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.
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.
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!!
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.
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🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
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!
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!
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 🔥📚❤
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.
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????
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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🥰
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
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.
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
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.
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 !