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The Softest Love Came From A Thug
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
151 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 4, 2026
Ooooo
Essex is book bae material. Mean as hell but soft for her. Nariyah didn’t let him slide either. The prologues had me worried because whew.
Essex is book bae material. Mean as hell but soft for her. Nariyah didn’t let him slide either. The prologues had me worried because whew.
February 10, 2026
Beautiful!
Baby that beginning was shocking but I’m so happy with the way things ended. Essex parents were trash from the start. So happy he had the Metcalfs.
Baby that beginning was shocking but I’m so happy with the way things ended. Essex parents were trash from the start. So happy he had the Metcalfs.
February 6, 2026
Nariyah was at her whits end when it came to her son Nash misbehaving and acting out when he stole her car and ran into one of Essex’s cars in his driveway. Essex immediately stepped into the role of being Nash’s mentor so he wouldn’t be another kid lost to the penal system. The bass in Essex’s voice made Nash instantly get some act right especially when Essex told him to write him an essay and informed Nash that he had to work his debt off for the damages at his house and body shop. Essex and Nash formed a tight positive bond and Nariyah admired Essex as well although they had a rocky start. Lambo was a good fur baby beast to have when he saved Nariyah from that pit bull and how he watched over the family. It’s sad how Essex and Elise’s parents discarded Essex especially when he was at his lowest. I love how Elise, Rawshawn, Nina, and Jordan’s support and love never wavered for Essex while he went through loosing Victoria, false accusations, isolation, and depression. Nariyah and Nash was exactly what Essex needed to start living again and Essex was the man, Mr. Make It Happen, that Nariyah and Nash needed in their lives. I love how Nariyah wasn’t jealous nor intimidated in reference to anything Victoria and even helped Essex with the foundation and car show. I so wanted to know what they were having and I think we need another book with Rashawn and Elise finally getting together after she turned him down for so many years.
February 10, 2026
This was such a cute easy read. I loved it. I was kinda iffy about reading it cause I cantttttttt do it with the dead spouse I just can’t. But this book did it for me.
It was cute, little drama. I was so nervous cause he didn’t tell her what happened to his wife and I was like omg this is gonna be the downfall of their relationship. And it wasn’t, I didn’t like how she immediately jumped to ending things which annoyed me. The lack of communication; like yes it was a horrible way to find out but it came from your ex husband. That would’ve been the first flag that hmm maybe this isn’t the whole story. But I love love love how they settled that shit in one chapter and didn’t drag it out.
I also love when they form their own separate relationship with the kid first, I always find that way more authentic. I loved me some Mr Make it Happen. Yes plz. I loved how even tho they were both left with trauma, they didn’t fight their feelings when it came down to it. They were guarded but not closed off. I loved the support system they each had. He had me screaming too. Like everything that came out of his mouth was so unhinged especially when Nash and him first met.
Only thing I didn’t agree with and I wish he got a little more closure on was his parents. Nothing that he did warrant their behavior. He had no part of having shitty parents.
This was def a 10/10 for me. I loved it
It was cute, little drama. I was so nervous cause he didn’t tell her what happened to his wife and I was like omg this is gonna be the downfall of their relationship. And it wasn’t, I didn’t like how she immediately jumped to ending things which annoyed me. The lack of communication; like yes it was a horrible way to find out but it came from your ex husband. That would’ve been the first flag that hmm maybe this isn’t the whole story. But I love love love how they settled that shit in one chapter and didn’t drag it out.
I also love when they form their own separate relationship with the kid first, I always find that way more authentic. I loved me some Mr Make it Happen. Yes plz. I loved how even tho they were both left with trauma, they didn’t fight their feelings when it came down to it. They were guarded but not closed off. I loved the support system they each had. He had me screaming too. Like everything that came out of his mouth was so unhinged especially when Nash and him first met.
Only thing I didn’t agree with and I wish he got a little more closure on was his parents. Nothing that he did warrant their behavior. He had no part of having shitty parents.
This was def a 10/10 for me. I loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2026
The author’s note & the first prologue had my chest tight and had me not knowing what to expect with this book. What I got was a masterpiece in navigating love after loss and taking control of your life & healing. It was so refreshing to see a MMC value therapy & therapeutic interventions without having to be coaxed or using it as a device in a 3rd act break up to get his woman back. Essex was a mean ol thing (but for good reason) but after fate brought him and Nariyah together in an unconventional way, we saw him soften…just for her and Nash though🤣He showed up for them with intention & steadfast consistency.
Nariyah was a strong FMC. She was independent and about building her business & taking care of her son. And I loved how Essex had to remind her TOO many times that he was “Mr Make it Happen” and she didn’t have to do it on her own anymore.
This really was a great love story, with a MMC that was mature & emotionally intelligent and a couple who communicated well. I enjoyed the found family aspects & the way people showed up for Essex while he was in his grief. There were a lot of flashbacks and some scenes that were just told to us that I wish we got to see play out. But overall, you wouldn’t be disappointed reading this.
Nariyah was a strong FMC. She was independent and about building her business & taking care of her son. And I loved how Essex had to remind her TOO many times that he was “Mr Make it Happen” and she didn’t have to do it on her own anymore.
This really was a great love story, with a MMC that was mature & emotionally intelligent and a couple who communicated well. I enjoyed the found family aspects & the way people showed up for Essex while he was in his grief. There were a lot of flashbacks and some scenes that were just told to us that I wish we got to see play out. But overall, you wouldn’t be disappointed reading this.
February 4, 2026
2nd Chance at Love 🙌🏾
Mr. Make It Happen!!! Essex has got to be one of my top MMCs of the year thus far. This book starts out with a major punch to the gut. We get to experience Essex losing his wife, and we see the hell our FMC, Nariyah, goes through with a prick of a husband. Both their pasts set up where we start off in current times. They are both still recovering from those life events and just getting by. Through a series of events, Nariyah’s young son, Nash, is the tether that brings them together. Though it is attraction at first sight for them, it takes a minute for Essex and Nariyah to actually like each other, but once they lock in, I love how Essex was all in with her and her son. Well from the jump Essex was pouring into Nash. I loved that he was doing it genuinely because he saw the guidance Nash needed and not just to make an impression her. Again, I say this all the time, but I enjoyed them so much and their story and journey to love each other together that I would love an update book on them. This book had a fair share of drama, spice, and, of course, funny moments.
Mr. Make It Happen!!! Essex has got to be one of my top MMCs of the year thus far. This book starts out with a major punch to the gut. We get to experience Essex losing his wife, and we see the hell our FMC, Nariyah, goes through with a prick of a husband. Both their pasts set up where we start off in current times. They are both still recovering from those life events and just getting by. Through a series of events, Nariyah’s young son, Nash, is the tether that brings them together. Though it is attraction at first sight for them, it takes a minute for Essex and Nariyah to actually like each other, but once they lock in, I love how Essex was all in with her and her son. Well from the jump Essex was pouring into Nash. I loved that he was doing it genuinely because he saw the guidance Nash needed and not just to make an impression her. Again, I say this all the time, but I enjoyed them so much and their story and journey to love each other together that I would love an update book on them. This book had a fair share of drama, spice, and, of course, funny moments.
February 11, 2026
Essex and Nariyah
Listen Essex went through a lot in the beginning with how he lost his wife Victoria. I could see why he was so guarded let alone “grumpy.” While Nash (Nariyah’s son) was becoming a little out of control, it was Essex who quickly got him together after stealing his mom’s car. Nariyah played no games either especially when it came to Nash or her business. Her ex Myron was definitely a piece of work but I respect that Nariyah still tried to make sure Nash could have some kind of relationship with Myron although Myron could care less. The connection that both Essex and Nariyah built was much needed for the both of them. Listen Essex didn’t play about either Nash or Nariyah. Oh and the love that Victoria’s parents still had for Essex was amazing as well being that Essex parents could care less about him. Great read from LaKia as always. Haven’t read something that I couldn’t put down.
Listen Essex went through a lot in the beginning with how he lost his wife Victoria. I could see why he was so guarded let alone “grumpy.” While Nash (Nariyah’s son) was becoming a little out of control, it was Essex who quickly got him together after stealing his mom’s car. Nariyah played no games either especially when it came to Nash or her business. Her ex Myron was definitely a piece of work but I respect that Nariyah still tried to make sure Nash could have some kind of relationship with Myron although Myron could care less. The connection that both Essex and Nariyah built was much needed for the both of them. Listen Essex didn’t play about either Nash or Nariyah. Oh and the love that Victoria’s parents still had for Essex was amazing as well being that Essex parents could care less about him. Great read from LaKia as always. Haven’t read something that I couldn’t put down.
February 5, 2026
Essex and Nariyah
This story was beautifully written and deeply emotional. Essex is a man grieving the loss of his wife to police brutality, carrying pain that shows up as rough edges and a sharp tongue, but beneath it all, he has the biggest heart and so much love to give. Nariyah is a single mother, newly divorced and starting over, and she’s the perfect balance of soft and strong. A true firecracker, she wasn’t letting anyone talk to her sideways.
What really stood out was the communication and honesty between the characters, along with the found family that slowly came together. The bonds that formed felt real and earned. Nash looking up to Essex was everything he wasn’t asking for much, just some male guidance and someone to show up for him. Watching them build not just a relationship, but an entire village, was beautiful to witness.
This story was beautifully written and deeply emotional. Essex is a man grieving the loss of his wife to police brutality, carrying pain that shows up as rough edges and a sharp tongue, but beneath it all, he has the biggest heart and so much love to give. Nariyah is a single mother, newly divorced and starting over, and she’s the perfect balance of soft and strong. A true firecracker, she wasn’t letting anyone talk to her sideways.
What really stood out was the communication and honesty between the characters, along with the found family that slowly came together. The bonds that formed felt real and earned. Nash looking up to Essex was everything he wasn’t asking for much, just some male guidance and someone to show up for him. Watching them build not just a relationship, but an entire village, was beautiful to witness.
February 10, 2026
Ooo, this was sooo good! Essex, Nariyah, and Nash were the perfect family coming together. I loved how he stepped in for Nash after his the no good dead beat dad was a no show in his life. He put the fear of a God in that boy's life, so much so that he had Nash in tears, answering yes sir, and loving the show of love Essex gave him.
Now he and Nariyah had a tumultuous start with them both getting on each other's nerves. I enjoyed their stand off, until it was no more. They were good for each other, whereas it was a 2nd chance at love for each.
Essex was definitely the protector for both of them. He wasn't playing about his woman or Nash with her ex husband. Nariyah didn't play about her son, with neither her ex or Essex.
Essex was definitely a boss bae. Loved this from start to finish!
Now he and Nariyah had a tumultuous start with them both getting on each other's nerves. I enjoyed their stand off, until it was no more. They were good for each other, whereas it was a 2nd chance at love for each.
Essex was definitely the protector for both of them. He wasn't playing about his woman or Nash with her ex husband. Nariyah didn't play about her son, with neither her ex or Essex.
Essex was definitely a boss bae. Loved this from start to finish!
February 4, 2026
Lakia, as always you gave us such a great lesson. You showed what happens when you least expect it how life can and will throw you every curve ball.
What I really love was how much love was in this read. Thank you for giving us a mother's showing of true love. Thank you for showing a broken man heal in a realistic way. Thank you for showing what happens when a child needs something and goes about it in unhealthy ways. Thank you for this read.
I hope you will allow this crew to live a little. I feel 2 or 3 more stories from them. Hopefully at least 1 more🤗🤗🤗🤗♥️♥️
What I really love was how much love was in this read. Thank you for giving us a mother's showing of true love. Thank you for showing a broken man heal in a realistic way. Thank you for showing what happens when a child needs something and goes about it in unhealthy ways. Thank you for this read.
I hope you will allow this crew to live a little. I feel 2 or 3 more stories from them. Hopefully at least 1 more🤗🤗🤗🤗♥️♥️
February 9, 2026
this was beautiful
A reformed man has his heart broken and we watch him grieve and then cross paths with a woman who was fed up and doing her best. He instantly takes her son under his wing and eventually they fall in love. There’s spice, drama, love, comedy - a little bit of everything. This was a great read. My favorite line when talking about the MMC, he was saying how he’s reformed from the streets an is laid back but can always move forward (I know that’s right). Mr. Make it Happen is the dream man.
A reformed man has his heart broken and we watch him grieve and then cross paths with a woman who was fed up and doing her best. He instantly takes her son under his wing and eventually they fall in love. There’s spice, drama, love, comedy - a little bit of everything. This was a great read. My favorite line when talking about the MMC, he was saying how he’s reformed from the streets an is laid back but can always move forward (I know that’s right). Mr. Make it Happen is the dream man.
February 5, 2026
Mr. Make It Happen😍
5/5! This book was so beautifully written, and the chemistry and love between Essex and Nyriah could be felt once they got over their “I don't like you” stage lol. Essex was so resilient, and I'm glad he had people in his corner because his parents were ish. I also enjoyed the bond between Nash and Essex. He really gave that boy a father figure to be proud of. Now we need a summer follow-up to them lol.
5/5! This book was so beautifully written, and the chemistry and love between Essex and Nyriah could be felt once they got over their “I don't like you” stage lol. Essex was so resilient, and I'm glad he had people in his corner because his parents were ish. I also enjoyed the bond between Nash and Essex. He really gave that boy a father figure to be proud of. Now we need a summer follow-up to them lol.
February 7, 2026
this was good storytelling
I have been in a reading slump. Not really loving any book I’ve come across this year. Lakia, you did a good job developing these characters. The story seemed so real, especially since I can relate with death and grief . Look forward to reading more of you work. Essex , I loved him from the very first page and was glad that he was able to heal in time . Nash and Nariyah is exactly what he needed and Elise is my bestie.
I have been in a reading slump. Not really loving any book I’ve come across this year. Lakia, you did a good job developing these characters. The story seemed so real, especially since I can relate with death and grief . Look forward to reading more of you work. Essex , I loved him from the very first page and was glad that he was able to heal in time . Nash and Nariyah is exactly what he needed and Elise is my bestie.
February 10, 2026
A perfect match
Nariyah was a God send for Essex! He needed her and she needed him as well. Nash definitely needed that male role model. I enjoyed this story! Elise was a rider. She didn’t turn on her twin like her parents did. She was ready to handle Nariyah too lol. Essex should’ve told her from jump it wasn’t her lol. Nash was the one wilding. I’m so glad they got together and fell in love. Nash was really Mr Make It Happen!
Nariyah was a God send for Essex! He needed her and she needed him as well. Nash definitely needed that male role model. I enjoyed this story! Elise was a rider. She didn’t turn on her twin like her parents did. She was ready to handle Nariyah too lol. Essex should’ve told her from jump it wasn’t her lol. Nash was the one wilding. I’m so glad they got together and fell in love. Nash was really Mr Make It Happen!
February 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this love story! The prologue was just enough to keep me invested. Essex & Nariyah were good for my heart. I love the way Essex stepped in immediately for Nash. Nariyah def deserved more than her ex husband Myron.. ew. Essex being in therapy and knowing how to communicate was my favorite part.
February 5, 2026
Essex saw Nash heading down the wrong path and made it HIS BUSINESS to be the father figure he needed! Nash softened his heart way before Nariyah did, I love the love he poured into them and how it was reciprocated.
The way Elise cared and loved her brother , wheeeewwwww. She definitely was her brothers keeper. Nothing like a strong sibling bond.
The way Elise cared and loved her brother , wheeeewwwww. She definitely was her brothers keeper. Nothing like a strong sibling bond.
February 5, 2026
Keywanna Revell
I would say
Love came slowly for both of them Essex because he was still dealing with grief of his wife ...
Nariyha really did her thing taking care of her lil man all by herself especially when she realized that he was lying to her to keep her down...
But like they say what comes around now he out there on his own way he did his son and ex wife
I would say
Love came slowly for both of them Essex because he was still dealing with grief of his wife ...
Nariyha really did her thing taking care of her lil man all by herself especially when she realized that he was lying to her to keep her down...
But like they say what comes around now he out there on his own way he did his son and ex wife
February 8, 2026
Popped my cherry😂😂
This was my first book from this author and I promise it will not be my last!! I really enjoyed Essex and Nariyah's story. I cried a little and laughed a lot. You couldn't help but to love Essex. The bond that he had with Nash was just beautiful. Now I need to read more from Ms. Lakia!
This was my first book from this author and I promise it will not be my last!! I really enjoyed Essex and Nariyah's story. I cried a little and laughed a lot. You couldn't help but to love Essex. The bond that he had with Nash was just beautiful. Now I need to read more from Ms. Lakia!
February 9, 2026
Wonderful read
So well written, what happened to SS in the beginning was so heartbreaking. He’s a ma that loves wholeheartedly and so deeply. So for his life to be so hard from the age of sixteen until he lost Victoria was sad. But I’m happy he was able to redeem his faith in humanity.
So well written, what happened to SS in the beginning was so heartbreaking. He’s a ma that loves wholeheartedly and so deeply. So for his life to be so hard from the age of sixteen until he lost Victoria was sad. But I’m happy he was able to redeem his faith in humanity.
February 9, 2026
Excellent Book
This book was good from start to finish. The characters were developed well and Lakia didn’t miss a beat when she presented Essex I felt sorry for him in his situation but he was the G O A T. I’m Proud Nariyah found her voice, I wanted to slap her husband. Great Job Lakia.
Highly recommend
This book was good from start to finish. The characters were developed well and Lakia didn’t miss a beat when she presented Essex I felt sorry for him in his situation but he was the G O A T. I’m Proud Nariyah found her voice, I wanted to slap her husband. Great Job Lakia.
Highly recommend
February 3, 2026
Essex took hit after hit, trauma after trauma, and grief, but a “crash” landing introduced him to the family next door!
Once him and Nariyah got over the hump, their relationship and growth were beautiful to watch!
Once him and Nariyah got over the hump, their relationship and growth were beautiful to watch!
February 6, 2026
I ate this up. Essex was petty, mean and a menace but with good reason. That prologue had me shed a couple tears. He was guarded and just existing until Nariyah and Nash came along. Essex was definitely Mr.Make it happen. I enjoyed reading about this couple. I would recommend.
February 6, 2026
Love me some Essex & Nariyah 🖤🖤
Loved it, definitely recommend. Couldn’t put it down once I started it. Love the family the created. 🫶🏽 Glad my boy took at chance at love. The amount of petty with the plane had me cracking up. Now Myron…glad he got what he deserved. 10 out of 10.
Loved it, definitely recommend. Couldn’t put it down once I started it. Love the family the created. 🫶🏽 Glad my boy took at chance at love. The amount of petty with the plane had me cracking up. Now Myron…glad he got what he deserved. 10 out of 10.
February 7, 2026
love love loved this book
This was a beautiful story from beginning to end I think everyone should read it u won’t regret it. I’m tryna see if Rashawn gone get a story lol. And I’d love to see Nash in high school.
This was a beautiful story from beginning to end I think everyone should read it u won’t regret it. I’m tryna see if Rashawn gone get a story lol. And I’d love to see Nash in high school.
February 10, 2026
I couldn’t put it down 🔥🔥🔥
I loved this book!!!! My heart hurt for Essex. That experience was life changing and to see how he evolved and made it through to open his heart again, was simply amazing. 10/10🔥🔥🔥❤️
I loved this book!!!! My heart hurt for Essex. That experience was life changing and to see how he evolved and made it through to open his heart again, was simply amazing. 10/10🔥🔥🔥❤️
February 11, 2026
Riyah My Girl
I was with everything this book gave. Especially clapped it up for my girl Nariyah. I really enjoyed how her character was written and while she was very much human she wasn’t the usual damsel facing type.
I was with everything this book gave. Especially clapped it up for my girl Nariyah. I really enjoyed how her character was written and while she was very much human she wasn’t the usual damsel facing type.
February 11, 2026
Loved this Thug
If I am being real, Essex was more gentle than the so-called wealthy man. Nariyah and Nash were better off with Essex and Elise than fake Myron. Essex softness was what love should feel like in a relationship. The story was pretty awesome.
If I am being real, Essex was more gentle than the so-called wealthy man. Nariyah and Nash were better off with Essex and Elise than fake Myron. Essex softness was what love should feel like in a relationship. The story was pretty awesome.
February 11, 2026
Finally!! This book got me out of my reading slump, cute story with a mean MMC and an engaging plot, my first read from this author and definitely wont be my last… I loved how grief and mental health was handled. Bravo!
February 3, 2026
Beautiful!!
Grief is so hard but if you get help you can make it! Essex & Ryi were a gorgeous and sexy couple and watching they growth was beautiful
Grief is so hard but if you get help you can make it! Essex & Ryi were a gorgeous and sexy couple and watching they growth was beautiful
February 4, 2026
Love Lakia Books
This was a refreshing read and told a beautiful story about finding love again. Essex and Nariyah were too cute
This was a refreshing read and told a beautiful story about finding love again. Essex and Nariyah were too cute
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews