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Nine Months With A Mafia Menace: An Urban Romance Standalone
At just twenty years old, Vincent was forced into the leadership role in one of the most ruthless crime families in Florida after the brutal murder of his father and sister. Hardened by grief, Vincent became cold and calculated, living only to expand his empire and protect the only family he had left. Love was nonexistent in a life like his.
Then came Anila. She is the opposite of everything Vincent knows. An equestrian with a heart of gold and dreams of making an impact in her community. She’s no stranger to sacrifice, and falling for Vincent’s dangerously magnetic charm is the last risk she can afford to take.
Vincent isn’t used to hearing the word no, and Anila isn’t used to being pursued with such intensity. Their connection is undeniable, and their passion unstoppable, but a glimpse into Vincent’s unhinged antics forces Anila to run away.
In this African American Urban Romance standalone, boundaries are pushed past their limits, and the stakes rise higher than ever. Can Anila truly love a man whose empire is built on blood? Or will loving the mafia menace be one of the best decisions in her life?
Then came Anila. She is the opposite of everything Vincent knows. An equestrian with a heart of gold and dreams of making an impact in her community. She’s no stranger to sacrifice, and falling for Vincent’s dangerously magnetic charm is the last risk she can afford to take.
Vincent isn’t used to hearing the word no, and Anila isn’t used to being pursued with such intensity. Their connection is undeniable, and their passion unstoppable, but a glimpse into Vincent’s unhinged antics forces Anila to run away.
In this African American Urban Romance standalone, boundaries are pushed past their limits, and the stakes rise higher than ever. Can Anila truly love a man whose empire is built on blood? Or will loving the mafia menace be one of the best decisions in her life?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
446 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 7, 2025
Really a 2.5 the author has some funny lines and comes up with interesting scenarios but the story telling has been lacking these last few books. I don’t like when everyone is GROWN but Communication is poor, her reason for running off after the Vacay was so weird and childish like a simple I’m not into that would’ve sufficed but I guess. The brother story line was weak because again TALK TO THEM PEOPLE idc if the law is involved tell on him cus you’d rather potentially be considered a predator over getting your brother to pay for his crimes A DUMMYYYY. The spice scenes were good but these two barely knew anything about each other and ain’t learn directly from each other til about 85% like HUHHHH??? Also hated Xain and Salena unecessary characters irritate me.
October 12, 2025
The story was interesting
October 5, 2025
(3.5⭐️) Accidental pregnancy with a side of forced marriage & kidnapping? Yes please🤣 This was a nice somewhat low angst love story. I will say that I think Anila completely overreacted to the “gesture” that Vincent made that caused her to run from him for months. A 5min conversation would have smoothed it all over. With that said I love me a good “you’re my woman no matter what” lol. Vincent went and got her and then showed her how good her life could get with him. And after a (very short) time, she leaned into it and I loved that for her. He was a little unhinged but it comes with being a mafia boss. I enjoyed there story and the way that her backbone grew over time. Because it should have BEEN “eff you, Stanley”. Also I can see a nice enemies to lovers story with Xain & Khaleesi👀
October 22, 2025
Now listen, we met old booty Vincent 😭 and this man right here does not love these garden tools, but he will definitely trick off on them while they’re around. And he got it, so who gon’ check him? 😂 That was until he met Anila, a horse girly with a heart for her community who just wants to use her love for horses to give back.
I was cracking up the whole time because Vincent was unhinged in the best way possible. Lakia always gives me a wild hero who makes me laugh out loud and shake my head at the same time. The banter, the situations, the chaos—it was all there and entertaining from start to finish.
It was a good time all around, full of laughs and heat. 4⭐ because I had too much fun reading this one.
I was cracking up the whole time because Vincent was unhinged in the best way possible. Lakia always gives me a wild hero who makes me laugh out loud and shake my head at the same time. The banter, the situations, the chaos—it was all there and entertaining from start to finish.
It was a good time all around, full of laughs and heat. 4⭐ because I had too much fun reading this one.
October 5, 2025
Vincent 😂
I’ve been waiting on a book about Vincent. I was screaming laughing. He is hilarious. Anila is crazy too. But lawd Khalessi and Xain?!!! I need both of their stories.
I’ve been waiting on a book about Vincent. I was screaming laughing. He is hilarious. Anila is crazy too. But lawd Khalessi and Xain?!!! I need both of their stories.
November 1, 2025
Ummm....
This book was a first for me from this author and I almost immediately tapped out once I learned that the MMC was a 51yr old man sending DM's via IG talking about getting "flewed out and smutted out". Sir, have several seats in the middle age section somewhere.
I stuck with it but still questioned myself and the author the entire time because this book felt long and drawn-out but still rushed because the cadence of things was weird to me.Then don't even get me started on how abrupt the ending was. It was basically a cliffhanger because I had so many questions.
Overall, if I squint really hard I could see the potential of this author and this storyline. However, with my eyes wide open it didn't hit the mark for me and the story was long but still felt incomplete.
This book was a first for me from this author and I almost immediately tapped out once I learned that the MMC was a 51yr old man sending DM's via IG talking about getting "flewed out and smutted out". Sir, have several seats in the middle age section somewhere.
I stuck with it but still questioned myself and the author the entire time because this book felt long and drawn-out but still rushed because the cadence of things was weird to me.Then don't even get me started on how abrupt the ending was. It was basically a cliffhanger because I had so many questions.
Overall, if I squint really hard I could see the potential of this author and this storyline. However, with my eyes wide open it didn't hit the mark for me and the story was long but still felt incomplete.
October 19, 2025
A teaser....
Ms. Lakia, how could you? This was a teaser to me. I need more of Vincent and Anila in my life, like expeditiously. You did this, and you put the pen to the paper that created a masterpiece. Now Vincent wasn't one to be played with, and he executed his promises to the fullest. In addition, he was all things Anila. Her heart desires were his commands to his team. They followed through each and every time. It was refreshing to witness Anila get her happily ever after. She had been through quite a few storms between her brother and parents. They burdened her down just because she was the more responsible child between her and Stanley. Anila did have a ride or die, and that was Ms. Khaleesi, her niece. Anyone could get a verbal lashing from her over her aunt, including her father. It's sad that it took Vincent to get Stanley in line. One incident with Vincent raised Stanley from a boy to a man. Vincent may have been a tad bit unhinged and rough around edges, but he was the imperfectly perfect match for Anila.
Ms. Laika, I have convinced myself that this isn't the last I will read about Vincent and Anila. I get the feeling with so many crucial relationships falling apart within the "family" circle that it's going to be more masterpieces coming sooner or later. I am going to be here for them all. Ladies and gents, this is a quick read, but it's 🔥. Therefore, grab your copy today.
P.S. I was lowkey, hoping Marissa and Yaseer would have another little one. Yaseer needs a junior to carry his name.
Ms. Lakia, how could you? This was a teaser to me. I need more of Vincent and Anila in my life, like expeditiously. You did this, and you put the pen to the paper that created a masterpiece. Now Vincent wasn't one to be played with, and he executed his promises to the fullest. In addition, he was all things Anila. Her heart desires were his commands to his team. They followed through each and every time. It was refreshing to witness Anila get her happily ever after. She had been through quite a few storms between her brother and parents. They burdened her down just because she was the more responsible child between her and Stanley. Anila did have a ride or die, and that was Ms. Khaleesi, her niece. Anyone could get a verbal lashing from her over her aunt, including her father. It's sad that it took Vincent to get Stanley in line. One incident with Vincent raised Stanley from a boy to a man. Vincent may have been a tad bit unhinged and rough around edges, but he was the imperfectly perfect match for Anila.
Ms. Laika, I have convinced myself that this isn't the last I will read about Vincent and Anila. I get the feeling with so many crucial relationships falling apart within the "family" circle that it's going to be more masterpieces coming sooner or later. I am going to be here for them all. Ladies and gents, this is a quick read, but it's 🔥. Therefore, grab your copy today.
P.S. I was lowkey, hoping Marissa and Yaseer would have another little one. Yaseer needs a junior to carry his name.
October 20, 2025
This was fun read!
This was a fun read and the level of audacity was strong through quite a few of the characters. Anila was truly living for everyone except herself until a tragic event happens with her horse that sets the scene for all of the events to happen. The FMC being an equestrian and managing a feed store felt in complete contrast to the MMC Vincent who was a loose cannon. I think that also made the story unique. Vincent seemed like every typical rich mafia guy that would never settle down even at 50! Smh one look at Anila and Vincent knew that he wanted something different. Now his ways about going about it ehhh not the best lol but what do you expect when dealing with a mafia man! Side characters has a lot going on and I would like to see their follow up stories because Xain, Salena, and Khaleesi were a mess on wheels. Lol This was a good read by this new to me author and looking to read more from her!
This was a fun read and the level of audacity was strong through quite a few of the characters. Anila was truly living for everyone except herself until a tragic event happens with her horse that sets the scene for all of the events to happen. The FMC being an equestrian and managing a feed store felt in complete contrast to the MMC Vincent who was a loose cannon. I think that also made the story unique. Vincent seemed like every typical rich mafia guy that would never settle down even at 50! Smh one look at Anila and Vincent knew that he wanted something different. Now his ways about going about it ehhh not the best lol but what do you expect when dealing with a mafia man! Side characters has a lot going on and I would like to see their follow up stories because Xain, Salena, and Khaleesi were a mess on wheels. Lol This was a good read by this new to me author and looking to read more from her!
November 3, 2025
I enjoyed Anila and Vincent’s very unconventional love story. Vincent was moving like a YN sliding into women’s inboxes lol but he took a slightly different approach with Anila. I agree with some of the other readers the mishap in Cali could’ve definitely resolved everything with a quick conversation lol but hey it was hilarious honestly.
I love how we got to see glimpses and connections to Q and Marissa from her novel but also how Vincent showed up for and protected all those that he loved.
Now what is going on with Xain and Khalessi both breaking up with their partners. I think I was more shocked by Xains divorce than Khalessis breakup with her boyfriend. I could see those two having some sort of friends to lovers story lol 👀… but then again what about Salena??? What happened with her and Xain?
I love how we got to see glimpses and connections to Q and Marissa from her novel but also how Vincent showed up for and protected all those that he loved.
Now what is going on with Xain and Khalessi both breaking up with their partners. I think I was more shocked by Xains divorce than Khalessis breakup with her boyfriend. I could see those two having some sort of friends to lovers story lol 👀… but then again what about Salena??? What happened with her and Xain?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
Sweetie’s Review
Excellent book to read with an excellent storyline. Vincent and Anila’s unconventional love story is beautiful. Read to see how Vincent and Anila met. In all families there is a person that always seems to not get things right which is Stanley. Anila’s brother who puts her through heart ache because of the things that he does. Read to find out what Stanley does, what kind of relationship Anila has with her parents. Find out who is Kahleesi is and what her relationship is with Anila and what part does she play in her life. Read to find out the love story of Vincent and Anila. Once you start reading you will not want to put the book down. Very good book and I give it five stars. This is a must read book.
Sweetie
Excellent book to read with an excellent storyline. Vincent and Anila’s unconventional love story is beautiful. Read to see how Vincent and Anila met. In all families there is a person that always seems to not get things right which is Stanley. Anila’s brother who puts her through heart ache because of the things that he does. Read to find out what Stanley does, what kind of relationship Anila has with her parents. Find out who is Kahleesi is and what her relationship is with Anila and what part does she play in her life. Read to find out the love story of Vincent and Anila. Once you start reading you will not want to put the book down. Very good book and I give it five stars. This is a must read book.
Sweetie
October 7, 2025
Great story written by Lakia
Anila aka Origami was such a sweetheart. Equestrian And lover of yoga! Vincent was a 51 plug who didn’t let anyone get close to him. He was on the shoot with one of his nephews and met the woman who’d flip his world upside down! I love how he went hard to get with Anila. He didn’t want kids and ended up with a son. He was confused on who Stanley was but him going to visit him cleared his woman’s name. They even got Mystic back for Origami. They came from two different backgrounds, but were perfect for each other. I was sad that Salena and Xian divorced. I love Khalessi. She rode for her auntie.
Anila aka Origami was such a sweetheart. Equestrian And lover of yoga! Vincent was a 51 plug who didn’t let anyone get close to him. He was on the shoot with one of his nephews and met the woman who’d flip his world upside down! I love how he went hard to get with Anila. He didn’t want kids and ended up with a son. He was confused on who Stanley was but him going to visit him cleared his woman’s name. They even got Mystic back for Origami. They came from two different backgrounds, but were perfect for each other. I was sad that Salena and Xian divorced. I love Khalessi. She rode for her auntie.
October 10, 2025
Get You a Vincent
Anila definitely had a lot going for herself. Had her brother Stanley not betrayed her trust, she wouldn’t have been in a battle where she may spend time behind bars. Now her meeting Vincent while helping her niece Khalessi out was probably needed for her. Vincent definitely went above and beyond for Anila. Their trip together for her B-day was great until it wasn’t. BUT one thing Vincent proved in this book is he doesn’t play about his especially when he found out about a secret Anila was trying to keep from him. THIS is the book to read…Like NOW!
Anila definitely had a lot going for herself. Had her brother Stanley not betrayed her trust, she wouldn’t have been in a battle where she may spend time behind bars. Now her meeting Vincent while helping her niece Khalessi out was probably needed for her. Vincent definitely went above and beyond for Anila. Their trip together for her B-day was great until it wasn’t. BUT one thing Vincent proved in this book is he doesn’t play about his especially when he found out about a secret Anila was trying to keep from him. THIS is the book to read…Like NOW!
October 7, 2025
Life Can Make You Change
Lakia, such a good read. I really enjoyed Vincent. He surprised his own self with his new feelings. The way Anila changed everything for the better. It was such a great thing watching them grow together. I just loved how the strong feelings that they had for each thing they felt was right in their eyes soon became such good companions and built a friendship first then love. Great read!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Lakia, such a good read. I really enjoyed Vincent. He surprised his own self with his new feelings. The way Anila changed everything for the better. It was such a great thing watching them grow together. I just loved how the strong feelings that they had for each thing they felt was right in their eyes soon became such good companions and built a friendship first then love. Great read!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
October 12, 2025
Loved it
Great read from start to finish! Vincent didn't play about Anila from the first time he saw her. Anila carried a lot in her shoulders when it came to her family, but Vincent helped her to see she's more than what her family wants from her! Anila opened up Vincenf heart and allowed him to see his worth as well. I hope to see more, be ause there has to be a Khaleesi and Xain story!
Great read from start to finish! Vincent didn't play about Anila from the first time he saw her. Anila carried a lot in her shoulders when it came to her family, but Vincent helped her to see she's more than what her family wants from her! Anila opened up Vincenf heart and allowed him to see his worth as well. I hope to see more, be ause there has to be a Khaleesi and Xain story!
October 13, 2025
Vincent was a sexy distinguished fifty-one year old Boss that was attracted to Anila the moment that he laid eyes on her and she was equally attracted to him as well. They had a misunderstanding and ended up parting ways on a bad note but Vincent finding out that Anila was pregnant brought them back together again. Vincent kídnapped Anila, married her, and made all her dreams come true. I was glad that Anila got Mystic back because she was really her first baby.
October 13, 2025
Loved It!!!!
Uncle Vincent didn't play any games. Anise was a little aggy. I hated how she acted as if Vincent did her so wrong when all he ever tried to do is bring her happiness even if it was accommodating a kink he thought she had. I was sad that Xain and Selena didn't work out. I didn't understand where they went wrong since Xaine said they were going to marriage counseling. Overall it was a great story.💞💞
Uncle Vincent didn't play any games. Anise was a little aggy. I hated how she acted as if Vincent did her so wrong when all he ever tried to do is bring her happiness even if it was accommodating a kink he thought she had. I was sad that Xain and Selena didn't work out. I didn't understand where they went wrong since Xaine said they were going to marriage counseling. Overall it was a great story.💞💞
October 13, 2025
Awesome
This was good
Love came slowly with some hiccups but that happens ...
But I think if they do write come with another part or Spin off see Xain and Kahlessia and him getting together it's like four play just have to pay attention....
Xain and Selena ran there course you never know what's in store but it did leave you with lot answer
?Will He actually stand down now that Xain messed up or would he get out after all ....
This was good
Love came slowly with some hiccups but that happens ...
But I think if they do write come with another part or Spin off see Xain and Kahlessia and him getting together it's like four play just have to pay attention....
Xain and Selena ran there course you never know what's in store but it did leave you with lot answer
?Will He actually stand down now that Xain messed up or would he get out after all ....
October 25, 2025
too fast
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Very fast paced. Vincent was crazy af. I liked Anila. Everything escalated so fast that almost nothing was believable. Anila didn’t want to know the sex of the baby and he went and told her anyway. Hated that. I honestly thought Xain and Khaleesi were gonna end up together.
I don’t like pop culture references in books but when Vincent said ‘Whoopty Doo’ I lost it. The POV switched within the other POV.
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Very fast paced. Vincent was crazy af. I liked Anila. Everything escalated so fast that almost nothing was believable. Anila didn’t want to know the sex of the baby and he went and told her anyway. Hated that. I honestly thought Xain and Khaleesi were gonna end up together.
I don’t like pop culture references in books but when Vincent said ‘Whoopty Doo’ I lost it. The POV switched within the other POV.
November 5, 2025
Mafia Menace
Baby the way Vincent is unhinged just makes me smile. The way he applied pressure when it came to Anila just makes it better. She definitely made him work no matter his status or what she thought. Baby Khalessi did not play about her auntie and it did not matter who it was. But why I feel like her and Xain gonna get something started. We definitely need a baby delivery story. Definitely enjoyed this one!!
Baby the way Vincent is unhinged just makes me smile. The way he applied pressure when it came to Anila just makes it better. She definitely made him work no matter his status or what she thought. Baby Khalessi did not play about her auntie and it did not matter who it was. But why I feel like her and Xain gonna get something started. We definitely need a baby delivery story. Definitely enjoyed this one!!
October 6, 2025
Very fast read
This was fast read .I happy to read that author had a black own fashion business in the book. I hope more will start writing about black own fashion business in their books. Vincent was the man, him and Anila was good together. I hope Selena and Xian get back together
This was fast read .I happy to read that author had a black own fashion business in the book. I hope more will start writing about black own fashion business in their books. Vincent was the man, him and Anila was good together. I hope Selena and Xian get back together
October 6, 2025
Ok ..
I liked all the characters but Kaleese.(don't know if I spelled it right)..she was just a lil too much..like her hitting Xain with the vase and all the hype she came with..and I didn't like the fact that she played with Xain wife and didn't explain the situation was a lil too childish for me so I hope you don't put them together.. Hopefully Xain and Salenna can do over..
I liked all the characters but Kaleese.(don't know if I spelled it right)..she was just a lil too much..like her hitting Xain with the vase and all the hype she came with..and I didn't like the fact that she played with Xain wife and didn't explain the situation was a lil too childish for me so I hope you don't put them together.. Hopefully Xain and Salenna can do over..
October 21, 2025
Awwww
This was great! Anila was reserved, but she took a chance like her niece said and one weekend with Vincent changed her whole world. Vincent was crazy and if you wanted something/somebody he went for it and Anila was that somebody. I loved how he went about everything he did and it allowed me to go right on through this book! Awesome
This was great! Anila was reserved, but she took a chance like her niece said and one weekend with Vincent changed her whole world. Vincent was crazy and if you wanted something/somebody he went for it and Anila was that somebody. I loved how he went about everything he did and it allowed me to go right on through this book! Awesome
October 28, 2025
OMG…Simply Amazing 🥲🤗🥰
This dang book was so gggooooooddd! I need more of Vincent & Anila. The way this man loved and showed up for her was simply amazing. The nicknames was it for me😝!
I won’t be mad at all if a spin-off comes out of this or I’ll even take a holiday update! I just need more of these character’s, because they all played the part.
This dang book was so gggooooooddd! I need more of Vincent & Anila. The way this man loved and showed up for her was simply amazing. The nicknames was it for me😝!
I won’t be mad at all if a spin-off comes out of this or I’ll even take a holiday update! I just need more of these character’s, because they all played the part.
November 6, 2025
Excellent Book
Another good from Lakia, she Never disappoints when it comes to story telling. I loved everything about this book, the characters were on point, good to see how Vincent were doing from previous books. I loved the relationship that Anila & Khaleesi had it was so genuine. Vincent needed Anila in his life.
Another good from Lakia, she Never disappoints when it comes to story telling. I loved everything about this book, the characters were on point, good to see how Vincent were doing from previous books. I loved the relationship that Anila & Khaleesi had it was so genuine. Vincent needed Anila in his life.
November 25, 2025
Good Read
This was a good book. I’m glad Anila allowed Vincent to show her how a real man treats his lady even before they became serious. Vincent was a little possessive but that’s what she needed. I feel bad for Khaleesi and her boyfriend’s breakup. For a minute I thought she and Xain would get together. Maybe they’ll be another part to this series. Good read overall.
This was a good book. I’m glad Anila allowed Vincent to show her how a real man treats his lady even before they became serious. Vincent was a little possessive but that’s what she needed. I feel bad for Khaleesi and her boyfriend’s breakup. For a minute I thought she and Xain would get together. Maybe they’ll be another part to this series. Good read overall.
October 17, 2025
GREAT READ
I enjoyed this read. It started off with one couple and it keeps involving and adding new characters while updating us on old ones. I look forward to the next read from this author.
I enjoyed this read. It started off with one couple and it keeps involving and adding new characters while updating us on old ones. I look forward to the next read from this author.
October 22, 2025
Good read… needed more.
It was a good quick read only wished for a different ending to see how the couple was adjusting to their new addition and get into more of the reason why Xain and Salena decided to call it quits and if Xain was able to step into Vincent’s shoes.
It was a good quick read only wished for a different ending to see how the couple was adjusting to their new addition and get into more of the reason why Xain and Salena decided to call it quits and if Xain was able to step into Vincent’s shoes.
October 22, 2025
Anila & her love for horses was soooo cute but I did not think it would get her in that position. Come on Vincent, it’s nice to see older MCs. I cannot lie, Khaleesi was my favorite part about the book. I have to go back & read the ones that came before this one.
October 29, 2025
Vincent!
Vincent was HILARIOUS, and he wasn't even trying to be! "Nine Months With A Mafia Menace" gets five stars for Vincent alone! Anila Williams didn't know what kind of hurricane she'd run into when she met Vincent Marucci during a video shoot! Excellent!
Vincent was HILARIOUS, and he wasn't even trying to be! "Nine Months With A Mafia Menace" gets five stars for Vincent alone! Anila Williams didn't know what kind of hurricane she'd run into when she met Vincent Marucci during a video shoot! Excellent!
November 12, 2025
Awesome book
That's an in store this book was great a lot of drama but was good reading. I can't wait to read more books from this author will be following her to see more of her work.
That's an in store this book was great a lot of drama but was good reading. I can't wait to read more books from this author will be following her to see more of her work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews