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Running With A Dope Boy’s Heart: An African American Urban Standalone

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Koda has been through the fire and is ready to rise from the ashes. Having endured years of torment in an abusive relationship, Koda gathered the courage to break free, leaving behind the thriving life she built in Birmingham.

Jax, typically indifferent to love and relationships, is captivated by Koda. Although their connection is wrapped in forbidden threads, when loyalty is shattered, Jax doesn’t hesitate. He dives headfirst into a turbulent odyssey of love and trust, all the while facing the fallout of their choices.

As they navigate the complexities of love and liberation, the story unfolds against a backdrop of shared struggle, resilience, and a love that defies the shadows of their pasts. Will their journey lead to a newfound strength, or will the past continue to cast its shadow over their blossoming connection? Dive into this African American Urban Fiction Standalone and get lost as Author Lakia takes you on a riveting journey.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2024

210 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Lakia

68 books266 followers

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5 stars
262 (72%)
4 stars
59 (16%)
3 stars
32 (8%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,068 reviews317 followers
February 3, 2024
Ehh Mid I probably won’t remember anything
Profile Image for Carla Green.
503 reviews9 followers
January 27, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Great story. Koda had some real solid people in her life. Even though her parents didn’t approve of Koda’s relationship or the way Maleek treated Koda, they gave her the space to make her own decisions. Simone & Michelle didn’t allow Maleek to bully them & push them out of Koda’s life. And then there is Jax. Koda’s hero. Her knight & shinning amour. Her saving grace. Jax is definitely book bae material. I’m glad Koda was able to escape her relationship with Maleek & get her happy ever after.
Profile Image for Yolanda Knight- Palmer .
1,075 reviews41 followers
February 23, 2024
Love

I loved this book, I didn’t care for Meleek he abused women a d had no loyalty to anyone.

Jax was the GOAT he always had a crush on Koda when they were kids, he got caught up in Meleeks web of destruction.

Koda was Meleek girlfriend/ punching bag when things didn’t go his way.

Very good book.
Profile Image for Amber Ganaway.
783 reviews13 followers
January 29, 2024
🔥🔥🔥

I loved everything about this read!!!! Lakia sis you did it once again. Koda was in a relationship that she should’ve never been in to begin with. Maleek was a predator and he was triflin. His manipulation and abuse was disgusting. He had torn her away from her family and really messed her mind up but I’m glad she was starting to see the light and made a exit plan.

Jax had to grow up way before his time and had took to many losses by the time he was a teenager. Maleek preyed on him as well and made him believe he couldn’t be more than what he was. Hearing someone he thought was a brother betray him was all he needed to cut ties and witnessing the abuse of Koda was icing on the cake. All the old feelings he had for Koda came rushing back and the line was crossed to forever. I loved how he loved her through her trauma and helped her heal with genuine love and compassion. Maleek got what he deserved and Koda and Ajax got their HEART ❤️. Great job!!
Profile Image for Lamaya ꨄ︎.
185 reviews75 followers
February 28, 2024
“Being loved correctly was good for the soul.”

I have conflicting feelings about this one. On one hand I really liked it & give it 4 stars, but on the other hand, I was kind of disappointed? Like 2/3 stars.

Maleek was abusive to Koda & everyone wanted her to get away. Koda knew it wasn’t right, but couldn’t leave until she was ready. One day Jax, Maleek’s “brother” walks in unexpectedly and witnesses Maleek hurting Koda. Hours later, Koda & Jax learns of Maleek’s betrayal and leave Birmingham together where they start a new life together with Koda’s parents.

Don’t get me wrong, I loveddd Jax and how he treated Koda with admiration and love. I also loved that Koda was able to come out of a bad relationship & began to flourish. It’s just that I found myself feeling bored at times. Like ok, what’s next? I would have preferred a little more drama with the Maleek situation, but it was all short & saved for the end.

Overall, this was an ok read. I still love the author though!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,030 reviews40 followers
January 23, 2024
A Second Time Is Better Than The First Time.

Lakia, good read. Thank you for giving Koda the strength to finally get herself back. Maleek was such a narcissistic man he really was such a manipulator as well. He preyed on people to have himself glorified.
When I tell you Jax is the man, baby listen that man did his one two. I totally appreciate the befitting karma for Maleek. Thank you for giving us another dope read🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for Qweyn of Love .
45 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2024
Maleek who?

From the beginning Koda seemed like a good person, so for Maleek to treat her that way disgusted me! I have no respect for men who doesn’t know where they’re hands belong real or fictional! Maleek was a fukc ninja overall especially the way he tried to play in Jax’s face. I’m glad Jax went back for Koda! In the end things feel the way they should’ve! Another great read by this author!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,957 reviews13 followers
February 25, 2024
This wss a crazy ride!

Jax and Maleek ran Birmingham but when the heat was on Maleek wanted to rollover on Jax! Jax loved Koda since elementary school but Maleek started dating her even though he was 9 years her senior. When Jax found out Koda was being beat on by Maleek, he was livid. A pending raid on Maleek causes Jax and Koda to flee Birmingham AL, as they say the rest is history. Maleek in the end lost everything including his life!
Profile Image for Gigi.
586 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2024
Great story...

I loved Koda's innocence and caring mind and demeanor. Despite the abusive relationship she was in, she still held on to her dignity. Jax was a good friend that had Koda's best interest at heart and wanted to protect her from her abusive boyfriend Maleek. When love calls people will sacrifice so much of themselves and that is what Jax and Koda did for each other. Running with a dope boys heart is a must read. Brava 🔥📚❤
Profile Image for Natoi.
217 reviews
January 23, 2024
Gutta but a heart !

Jax had me in the first chapter. I was like, "This dude mean!!! But then seeing him with Koda and realizing he had to be that way to survive because that's how he was molded. People can either speak life into you or death. But once he saw that he was so much more than that it was on. This was a serious and sexy vibe.
Profile Image for Tonia.
3,529 reviews11 followers
January 25, 2024
A Dope Boyz Heart 💕

Maleek should have been ashamed of himself. He really was a snake 🐍 but he got bit in the end. Kodi got taken advantage of but Jax helped her find herself again. Now Randal and Simone need a book. Let these siblings find love? Maybe Simone and Marlo can get together????
1,210 reviews10 followers
January 26, 2024
Loved It

Great read, abuse is real and Maiden knew he was way too old for Koda! Jax had a tough life but he was smart and did it take any disrespect! Jax was Nora saving grace, but they brought not the best in one another and thankfully, Nora was already planning her escape from Maleek! I love Koda parents, along with Simone and Randal! Loved the ending!
192 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2024
Awwwww

You had me thinking it was gonna end bad
and be a part 2 but I'm soo happy it was not lol. Koda and Jax were so cute together I really appreciate their story and how it played our. They needed each other and I'm glad he didn't turn a blind eye to the abuse once he knew it happening.
Profile Image for I'ya Bailey.
101 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2024
loved it

Loved Jax so much and I loved how this story showed us how grooming can happen in such a subtle way. Maleek was trash and he certainly groomed Koda and Jax which was extremely sad for Jax being he was like a brother to him. I love how Koda was able to speak life over him and he was immediately receptive of it that spoke majorly of his character
2,076 reviews14 followers
February 28, 2024
Pretty good read!

First of all, I was so tickled at the descriptions that were given of Bessemer, being that I was born and raised there. Maleek was trash and Jax stepped up to show Koda how a real man treated his lady. So glad that Koda got her happy ending and Maleek was handled.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,448 reviews26 followers
January 24, 2024
Running

Jax was just my type of man! Mean but soft for the woman he loves. Koda was in a bad situation with Maleek but with a bestie like Simone and a crush like Jax she was certain to beat the odds!
Profile Image for Jibria.
301 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2024
Koda and Jax

Straight to the point and was worth every minute! Jaz and Koda were fast to come together, but I felt it to still be genuine! I need a follow up of this couple because they were everything!
1,561 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2024
AWESOME READ

Great read. Jax was a real one. He protected Koda from Maleek he could have ignored the situation and not update her of the situation. Glad Koda found someone who truly had her best interest at heart.
47 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
Cute!

Enjoyable and right to the point, I love that it wasn't drawn out and everyone got what they deserved. Maleek is foul, and I didn't like him from the jump. Jax is everything and more. I love a Thug with feelings, lol. Great read to start the new year🥰
Profile Image for Jamiyah.
483 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024


this is one of my favorite authors! I usually have nothing less than four stars for her ! But this book was a little boring and rushed , there were a few grammatical eras. Overall it wasn’t like her usually writing. Cant wait for the next release tho
Profile Image for Denetta Banks.
3,807 reviews22 followers
January 28, 2024
Enjoyed

I enjoyed this well written story. With interesting, well developed characters that were dealing with a man who thought he had it all. Finding out that he was more flawed then they knew led to a new relationship and true happiness. Definitely a story worth reading.
6 reviews
February 14, 2024
i am in tears

This was the closure i never knew i needed . My heart hurts and i can finally release that pain . Thank you for helping me to believe i can love again . Keep shinning keep writing i love you forever and always! Beautiful author
771 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2024
Great read

This book was so good, I’m falling in love with this author she’s amazing. I loved how Jax stepped up for Koda and ended her miserable relationship with Maleik conniving ass. Randal and Simone were great friends and I loved how the cared for their friends.
Profile Image for Street Cred.
Author 17 books12 followers
January 23, 2024
That destined love!!

Loved the story sooo much! Lakia doesn’t disappoint! New Year, New book baes. I loved the history between Koda and Jax. Glad love won in the end!
288 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2024
Lakia does it again. Love this as a standalone. Twist, deceit, sex, hoodness, lol. I loved it. Jax is That Dude!
Profile Image for LaToya Brooks.
2,981 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2024
ok read

This was an ok read. I wanted more drama with maleek instead of at the very end. Not a bad read, but I expected more
Profile Image for Taletha G.
160 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2024
Wow

Lakia surprises me every time ! This was definitely an unexpected love story . A lot of betrayal hurt and healing had to happen ! I'm glad Kids got her happy ending !
920 reviews
January 28, 2024
Take a ride with this couple as they battle betrayal and pain.

Maleek SMH what a snake.

Profile Image for Sonya Davis.
Author 50 books16 followers
January 30, 2024
🥰🥰🥰

I really enjoyed this. Would love a Valentines or Christmas update in the future. Looking forward to more from this author 🤍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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