Brixx: A Hood Love Story

by Lakia

Reagan is a dedicated nurse who’s seen it all, but nothing prepared her for a suffocating co-parenting relationship with a man who symbolizes everything she despises. She finds herself haunted by the consequences of her choices and burdened by the struggles of maintaining a facade of happiness while concealing her inner turmoil. However, a chance encounter with a gunshot victim during her shift opens Reagan’s eyes to the possibility of liberation from her oppressive reality.

Brixx is an enigmatic figure, who recognizes Reagan’s silent cries for help behind her facade. Drawn in by Reagan’s beauty and pain, Brixx extends an unconventional offer that leads to a dangerous journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

In the first installment of this African American Urban Fiction series, Brixx and Reagan are forced to confront the shadows of their past and the demons that threaten to consume them. As they navigate the intricate terrain of lust, loss, and the transformative power of choice, will the pair forge an everlasting bond? Or will their decisions pave the way for a perilous path from which there is no escape?

Genres: Romance, African American, Fiction, Audiobook

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2024

Reviews

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
I love when an mmc comes along and is like “yeah I’m your protector now”… SWOON!!! This was a fun, quick read!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️this was a lot going on ... but in the best way. Poor Reagan couldn't catch a break..... and all the secrets revealed ... I can only imagine what's about to happen.

[Jahda · Rating 3 out of 5]

MIDD is all I can say

[Takealookinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew!!! Couldn’t Put It Down


Lakia brings the heat with Brixx! This unhinged MMC crosses paths with Reagan after a wild encounter that goes left lands him in the hospital. Reagan, the fine and compassionate nurse, is dealing with her own IKYFL drama when their worlds collide. She helps Brixx recoup, however once he’s released, their communication ceases.

One night, while tying up some loose ends, Reagan & Brixx meet again in an unexpected way. That night Brixx puts his stamp on Reagan and claims her as his. Their connection is explosive, but a plot twist you’ll never see coming threatens to shake everything.

This story had me locked in—I’m ready for part two ASAP!

[Melise · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this story I felt like the author could’ve done more to end it in a single book. Like I already know what to expect for book two Brixx finna become the plug and whatever. My issue is while I know everything ain’t all butterflies and sunshine but after all Regan suffered through we couldn’t get sis a happy ending and be done. Secondly I find it strange that no one but the random man she met put it together who her baby daddy was like HOW THIS STRANGER SHOW UP AND JUST GATHERS THE TEA LMAO. Like this y’all family and yall can’t tell she setting her head knocked between the washer and fridge?!? Like not a single one of yall suspected ?!? Like I remember D’Angelo from story one but I’m truly not understanding why he was spared at all. This whole book should’ve been about Brixx and her coming together lol we ain’t need no cameos from that predator. Additionally I don’t really know how we gonna reconcile the fact that her man is her Sons Brother/step daddy like I’m sorry I draw the line there. There’s mess and then theres some lines that don’t need crossing. Like sure they sheltered her but she really thought D’Angelo was more powerful than Chop and Company?!? I also can’t get with Dante wanting to get it back in Blood like Baby he’s terrible like been a bum, been abusive been creepy so like what’s the hostility for Brixx actually did y’all a favor. This might be nitpicking but I don’t care for unprotected sex between folks that don’t know each other from a can of paint cus it’s like uhmm all that education and safe sex ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU MISERABLE WITH THE ONE YOU ALREADY GOT. Like if you gonna be one thing Reagan please BFFR. Overall this was an interesting read and the story was well written I just wish authors would state it’s a cliff hanger or at least just make the books longer. Every story doesn’t need a part two sometimes writing a longer story is better

[Jaliesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chileeeeeee… that’s all I got to say this book twist , turn whew!! Yall I’m dizzy! Now I gotta wait on part ll ugghhh….😒 Lakia girl!

[Sher✩･*˚⁺‧͙ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a itch for pregnancy trope I scratched it give more recs I’m in a mood for it now

[tane'a · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reagan annoyed me bad (spoiler kinda)

The book so good but Raegan and her misleading lies killed
me like for the life of me I couldn’t understand her and her poor decisions starting with the bd

[Jaleesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ate it up

I had a good time in here….really hope Brixx and Reagan can get it together. That plot twist is CRAZY

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
I know Regan is young and has been through a lot, but man, she really got on my nerves throughout this book. I couldn't understand how a man she barely knew figured out who her baby daddy was, except for her own family. Anyway, moving on to book two because after that cliffhanger, now I’m invested.

[Simply_YoYo · Rating 4 out of 5]

All gas, no brakes! I’m so glad all the books are available because WHAT!?

This one picks up with a little time jump and immediately dives back into the chaos.
Brixx is definitely related to Chop—these fools had me in tears laughing 😂

Reagan… babygirl, please say something to someone.
D’Angelo gotta GO 😤
And Ms. Ranette… you got some nerve!! 👀

[Eriel Lawson (YT: eriellawson) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guh this amess!! Regan don’t need no man she need therapy!!

[Sheronda H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t care for Raegan as the FMC. She really should have opened her mouth about so many things. She has a lot of growing up to do.

[Breeana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reagan was so annoying!

The naive act she had going on upset me because she knew what she was doing lying to everyone so her son could have an ABUSIVE dad?! She wasn't making any sense then Brixx came in and saved the day, she never let him explain just went off of what Chop said now she's having a baby chile this is some drama. I really like Riley, Kash, and Reagans relationship and hope we see more of that in the next book.

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is messy messy…whew🥴

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the Malice Matrimony books. Reading those are a must to understand the full dynamic of these characters.

Reagan got on my nerves, lol. Fr. I’m not saying she’s necessarily a liar but she wouldn’t tell ANYBODY the whole truth. Shit kept happening too! And she would get confronted and still wouldn’t be honest. It was annoying!!

I really liked Brixx. He was very attentive and it showed from the first introduction all the way through. He was also super funny too.

Looking forward to reading part two.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 out of 5

I don’t think i like characters that just do things without thinking. Raegan really got slammed by her BD, just to still tell him when, where, how, and why. You rather lie to Chop and family than lie to your crazy abusive BD? that pissed me off, like bro you not right in the head. Then a part 2 is not really necessary, it could’ve been in one book instead.

[Tisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️

The good news is Dylan, Armani, and Chop are back. The bad news is I wasn’t feeling this couple at all.

Chop was right, Reagan was too childish and her lying was annoying af. Twice she was called out about it, and she continued to do it.

Overall mid.

[Q. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Chokehold...

Ms. Lakia, you have officially got a new reader. When I say you have me in a chokehold when it comes to your books, I am not exaggerating. The irony is that I am not a huge urban genre reader, but this all started with Saint. Just when I thought that Malice Matrimony had a million and one moving parts, you introduced Brixx to the literary world. I have so many unanswered questions that I know will be cleared up in the next installment. Regardless of how the chips fall, I think Reagan and Brixx make an amazing couple. My heart is broken for Riley because he has no parents now. Deangelo did him wrong on so many levels. Riley is blessed to have so many people surrounding him and loving on him. Unfortunately, not only is Riley tangled in a web, but Brixx and Kash are as well. At least Kash does have one parent. The kids, Reagan, and Brixx, can they make a house into a home? Better yet, is Brixx going to survive to even explain himself to Reagan?

I am anticipating the next installment in this series because a lot has to pan out. I do want Chop and Rio's father to open his eyes, though, because his brother Deangelo was far from an angel. He caused so much harm to innocent women who shouldn't have felt his wrath. However, the ultimate question is, how is the family dynamic going to work? Are DNA tests going to have to be administered to help straighten up the whole debacle?

[SheaButtahBookhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Character dev: 👤👤
Originality: 📝📝📝📝
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
Action: 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽
Troupe: urban
Triggers: grooming, domestic violence

First off let me say while I’ve shifted my go to genre from dark romance to urban fiction romance, Myles Washington is by far my favorite male narrator. His performances are perfection.

Whew this was some hood shit for real!
If you’re looking for an urban fiction that’s full of family drama mixed in with street drama. This is the book for you.
I loved the side characters, Chubbs and his two wives, Dylan and Imani.

My only real complaint is that I didn’t like Reagan. I understand that she’s young. However, her character is so childish. She annoyed me throughout the whole book. Like girls stand up for something. But the real star in this book is Brixx.

[Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️🌶️
First, I would like to say it ends on a cliffhanger, which I hate. Second of all, I think all of the drama that the FMC had in her life was caused by her being young, naïve, and brainwashed. The MMC was basically trying to do his best with the hand that he was dealt in order to be able to take care of his mom. The rest of the drama in the book is some ghetto fabulousness.

Miscommunication ✅
Domestic violence ✅
Trauma bonding ✅
Surprise pregnancy ✅

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakia, I know you out here making part two PRESSURE. Do your thing but not too long now! The girlies need more Brixx and an official Spyro introduction.

[Anjola Layeni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually did not finish the book. I’m not a fan of imagining younger “adults” being fast. The main character can’t even legally enter a club but she’s just coming out of an abusive relationship, is a nurse, has a child, and is falling in love with a drug dealer? It was such an interesting read and I loved every minute of it until the part where she was about to enter the club. I thought she left her ID at home. I could NOT believe it was because she’s underaged. The way the book was going before that, I thought this was at LEAST a 27 year old.

[Ashley Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uuuhhhhh

What did I just read?!?? Yeah shorty was mad annoying and all she did was lie. And now she’s pregnant yet again by a man she doesn’t know for the second time around. And get this it’s her sons brother. It’s okay had to throw as much crap as she could into this story.

[Savanah Winn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was honestly some of the worst writing and storyline I’ve read in a while

[mellie_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off this review by saying… do you know that episode where Dr. Doofenshmirtz says, “Wow, if I had a nickel for every time I was doomed by a puppet, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice”? That’s exactly how I feel about Ms. Reagan and her baby daddies. Because how the hell you let a hood nigga big you up TWICE? Two different niggas. Completely different. And at your ripe old age, as a nurse, in healthcare, you didn’t think to tell them to wrap it up or pull out? Girl, you cannot be this dumb.

Now let’s rewind to when she was seventeen. How you let some crusty 30–40-year-old man take your virginity? How you that naive, that gullible, that goofy? When I tell you I wanted to punch her in the throat when I read that, whew. And THEN she hides the fact that he’s her baby daddy from everyone while he acts a fool at every turn. Sis… I would’ve outed him so fast his head would spin.

And after everything after he puts his hands on her, scares her in front of her son, tries to take her son while drunk, kidnaps her from her job, drags her into the woods, and makes her watch him bury his first baby mama that he killed she STILL didn’t say anything to anyone. Girl, your brother-in-law will go to war for you. Brixx himself would body somebody for you free of charge. And you letting this bird-chest, crusty-mouth man put fear in you? Absolutely not.

Now let’s talk about Brixton. THIS MAN. I love a good fictional hood nigga. Not in real life, but in books? I eat that up like a dry sponge in hot water. The locs/wicks, the gold teeth, the clean brown skin, the tattoos, the swag, the attitude, the crash outs, the always-strapped energy? I ate that ALL the way down. He’s that guy. Nobody intimidates him. You could put a gun to his head and he’d still be like, “Okay, and?” He always stands on business. Even when he gets caught slipping (loosely, VERY loosely), he gives them hell. Like, you thought it’d be easy? Nah. That’s what I loved about him.

This book had me hooked, but that plot twist at the end? I did NOT see that coming. I literally had to stop and reread like, hold on, did I read that right? I was shocked. I still don’t know how to process it. I need to see how it plays out in book two, because there’s no way Ms. Breanna would lie to her son about who his father is after what she’s been through.

Anyway, I’m already downloading book two because I KNOW Fertile Myrtle is about to piss me off again, and I need to brace myself. But Brixx????? Yeah, I’ll show up every time for him!!!!!

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4h 44m

## Review: A Gripping Intersection of Duty and Danger

In the opening installment of this series, we are introduced to Reagan, a woman whose life is a masterclass in "the mask." By day, she is a resilient nurse navigating the high-stakes chaos of the hospital; by night, she is trapped in the psychological claustrophobia of a toxic co-parenting dynamic.

Lakia expertly captures the weight of Reagan’s "suffocating" reality, making her a deeply relatable protagonist for anyone who has ever felt like a passenger in their own life.

### The Catalyst: Brixx
The narrative shifts gears when Brixx enters the scene. Far from your typical romantic interest, Brixx is introduced as a gunshot victim—a literal embodiment of the danger Reagan usually treats and then releases.

What makes their chemistry compelling is Brixx’s ability to see through Reagan's professional armor. He doesn't just offer her a way out; he offers her a mirror. His unconventional offer serves as the inciting incident that pivots the book from a domestic drama into a high-stakes urban thriller.

### Themes and Atmosphere
The book thrives on the contrast between Reagan’s two worlds:
* **The Sterile Hospital:** A place of control and life-saving measures.
* **The Gritty Streets:** Represented by Brixx, where the rules are different and the risks are higher.

At its core, this is a story about the transformative power of choice. It explores the idea that sometimes, the only way to escape a slow-burning fire at home is to run toward a different kind of flame.

### Verdict
This series starter is a visceral exploration of lust and liberation. It moves at a breakneck pace, balancing the heavy emotional toll of Reagan's past with the electric, dangerous uncertainty of her future with Brixx. Fans of urbane fiction who crave complex characters and high-stakes romance will find themselves hooked.

The cliffhanger—asking if their choices will lead to an "everlasting bond" or a "perilous path"—leaves the reader breathless for the next installment.

[Brillybri 📚 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reagan doesn’t care about her kid. She’s still making the same mistakes she made as a 17-year-old.

If she had cared, she wouldn’t have waited the whole two weeks D’Angelo had given her; she would’ve told Chop or Brixton. If she cared, she wouldn’t be fuxking a nigga she barely knows raw and letting him in all her business before she even dealt with her baby daddy. If she cared about her kid, she would’ve been moved from the place and changed numbers instead of being a sitting duck.

I don’t like Dantae, and Chop is confusing me a lil with the Brix situation. Why are you defending a pedophile? He fucked yo kid's girlfriend, impregnated her, and had him playing daddy to a kid that wasn’t his for years. He then killed said girlfriend and took the kid he ain’t even want away from them. I wouldn’t be going outta my way to make sure Brix was handled because he deserved it. There’s no way you’re that heated, and your brother has been nothing but a dirt neck piece of shit since forever. Dantae cares more about that family than his immediate family, and it’s sickening.

Anyway, I kinda liked Brix and Reagan together. I like when he's on his stalker shit. I just feel like Reagan should be moving smarter, considering her past and the people she deals with. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[She Reads What She Wants · Rating 4 out of 5]

From page one, I honestly had no idea where this story was headed and that’s part of what kept me locked in. The journey itself was the experience, and I really enjoyed the ride while I was on it.

Ms. Raegan was doing her best to make the right choices, but life kept throwing curveballs from every direction. Discovering family she never knew existed, having a baby by a man who truly didn’t deserve her time or energy, and then crossing paths with Brixx after he’s brought into the hospital with gunshot wounds? Yeah… everything was happening all at once. Sis was trying to keep it together, but the pieces just wouldn’t stay on the board.

But when Brixx set his sights on her? Baby, it was a wrap. That man was fully committed willing to do whatever it took to have her and, more importantly, to keep her safe. His presence brought a sense of protection and certainty that Raegan desperately needed in the middle of all that chaos.

I listened to this one on audio, and the narrators really did their thing. They brought the emotion, the tension, and the grit exactly the way I needed it to hit.

This story was messy, emotional, and unpredictable but sometimes that’s exactly what makes a read memorable. 🎧🔥📚