Asim, a man whose name symbolizes savior, protector, and guardian. With a handsome face and a chivalrous demeanor, Asim is a devoted father to his two daughters. Navigating the complex world of co-parenting with his ex-wife while fulfilling his final year of service in the US Army.
When a sudden family emergency threatens to shatter their lives, Asim’s unwavering commitment to his daughters leads him to make a life-altering decision. Returning to the familiar streets of Tampa with his daughters in tow, Asim’s journey is filled with resilience and redemption, showcasing the strength and love of a single father in the face of adversity.
In this African American urban romance standalone, Asim delves into the depths of single parenthood, sacrifice, and enduring the power of family and love.
Somebody get Hallmark, Lifetime anybody but Tubi on the line 🤣🤣 because this book needs to be a movie 😩💙 I felt like I was watching “The Pursuit of Happyness” or “The Blind Side”. It was a story you couldn’t help but root for!!
Growing up in the foster care system and bouncing from home to home, Asim never had a real family to call his own. Just when he finally thought he placed with his forever home, the rug was pulled from under his feet when his foster mother disowned him straight out of high school. Finding himself alone with a baby on the way, Asim did what he thought was best and enlisted in the Army.
Fast forward 8 years later and Asim is close to completing his last year of duty. For the most part he has been maintaining a somewhat healthy coparenting relationship with his now ex-wife and mother of his children however receiving a call from his 5 year old nearly stopped his heart and causes him to make a split second decision that would later come back to haunt him.
Ne’Asha was a real angel on earth for Asim and his children. As a successful owner of an underground gambling operation, Ne’Asha was living a life she never imagined for herself. After one too many snakes in her garden left her exposed, she was in need of new muscle for her business and Asim came into her life at just the right time while the same was the case for him.
Ne’Asha and her parents became instant family to Asim and his girls and restored their faith in humanity. They showered them with love and affection and allowed Asim to unapologetically love up to the meaning of his name as the protector of his family.
Saint was my first read by Lakia and the way she penned this amazing story, I knew I would be revisiting her catalog. After stumbling upon a book besties review (thanks Jahda), I jumped on Asim’s story with zero hesitation and was not disappointed! Lakia has a real gift when it comes to delivering a tragedy to triumph story! She strips your emotions bare and then builds you back up. She’s the “Lean on Me” of storytelling and I am here for it! She can write tf out of a feel good story rooted in hope and you can’t help but root for the light at the end of the tunnel!
Asim’s Hood Love Story is one you definitely want on your TBR!
Asim had so many challenges at every turn in this book and I was tired for him. This is an unexpected second chance love story.
Asim entered the Army after his high school basketball dreams didn't yield a scholarship. He found himself with a baby on the way and with a need to take care of his new family. He did what he thought was the right thing and married Mercedes, despite not really knowing her. They end up having two kids together and are doing well...until the heaux Mercedes, decides being a military wife isn't her calling. This is the beginning of Asim's problems because she moves thinking she is going to have more of a support system and instead finds herself alone and willing to accept any damn thing. How she left this book unscathed is beyond me, she deserved a beat down, some bad karma, something. Asim has to make some tough decisions due to his trifling baby momma and he ends up becoming a full time father for his girls. He makes his way back to his hometown and reconnects with Ne'Asha, the one that got away from him in high school. Listen the way that Ne'Asha immediately held both him and his girls down was everything. Her and her parents was the support system and family Asim had been longing for. Ne'Asha was a definition of a rider, she held Asim and the girls down even when he couldn't. So much was asked of her and she stepped into all that responsibility willingly and lovingly. Despite all of the challenges, they were a sweet little family.
I loved the Bishop cameo, he was again in protector mode always looking out for others. His support for both Asim and Ne'Asha are what we come to expect from him. He's still my fave.
Lakia has a gift of writing about men that don't fold despite life throwing bad hand after bad hand at them.
Lakia has a gift for penning inspiring tales of redemption. Here we have Asim, who, while not having the finest upbringing, is doing his best. He had two lovely girls with a woman named Mercedes; they attempted to make it work, but once Asim joined the army, Mercedes decided she didn't want to be an army wife. After receiving a single phone call from his daughter—the result of their mother's neglect and carelessness—Asim finds himself thrust into the role of a single parent, attempting to make ends meet while navigating his new life with the children. After reconnecting with his childhood love interest and best friend, Ne'Asha, he finds that they can assist each other in many areas of life, from work to personal relationships. I thought it was great how Ne'Asha's parents were like an extended family to him. Chole and Allie were fortunate to have the love and support they needed from their father and new family, especially because Mercedes wasn't great as a mother. All she cared about was the guy she was with. It was a pleasure to read this. I thought it was great that we got to meet the Bishop and Saint again. It got right to the point in this story. We see Asim showering Ne'Asha with the unconditional love she sorely needs, and in turn, Ne'Asha is an absolute foundation for Asim and his kids.
READ! Asim was what a man should be in every sense and a great father. Him getting that love and support from Ne’Asha and her parents was a blessing. Chloe and Allie were just too cute and it was just devastating what they went through. I won’t even touch on their no good mother who was useless and piece of bf she had. Then there was punk a!! Donovan, just plain stupid. Anyway, Asim and Ne’Asha deserved the happiness and support they endlessly gave each other. That epilogue was the cherry on top.
Watching Asim go through everything as a single father really made my heart flutter. I was so happy to find out him and Ne’Asha has history and she really looked out for him.
Ne’Asha’s parents were heaven sent.
Donovan was so trash. I’m so happy she didn’t spend a lot of time with his story because he wasn’t worth it.
Mercedes….. the fact that it’s really women like this out in the world makes my blood boil.
I absolutely loved how there were some character drop ins from Saint.
A dad is supposed to do anything and everything to protect his children. Asim did just that, becoming a single father overnight and trying to navigate life on the run. I really felt for Allie and Chloe , having a mother who could care less about them. Ne’Asha was literally the missing piece to their puzzle and I loveddddd it . She stepped in mom mode with NO HESITATION. Ne’Asha proved to be such a great role model by going back to school. I loved her knowing what she wanted and finding this peace.
Mercedes needed her 🍑 beat! Donovan was a bum with $$. Bishop always comes through don’t he? I saw myself in Asim so many times during this book 🤦🏾♀️. I enjoyed the ride.
Absolutely loved this story by this NTMA! The love this dad had for his girls is what every girl wants from their dad. A hero without the cap was who Asim showed up as for his babies. Finally, a book where a man was good from the beginning to the end! Great read!
Ms. Laika this is the second full novel I have read by you. I am becoming one of your new readers quickly. Asim touched my heart early in the book because I could tell he was dealt a bad hand. The hand of life. With him growing up in foster care he didn't have much parental guidance. The one foster family he thought loved him had an ulterior motive. That "mother" stopped "mothering" when he didn't earn a college scholarship. So with him meeting Mercedes, he tried to establish roots with her but she wasn't ready. They had two beautiful girls but Mercedes needed some parental skills herself. It was disheartening to read how she allowed Kenneth to treat the girls. Chloe was intelligent enough to call her father. Asim going to get his daughters was the pivot he needed in his life. He finally reconnects with Ne'Asha who was his real Queen. She was there for the girls and Asim. She was the motivation he needed to get on his feet. Her being a "mother" to the girls was the shove that propelled her to leave a dangerous business. Now Ne'Asha and Asim could finally earn a legal livelihood while building their empire. Ne'Asha not only had an abundance of love to give but her parents were around as well. Even at Asim's big age, he needed parental guidance from the Newsomes himself. It also helped that the girls fell in love with their new "grandparents" and vice versa. The girls got a mother while Asim got his "better" half.
This book shows the importance of having a strong family foundation. A young man needs a mother and father figure to mold him into a man. The Newsomes served a substantial purpose in Asim and the girls' lives. The maturity and healing that happens within the pages of this book is transparent. Ne'Asha was also able to do an one eighty in her life and make her parents proud.
This is another magnificent read by Ms. Lakia you will want to read. If you have read Saint you will know the supporting characters in this book. And speaking of Saint, Ms. Laika Bishop was in his story and Asim's story. By any chance will Bishop get to tell his story? I would love to read it.
📖 Set in the vibrant streets of Tampa, Florida, Lakia presents a tale of love, bravery, and resilience. Asim, a devoted father, goes to unimaginable lengths to rescue his daughters, proving that love knows no bounds.
🌟 Character Highlight: Asim’s unwavering protective nature and profound love are at the core of this tale. Through every challenge, his strength and determination shine, showcasing his devotion to those he loves most.
🔥 Plot Points: Edge-of-the-seat moments filled with tension, emotion, and an undeniable yearning for justice. The antagonistic portrayal of the mother adds layers of depth to the narrative.
✍️ Lakia’s Magic: With her unique storytelling prowess, Lakia captivates readers, weaving raw emotions and intricate character arcs seamlessly. Another masterpiece in her collection!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ For those seeking a powerful narrative that resonates with love, challenges, and the strength of the human spirit, this book is a must-read. Lakia has once again delivered a story that will stay with you long after the last page.
Asim was everything his name meant - Savior, protector, or guardian and I loved the way that she showed that in the book. He did what needed to be done for his girls - daughters and NeAsha - no matter the sacrifice. He didn’t play about them He came up in foster care and all he wanted was a family. He tried to make it work with his ex-wife, but she was trifling and selfish. She allowed too much and didn’t do too much for their daughters. NeAsha was a hustler with a mind for finance. She knew how to make money and keep it coming and picked up financial acumen from a bum boyfriend quickly so she was securing many bags with her business and investments. She just needed to cut the dead weight and recognize that her next man is the best man - Aasim. They both got all that they needed and wanted from each other and their relationship. I enjoyed how there wasn’t any outrageous and over the top drama, the guy wasn’t a drug dealer, and there was a beautiful and supportive black family. Awesome read!
Asim stood on business. Loved his character traits. He did what a father had to do with no regrets. Mercedes is a sorry excuse of a woman and she shouldn’t call herself a mom. I wanted to reach thru the phone slap her. All she care about is a man. Donovan was a joke to me. How he tryna regulate and he can’t even do handy man stuff around the house. Can’t fight. A punk. Just useless. Ne’Asha and Asim was what eachother needed for them to achieve what they was good at. Ne’Asha was a real one also. She a boss. She ain’t take no mess and the way she loved Asim and his daughters Chloe and Aliie was real. Wassup with Bishop tho?? I loved his aura. His loyalty is A1. The Newsomes was a blessing frfr. They was family. This was a calm read. Minimum drama but held ya attention. Still getting into LaKia catalog and loving it.
Asim is a soldier, trying to manage being away from his children and maintaining his military career. An emergency with his girls sends him running to his ex to take the kids, and move them back to his home town. In need of a job, he runs into Ne'Asha, the one that got away and ends up working for her.
So this was such a good read. Asim is a strong, single dad who wants to take care of his girls. I loved the way he protected them. Ne'Asha's career was unexpected and I loved that. I also loved the way Asim stepped right in as her protector too. Their nostalgia and leftover feelings were nicely paced and not overdone--Ne'Asha's ex brought a nice bit of drama to the story, as did Asim's. But they weathered each storm together. I loved her parents and the foundation of family they brought to the story, and it was so good to see Bishop again. This was a banger for me. Great book.
This story was so refreshing and truly a love story! Asim is my favorite leading man! Asim did what he needed to do in order to protect his daughters and I really loved that about him! Now Mercedes, early on I wanted to handle her through the boom, unfortunately there's women who would do anything for a msn, even sacrifice their children safety and well-being, Mercedes mama wasn't ish either! Ne'Asha was a strong woman and independent, but wanted what her parents had. Asim and he's she a reconnecting allowed their love for one another resurface! I loved his daughters and the role they played in his life and how easily Ne'Asha accepted them along with her parents! Great ending g hope to see a Christmas story!
I enjoyed reading this book. I would have made the same choice as Asim did when it came down to my girls. When Asim daughter called to tell that the mother’s boyfriend was beating on them and being mean he made the right choice. Mercedes was a sorry mammy who cared more about a man than her kids. I loved that he found a way to provide for his kids until he figured out what to do about the army. This was also a friends to lovers type book as well because Asim and Neasha had history especially when she decided to give Asim a job and help with his kids. I don’t know why I didn’t read this book earlier. But all and all it was a great read.
Of course anything Florida I read but I really do love this author. She got the lingo down and that Florida thing going for sure. Asim ain't play when it came to his girls the little ones and the big one Ne'Asha. I loved that they had some things going in the past even though it ended quickly. I was wondering when the Army was gonna catch up but I definitely understand why he left. Asim and Ne'Asha was super cute. I love how it didn't take much for them to get it together because they were always supposed to be. Of course Saint and Bishop was a nice bonus actually I started with them.
Asim is exactly what his name means. Even though he was clear cross the country, when his girls needed him he came running. I really can't believe his ex wife Mercedes would let another man, fk that, would let anyone whip her kids with an extension cord. After the first swing he would have met his maker. I loved Ne'Asha and her parents. Ne'Asha's ex Donovan was the biggest fk boi ever. How you gonna set yo own girl up like that. Thinking he smart lost him his woman and got him jacked. It was good to see Saint and Bishop are still doing good. Outstanding Read as usual.💞💞
What's meant to be will be second chance around was awesome for them ...
His ex wife was a piece of work frfr how you let some bum come into your life and mistreat your kids and act like it's nothing him whooping them extension cords was doing way to much..And her mom was a Trip to..
But I like watching there bond and love blossom from teenagers to grown up most certainly different and love how her family was with both of his girls and would have liked to see them have a son of there owns..
Asim was such a good dad! He risked jail to get to his daughters when called that they were being abused by their mothers boyfriend! Went AWOL to get them. Hooking back up with Ne'Asha, his childhood crush was the best thing that could happen! With Donovan's sneaky behind and Mercedes lowlife behind out of the picture, they got their HEA! I really enjoyed this read, it was great to read about a real father going over and beyond for his kids! Great read Lakia!
Time moved hella fast in this book, and I appreciated it. We learned early on that Asim and Ne’Asha were each others “one who got away”, so there really wasn’t a need to drag out them getting back together.
Asim and Ne’Asha were adorable, and I absolutely loved how Asim stood on business.
Mercedes and Donovan each had a POV chapter that really didn’t need to included. Donovan’s departure was explained in his POV, but I feel like him leaving could’ve been explained some other way. I also thought Mercedes and Donovan would’ve been bigger problems than they actually were.
Asim was the epitome of mess with my kids if you want to! He risk his livelihood to rush to take care of his daughters that was being abused. He did not play no games!
NeAsha was the one that got away. Being best friends in high school and having a crush on each other they lost contact, but after he returned home, they picked up like they never left off. in spite of all of the twist and turns, they still held each other down. Such a cute friends to lovers/2nd chance romance!
This is my second read from Lakia and I not disappointed Asim would do anything for his girls but being away made it hard to be physically there now Mercedes didn’t know how good she had it until it was gone but he knew what he had to do In walks Neasha and she shows him the love and support he was missing….I love how the support of family was written because Asim had no family so he made his own the book flowed so well it held your interest from page one
Asim’s story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I admired his dedication to his girls and the risks he took to ensure their safety. Ne’Asha was def his one and I’m glad at home everything fell into place with them. Seeing their relationship grow and her love of his kids did it for me. It was also nice seeing a glimpse of Bishop and Saint. I’m ready for what’s next now!
Going Through The Rough Patches Help Get You To The Bright Life
Lakia, oh my, how I love Asimov's. He is a real man. He takes care of his responsibilities to whatever cost he needs to. Ne'Asha never knew what she was missing until she had what it was. I loved the relationships that were made in such a strong way. It's always good to find peace in whatever state you're in. I love the love Ne'Asha found it was.such a great read.🤗🤗🤗🤗
I loved everything about this book, Asim is a military man trying to do the right by his two daughters Chloe and Allie. He was put into a bad position that left him make sudden decisions to keep his daughters safe from his ex wife Mercedes new boyfriend. It was good to read that Saint & Ava are doing good from the previous book.
This was such a good read, I wish I could give more than five stars