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Malice Matrimony

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In the complex web of fate and obligation, Jaliah, a successful dentist, and Rio, the ambitious heir to the plug’s throne, suddenly find their destinies intertwined. Forced into a marriage to ensure Jaliah’s safety, their arrangement arises from dire necessity rather than affection. However, as Jaliah and Rio navigate the intricacies of their union, unexpected emotions begin to surface. Despite Jaliah’s initial animosity, she discovers that Rio is one of her safe spaces that she might wish to cling to.

Will Jaliah’s initial contempt for Rio, ignited by his role in the circumstances that forced their shotgun wedding, begin to fade, allowing love to thrive? Or will the disdain Jaliah carries ruin their chances at a happily ever after? Embark on an unforgettable journey with Jaliah and Rio as they navigate the tumultuous waters of love, loyalty, and unexpected connections in the first installment of Author Lakia’s African American Urban Fiction series, Malice Matrimony.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2024

656 people are currently reading
280 people want to read

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Lakia

73 books304 followers

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5 stars
1,046 (62%)
4 stars
439 (26%)
3 stars
160 (9%)
2 stars
25 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,111 reviews333 followers
March 19, 2024
Cliffhanger wasn’t needed because now I’m confused.
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
March 19, 2024
Let me start by saying that this book ends on a cliffhanger, and I had no idea. I'm a little sad about it lol

Jaliah was basically forced into a marriage with Rio by his unhinged brother, Chop. What started out as an amazing first date turned into a nightmare for Jaliah. While the marriage was forced, I did enjoy the blossoming chemistry between Rio and Jaliah...while it lasted.

Chop really stole the show for me. I didn't think that I would like him in the beginning but him, Dylan, and Armani ended up being the highlight.

Overall, I enjoyed this story - I just wasn't prepared for it to end on a cliffhanger..
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,171 reviews130 followers
March 21, 2024
I finished, but this story wasn't for me

I finished the story, but it clearly wasn't the story for me. The three person acts and the criminal element with an uncouthed character named Chop were outside of my reading for fun purview. Rio and Jaliah's story is actually a better fit for me, and I wish they were the main focus in this story. Oh, well. 3.5 stars...
Profile Image for Sheronda.
621 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2026
3.5⭐️ I like Rio and Jaliah. Chop is wild and I don’t care for him much. Did not like the cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Ebony.
305 reviews33 followers
March 19, 2024
3.75⭐️

The book is good. It’s legit a ghetto forced marriage. Chop makes the book funny and entertaining. However, it is a cliffhanger and I was not expecting that so we got the build-up with no answers. I need part 2 right now!
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
991 reviews41 followers
March 24, 2024
An Entangled Web!

Whew, Chile! When I say that this first installment is like the gears in a machine, there are so many moving parts. Two brothers living the same life but with totally opposite polar personalities. Rio is the calm, laidback, logical brother, whereas Chop is chaotic, impulsive, and unhinged at times. And then it is Jailah, the intelligent introvert, whereas her sister Armani is the creative extrovert. There is a mixture of personalities that are clashing throughout the book. Everyone plays an intricate part in each other lives. I am anticipating the next installment because this one is still a work in progress. It is hard to determine where Rio and Jailah stand in their "forced marriage." Chop has more skeletons in his closet that seem to be coming to the light. On top of that, his life also seems to be hanging on by a thread. Dylan, Armani's other half, has some serious health issues going on as well. All the main characters in this book have something major happening in their life. However, it is a well-written plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ms. Lakia, you have done it again. I am fully invested in this series already, and I am only one installment in. I know that there's plenty more to be revealed through the upcoming pages you write. I will be waiting patiently for the next installment to be released. Ladies and gents, Ms. Lakia's penmanship is fire. Therefore, I highly suggest you get into this series. It is a rollercoaster for sure, but it is well worth every word you read.
Profile Image for Jaliesa.
189 reviews11 followers
July 7, 2024
Omg hooked is not even the word All of them Rio, Chop, Armani , Dylan & Jaliah

The fact that I like all the characters every last one I always have one like meh, but Lakia Ma’am omg so good, I’m ready to dive into book 2, I laughed so much !! First book from Lakia and did not disappoint ! READ! I like that all the main character have their own story . I cannot decide who my favorite at this point smh!

Rio & Chop though. 😩

ARMANI AND DYLAN!! Yeaaaaaa🥰


Even the freaking parents just dope!
Profile Image for Yolanda Knight- Palmer .
1,123 reviews41 followers
April 6, 2024
Crazy Matrimony

This book was excellent, from beginning to end! What in the world is going on?

Rio and Chop are brothers that share the same father, Rio mom wanted better for her son, but he chose the life of the streets.

Chop is Rio older brother he’s definitely about the street life, and all that comes with it.

Jahliah is dentist that owns her practice that comes from a family of professionals doctors, she knows nothing about the street life.

Armani is jahliah cousin that owns a Tattoo shop.
The twist and turns in this story will have you laughing! Lakia that ending, Really?


5 stars
Profile Image for Chichilovestoread.
559 reviews
December 11, 2025
Thoughts while reading:

Oop Chop cray cray 🤣🤣🤣

Ronnie got Chop up in arms 🤣🤣🤣

Not be happy I ain’t do worst damage because you was with me 🤣🤣

Wait her brother?? Yea Chop crazy!

The time in the pen will not help his actions🤣

Not their dad was just as bad as Chop😂

The younger child being responsible for the older ADULT ahh child is wild work.

I mean Catrice not wrong..

Jaleia ion know Rio might be it.

Armani Dad is trash.

Once Jaleia find out his brother is chop it’s gonna be hilarious.

I knew it.. but bixch why you get out the car in an abandoned area.

Yep now she can’t testify against her husband.

Chop play toooo much .. talking about look up Marlon say cheese 🤣🤣🤣

Chop messy af 😂😂😂

Not they in their fighting.. and your plan was to call Armani 😂😂😂😂

The question is.. how the take out survive the fight 😂

I’m in a bind Nate 😂😂😂

Chop turning over a new leaf 🥰

🎶 I’ll give all my love to youuuu and if you need me baby I’ll coming running only for youuu 🎶

Chop momma mad as hell 🤣

I knew Armani boo Dillion was a woman..

Chop pleaseeee 🤣🤣🤣

Googly eyes 🤣🤣

Chop pleaseeeee🤣🤣🤣 chop play tooo much.

Trick Daddy Dollarz 🤣🤣🤣

Not them tryna get at Chop why Jaleia drunk! 🤣🤣

Riooooo nooooooo do not go to Catrice house.

Catrice went innnnn 😳😂😳😂

Dillion came to play no games 😂😂 Chop was blocked so fast.

Not the Death Row contract 😂 clink clink

Ohhh shii.. pop heard it all.

Chop moving all their shii😂😂😂new boos new house

They tried to murke my boy.

Not a babyyyyy??? Chop?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deena.
217 reviews
May 13, 2026
Jaliah a dentist that just opened her own practice is patting herself on the back for all of achievements. Her entire outlook on her life changes when she meets a handsome stranger who introduced himself as, Rio at the bar the night of her 27th birthday. After her cousin Armani told him to write his number down for Juliah, the two connected. Agreeing to a first date with Rio things took a turn for the worse when she witness him murder someone. Now per his brother’s Chop request they have an impromptu shotgun wedding in Vegas to prevent Jaliah from going to the cops. In my opinion Jaliah has absolutely no personality. She's actually quite boring. I do love how Rio goes out of his way in attempt to make the arrangement some what bearable.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,425 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2024
whew must read

Damn this book was so good but that cliffhanger Lakia you was dead wrong for that lol I can’t wait to read part two. Between both couples and Chop idk who I’m worried about more. I hope Chop is okay and I wonder what’s going to happen now that his ex Ronnie is back with his son. I also want to know why Jaliah started acting funny with Rio and why the father popped up at the house.
Profile Image for Marie.
33 reviews
July 24, 2024
There was a good bit of character development and story building which kinda dragged the story along. BUT great plot twist! Was not expecting Chop, Armani, and Dylan with their love triangle🥵. Chop definitely wasn’t my favorites 🙄, All the mess they were in was because of HIM! Honestly the gun shot with him at the end of the trigger was not a bad cliffhanger🤣 somebody had to do it! I’m all for family when they’re all for me but sometimes you HAVE to let people sort their own mess out!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,528 reviews35 followers
July 12, 2025
Man everything was going good on the date until it wasn’t now everybody life is interrupted. I was rooting for Jalilah and Rio and at first i couldn’t see what would be Chops angle but he is hilarious and he done fell in love with Dylan and Armani… Things was going good until they aren’t cause that damn cliffhanger… on to part two
Profile Image for Simply_YoYo.
536 reviews13 followers
January 12, 2026
Rio’s laid-back energy makes Chop look even more unhinged. Jaliah’s inner thoughts are so loud—girl, give that man a chance. First date to marriage is wild though 😂

And that Dylan/Armani/Chop poly twist?! Did not see it coming, but honestly Chop needs both of them because he has zero sense on his own 😭
51 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2024
Loved It

Very intriguing from beginning to the end. I loved all the characters in this novel. The plot fell together greatly.
Profile Image for Natarsha.
105 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2025
Why she end that book like that? 🥹
Profile Image for Lily K..
183 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2025
I liked this one.

Entertaining and silly, but in reality there was no point in breaking this story into two parts when it could’ve been just one book.
Profile Image for JazzReads .
1,152 reviews34 followers
July 18, 2024
crazyyyy…

Chop is my favorite character because he was so wild lol…. I can’t not wait until I get to book 2..This book was a good time…I read a couple of books by Lakia and I feel like this book, series is my . favorite book series. I really enjoyed Rio in this book because he was smart and calmed when Chop was so unhinged throughout the book. Rio Brother Chop is my favorite character in this book because he was so toxic and unhinged you had to care about him. The fact that Rio and Jaliah ended up married because that situation with Chop was wild behavior. This book was really good and I love the fact that Chop is meeting his match with the women that is being introduced in his wife.
Profile Image for Gabbie Bailey.
28 reviews
April 7, 2026
ready for part 2


Malice Matrimony is a gripping blend of romance, power, and emotional tension that pulls you in from the very first chapter. Lakia crafts a story that isn’t just about love—it’s about control, vulnerability, and the complicated dynamics that come with relationships built on more than just passion.

The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable. Their connection feels intense, sometimes volatile, but always compelling. What really stands out is how the story balances luxury and grit—one moment you’re immersed in a glamorous lifestyle, and the next you’re confronted with raw emotion and difficult truths.

The pacing keeps you hooked, with just enough twists and emotional turns to keep the story engaging without feeling overwhelming. Lakia does a great job of building tension, making you question characters’ motives and root for (or against) them at different points.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its exploration of love that isn’t perfect. It shows that relationships can be messy, layered, and sometimes driven by deeper motives than what’s on the surface.

Overall, Malice Matrimony is a compelling read for fans of drama-filled romance with strong personalities, high stakes, and emotional depth. If you enjoy stories where love and power collide, this one is definitely worth the read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Profile Image for Tiffany.
21 reviews
January 10, 2025
1.5 stars review for this book. I read it as it was a rec from tiktok on black books but it just wasn’t it for me. I thought this book was really rushed in terms of the relationship that was built between Rio and jaliah. There wasn’t any real chemistry between the two and I felt like it was just forced and rushed. I wanted to give it a chance and give it some grace so I read it till the end, but even then I kind of felt like I wasted my time reading this. It was way too fast burned. And I also didn’t like the element between Armani, Dylan and chop. I thought it was really odd and it actually made me really uncomfortable just because of how much he was sexualising them which put me off the book altogether, but then again different strokes for different folks. I personally I’m just not into that type of thing or reading that type of thing. But all in all, I think this book had a lot of potential. But it was just way too fast burned for me and I don’t think I’ll be reading the second book because I didn’t even finish this one. I stopped with one chapter or two chapters left and there’s nothing that really is encouraging me to continue it.
Profile Image for Kina M.
784 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2024
finally ended

This book had potential, unfortunately it was dragged really. I’m not a fan of the force marriage or poly books. Although I did like Rio and Chop, I didn’t too much care for Jaliah she got on my nerves. I didn’t understand the point of Dylan’s character she could’ve been left out, or at least her POV could’ve been left out. The ending to book 1 was dumb. I never understood authors making their characters fight their feelings for each other. They grown and she walking around confusing everyone with her feelings. Then there was no explanation as to why she was acting funny after Mexico. He could’ve left her and got with someone different. Chop was my fav though and I wish it could’ve been just him and Armani. I won’t read part 2. Part 1 didn’t make me want a part 2 and it was super slow.
Profile Image for The Urban Fiction Librarian.
422 reviews50 followers
April 28, 2024
The way I wasn’t expecting things to go down the way they did, WHEW!!! Chop is crazy af and I mean AS F*CK. I love how hard Rio is yet she makes him soft. Jaliah babygirl, you got dealt a chaotic hand and now you stuck with these looney ass people. I wish you and Rio could genuinely be together without what happened getting in the way. Y’all seem so perfect for each other together. Now Rio you done pissed me off with that stunt with Katrice so I pray you can make things write. Armani and Dylani now why y’all done allowed all this stuff to go down I pray Chop is okay and y’all listen without reacting. Baby I’m going to sattt part 2 cause it’s too much left unsaid.

Love,
Prettygirlsmil3thebookworm
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,548 reviews11 followers
March 19, 2024
I Need Part Two

I know Chop hell on wheels but I love him. Yeah he crazy and impulsive but I see the growth. He really trying and it's noticeable. He really feeling Dylan and Armani so I hope Ronni just let him co-parent and mind the business that pays her. His mama needs to chill, now look what she have done. Don't even know the situation and done probably did the unthinkable to her own son. Jaliah might have wrote a check that her azz can't cash. Why would she say that. Now Rio's dad about to snuff her lights out but hopefully she'll be saved by the phone call I'm sure they're all about to get. I hope everything works out for both couples.💌💌
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,076 reviews40 followers
March 19, 2024
Stranger Things Can Happen!

Lakia, such a great read. Lawd, those twist and turns. This read had me laughing all through the read. I don't know who I loved the most between Chop, Rio, Armani, Dylan or Jaliah. Jaliah has come across a situation that may end up being the best thing for her in the end. Oh what a twist you gave me with Armani and Dylan. Chop crazy self is in heaven. I just can't wait to see how this is gonna play out.
Will Jaliah realize what her heart wants and stop fighting or has Rio and Chop opened a door that can't be closed. These folk are a group that I'm loving🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for Amber Ganaway.
783 reviews13 followers
March 21, 2024
Part 2 immediately 🔥🔥🔥

There is so much going on with these siblings, that are so opposite from each other. Jaliyah is so uptight and judgmental. Armani is a free sport and wild child. Rio is smooth, smart and just wants to move up in the family business. Chop is crazy, reckless and very much UNHINGED lol. One incident caused a chain a reaction, but in reality there are real feelings involved. Things were going good then they weren’t and this cliffhanger has my nerves bad!!!! Can’t wait to see how this all ends
Profile Image for Tarro Stokes-Funches.
1,874 reviews
March 25, 2024
NEVER DISAPPOINT!!
Lakia, you always give the readers what they want!! I love Rio, but MY BABY IS THAT DARN CHOP!! I really didn't think I was going to feel him in the beginning, but the way he had me laughing got me! Hunny, he done moved the girls out of their house. Now Rio and Jaliah, smh! It was tragic how they got together, but it was coming anyway. If Jaliah didn't snitch, who did? Also, Jaliiah, you not giving Rio the time of day, what makes you think he's going to continue to cater to you and he gets nothing in return.
642 reviews5 followers
June 25, 2024
ok

I’m always up for a good arranged marriage/forced proximity trope, and while this one had a little bit of a different twist I liked it. There were just quite a few inconsistencies and lingering unresolved issues. The inconsistencies is what prompted me to give 3 stars. It’s a little frustrating when the character says I like fish except salmon and then they say oh yeah they have a salmon dish I love a few pages later. However, I’m very intrigued by Chop’s storyline and can’t imagine how it’s going to turn out lol. Looking forward to part 2
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,090 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2024
Holly matrimony

Enjoyed this story and the way it flowed each character was something else all alone. Jaliah seems to be a little stuck up, but I think Rio was wearing her down all she had to do was give in to her feelings and she wouldn't be in the situation she's in now with his dad.
Now Chopo is a character all by himself but the situationship he has with Dyleon and Armani I think he's falling in love but just as he thinks he can get things back on track something from his past pops up can't wait to see what these characters are going to do
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews