Brixx: A Hood Love Story: Brixx, Book 1

by Lakia, Myles Washington (narrator), Simone Rothschild (narrator)

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, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[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

[Britt · 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

[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!!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[Readaholic Running Realtor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something has to be wrong with me because I’ve been hooked on these hood toxic love stories lately and I’m not mad about it! 😩🔥 Baby Brixx is definitely trying to climb the ranks with Menace and Ocean. This was my first series by this author, and I actually really enjoyed it.

SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:

5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.

[Cris Criss · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!

This is my first book by Lakia and I am already hooked. No ma’am, no ham!!! Ms. Lakia we need the next book ASAP. LIKE IMMEDIATELY!!!!

I am on the edge of my seat. I need to KNOW what’s gonna happen next.

When I say Brixx came in handling business out the gate. Whew chile…Ms. Regan didn’t know what hit her. All she was doing was trying to take care of a patient, but the minute he clocked those bruised he said if you need me to handle it, I will handle it. (Fans self) Talk about swooning. To find out he meant every word.

Now my only aggravation is her babydaddy’s family. They do entirely too much for a pedophile and woman beater. That had me sucking my teeth. Her babydaddy could rot in the deepest part of hell and I still would want more to happen to him. He is a horrible, horrible nothing ssa negro. (Excuse my french).

Girl!!! What’s the drop date because I am beside myself for my next hit of this here story.

[gloryreadstoomuch · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is another book that I feel started off so good and had such a good premise, but kind of fell flat and was like every other urban romance. Reagan meets Brixx in the hospital. She’s his nurse and he is a patient because he got shot and had two bullet hole wounds, he is immediately attracted to Reagan when he sees her and he notices a part of her hair pulled out so he knows that she’s in an abusive situation which she was Reagan‘s baby Daddy was her brother-in-law‘s opp and he got her pregnant when she was under age she was about to go off to college and then she found out she was pregnant and he wanted to keep it a secret and he had been coming to her house literally torturing her beating her up and then leaving despite all of that she ended up getting her a ABSN and was going back to school to get her RN to BSN degree (because she’s just that girl) everyone ends up finding out who her baby daddy is after Brixx kills him and we find out that her baby daddy and bricks have the same father so Reagan’s son and Brixx have the same dad and Reagan id pregnant by Brixx which is where the story ends. this book started off really good, but try not getting just dragged out and boring and when saw there was another book I had hoped that it was gonna be better but now after reading it this duet out, just fell flat.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

Another hit. Deangelo was a dirty nasty old man, even knowing what his adopted daughter wanted to do to his nephews and him he still wanted to end Chop.
Reagan being recently on her own without her mom Deangelo took advantage of her taking the most valuable thing from her only to leave her with something she really didn't need at that time, with her current situation it didn't stop her from going to school and continuing her education.
Gross trying to make a.come up and care for his mom fate put him right in Regans path and on that second chance meeting things escalated and now more secrets have come out as well as him discovering the identity of his father, A great continuation from the other characters in Malice Matrimony 1 & 2.

[Mrs Tee Booktique · Rating 4 out of 5]

MrsTeeReads

Okkk Ms Lakia 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I should have heeded your suggestion and read Malice cause I need to know about Chop and nem! 🙊

About Brixx and nem…Damn!!!!! This hood love story is ratchet! And I enjoyed it...LOL Reagan was so green! I had to keep reminding myself of her age…but mannnnnn why you letting him handle you like that??????!!!!!!! D'Angelo was ridiculous and Brixx was the truth. The ghetto web was almost too much to believe...on to the finale cause inquiring minds wanna know what Brixx gon do!

I rated this one 4 stars because it’s not a complete story by its self.

I love the author’s word choices, she did not give the MC limited vocabulary. He was so thoughtful and affectionate and lethal. The affirmations got me!

[Amber Ganaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Om my goodness…… Part 2 ASAP !!!

Lakia sis you do it every time to my nerves and having me stressed lol. This read was so good from beginning to the end, and I can’t wait to see how this all plays out. Honey, D’Angelo knows he was wrong and sick on all levels smh. Brixx is out here just trying to make away for him, his mom and cousin. The attraction him and Reagan had was instant and he immediately wanted to be there for her. Chile Raegan was driving me nuts with all the lying and her naivety. Learning about Brixx and D’Angelo was crazy, so the cliffhanger had my mouth in the floor. Great job as always !!!!

[Tam Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brixx + Reagan

You definitely should read Malice Matrimony 1 & 2 before reading this story. It wasn't the greatest but just like its prequels, it's hard to put down. There is so much drama. Like page turning drama but the story seems just all over the place. Like a bunch of ideas (good ideas) but placement is off, and plot is lost.

Reagan worked my nerves so bad. She was liar and very immature. I know that Armani is incapable of it, but Jaliah could have taught that girl about the birds and the bees.

All in all, I'm tuned in for Brixx 2 and can't wait for it to drop. Please have Brixx in some real shoes. He can be out her pew pewing in Nike slides.