
Profile Image for ohnelreads.
214 reviews60 followers
August 6, 2023
Wheww

Now when I saw Saint and Ava deserved it all , they most definitely did . Saint and Ava meeting at low points in their life’s , becoming best friends then progressing to a complete family my heart.
Bishop was the best brother ever , I mean he had it set for Saint , there was a moment he wasn’t thinking far ahead to have his brothers back.

It was real stepdaddy ish and ready made families 🥰.
Profile Image for Britt.
104 reviews30 followers
March 28, 2024
Triumphant

I loved this one! This was a great story of redemption and what perseverance can get you. Healing is necessary and these characters all had to do so to truly enjoy their blessings. This was well written & kept me rooting for the characters. I didn’t rate it 5 ⭐️s because I felt it started to go around in circles a bit towards the ending. Aside from that I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,090 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥

Absolutely loved this story. Lanka tapped in on things that were relevant in today's society. I loved the way Saint took the L did his time and came out determined to rebuild his future. Happy he found out about ole girl before he invested more time into her gold digging butt. But fate had his path already worked out. Ava was just the woman he needed they both met and were able to help each other while building the other up, all while fighting their attraction to each other, lol. Bishop was indeed his brother's keeper what Nat did to both brothers was hurtful and a shame but karma handled her nicely. It was sad that a father would want to hurt one son for another knowing he was a bad seed, but justice got him also. Happy Lamont finally came out and told the truth but Saint still was successful beyond anything his people tried to do to him. Loved the way Bishop took care of his family and how he took it upon himself to learn about autism and not walk away, these brothers beat all odds grew their family, and became stronger than before beautiful love story. Would have like to know where Vincent disappeared to and Jordyn sperm donor, maybe there will be a spin off.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,538 reviews11 followers
September 7, 2023
Saint and Ava

This was a great read. I just love Saint and the man he matured into with the guidance of his big brother Bishop. Saint had a promising future and in a blink of an eye it was snatched away from him when he was charged and convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Eight years of his life. Coming home wasn't peaches and cream. His brother was doing a two year bid of his own, his sister n law had moved on and spent the money Bishop left. He was homeless and broke. Getting a job with his brother's homie moving company helped. That's how he first met Ava. She was down on her luck too. Situations and circumstances caused them to lean on and help each other and the beginning of something beautiful. Kalesha is Bishop's match. She has no problem putting him in his place when he gets out of pocket and that's what intrigued him the most. It took some time but she finally gave him a chance and that was the best decision for her and her son Jabari. Bishop loved him just as much as he loved his mother. This was a really great read and I look forward to more from Lakia.💘💘
Profile Image for Tarro Stokes-Funches.
1,860 reviews
July 31, 2023
REDEMPTION TIMES 2!!!
When I say I loved everything about this book, I mean that. If you are tired of the same old same old drug dealers, snakes, cheating men, and women not knowing their worth, this is the book for you. Saint was such a sweetheart; I was a fan of his from the beginning to the end. When the bible says, God will give you double for your trouble, well that's what Saint got! Double for his trouble!! Who would have thought meeting someone on your second day out of jail you will meet the love of your life? Meeting a pregnant Ava was the best thing that could have happened to both of them. Her getting sick and him helping her, which gave him shelter in her hospital room was it. Then my man Bishop, he came home to some ish with his ex, but he upgraded in a major way with Kalesha and her sweet son Jibri. The way Bishop took to Jibri and learned more about autism gave me butterflies!!! I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,662 reviews17 followers
July 29, 2023
Prime example of delayed but not denied

This story was different but in a good way. It still has the urban fiction elements but taking on a different side. I absolutely love the relationship and love between Saint and Bishop. Bishop is the truth and a great example of my brother's keeper-- he took that to heart and showed it in every way. I'm happy that love reveals itself in multiple ways that just added to my appreciation of the story. This story definitely tugs at your heart and you get to witness triumph over obstacles, especially those that Saint didn't have anything to do with. Saint is an amazing guy and he's a prime example of delayed but not denied. Saint's dream didn't end like he initially thought it would but it ends so much brighter and better than he imagined.
37 reviews
August 1, 2023
I loved this book! I really did not want it to end! There was a lot going on but the way Lakia writes you can follow each point. This story goes from the demise of a young boy-turning man to growing up in jail to getting out and making things shake to better himself so he stays a free man. Then meeting your person when you both are at your lowest, only to lend on each other why growing together to become a power couple in love.

Okay, Bishop is the thug that I wish I could find in real life! He is a man's man but loves his brother and will do anything to keep him safe. He only wants to love one woman and be that man who gives his all to his woman, family, and friends! Bishop refuses to let life get him down and he starts all over again.

I really want this story to have a never-ending end!
114 reviews1 follower
Read
August 17, 2023
This book made me feel good inside

I am on an 8 hour plane ride and downloaded this book because of the reviews. I thought I would nap then read and be finished at least by the time we catch our next flight. Well, I was wrong. I started reading this 1 hour before boarding and with 2 hours left - finished it!! I couldn’t sleep on the plane. I had to see it through with Saint and Ava. It was them definitely against the world. I was rooting for them to make it. I thought Rambo was a great friend, and the quick banter of him with Gigi was funny.

But although I loved the brotherly love part, I just couldn't deal with Bishop and Kal (can't spell her name). Putting it next to Ava and Saint, it just couldn't hold up, and I found myself skipping their parts.
889 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2023
Saint

Even though the title says Saint this was most definitely about Bishop as well. The way he loved and took care of his brother is honorable. He never wanted nothing but the best for him and he made sure he got it. Saint is humble and that is one of his best qualities. He could have came home thinking the world owed him something and it did but he turned his woe into a win. Ava was definitely apart of that. It's like they both have the same spirit. She could have held what happened to her against him but she knew not all men were alike. Same as Kalesha and Bishop. I loved the way he was consistent in his approach with getting her and never let up. He loved her and her child without any stipulations. Really good story!!!
Profile Image for Yvette  Mason.
80 reviews
November 4, 2025
A beautiful redemption story!!! 🥰

This book was everything! Saint was so mature to be so young! Every obstacle he faced he handled it with so much grace! Him and Ava met at probably the lowest point in both of their lives and formed an unshakable bond. Watching them grow together was so beautiful! And he was truly step daddy of the year! 🥰

Bishop was the ultimate big Brother and protector no matter what. I loved his and Saints relationship. It was so beautiful. The way that he took to Jibiri understood his autism diagnosis was amazing to read. Kalesha struggle to let Bishop in but when she did, he did not let up off her. Whatever was important to her was important to him.

This book was absolutely amazing! 5 stars all across the board. Please read it!
Profile Image for Eat. Sleep. Read. .
144 reviews7 followers
July 27, 2023
Brother's Keeper

Lakia did her big one with this! It's become my favorite read so far this year.

It's such a feel-good story with the perfect amount of urban romance, street dudes, damsels in distress, friendship, humor, and hawt seggs. The book is very well-written with minimal errors.

Unfortunate circumstances led Saint and Ava to form a supportive friendship that soon turned into a beautiful organic love story. Bishop and Kalesha were cute, and I enjoyed the other couples, too. I like that conflicts were quickly resolved. I love how Jibri's autism was depicted.

I just finished, but I'm about to read it again. 🥰
Profile Image for Roxy Reads.
668 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2023
just wow

This my first read from Lakia and it was awesome the love and support between Bishop and Saint were. just awesome they didn’t hold back their feelings I just loved it…Ava and Saint was meant to be fought their attraction for each was cute they both had to humble themselves when needing a place stay but everything fell into place now Bishop with an unfiltered mouth and BDE he wore Kaleisha down and she loved every minute of the stalking…now the exes and baby daddies all needed beat down….. the secondary characters were also written so well they created their own family….this book had me all in my feelings job well done
234 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2023
Yaaas!!

I absolutely loved this standalone. I felt for Saint. He should have never been delt that hand but unfortunately many of our black men deal with this all the time. Also he might never have met Ava and had his happily ever after. Sometimes things happen that bring us to our destiny. I'm glad everything worked out for him and all the family. I'm glad he was about to sue they a** because that was some BS especially finding out who set it up. Smh. I loved me some Bishop and how he loved his brother just kept a smile on my face. Read this book. I promise you will love it.
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