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The Underworld series #5

Stranger In My Eyes

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In Book 5 of The Underworld, NAKO takes you deep into the life of Lauren “Lo” Howard, known as the Mother Theresa of the criminal organization. Lauren is often misunderstood but is unconcerned because the only opinion that matters to her is God. Growing up as the daughter of the prestigious and world-renowned Pastor Dwayne Howard, it’s safe to say Lauren was born with a silver spoon and a Bible in her hand too. As soon as she crossed the stage at her high-school graduation, Lauren decided she no longer wanted to live a life based around the church and so she runs away from home, not looking back until tragedy strikes and she has no choice but to return. Nasir King, leader of The Underworld and the only man Lauren has ever loved is an angel in disguise, or so she assumed. Lauren depends on him for more than her monthly paycheck from The Underworld. He’s her best friend, soul mate, confidante and the love of her life. But does Nasir feel the same way? Is the love reciprocated? Or is Lauren a fool? As she ignores the signs and truth from her best friend and even the people closest to Nasir. Lauren goes through trials and tribulations, year after year, refusing to let him go. But, when another woman appears, a woman claiming to belong to Nasir. Lauren is done; for good. But is Nasir done with her? Stranger In My Eyes is an emotional, suspenseful, romance novel that not only answers questions about The Underworld and all of the drama unfolding but it creates new ones as well. Will Lauren get her happily ever after? Or will she wake up one day and realize that she doesn’t know the man she claims to love? Is he the man of her dreams or a stranger in her eyes? The Underworld is a 12-book street-crime collection beginning with Please Catch My Soul, Pointe of No Return, From His Rib and The Christ Family. Available on Kindle Unlimited.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2016

279 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Nako

105 books438 followers
Nakoreya “Nako” Roberson is a native of Atlanta, Georgia studying Mass Communications, Political Science, and Spanish at the illustrious Jackson State University. Upon signing her publishing deal in December 2014, her first book debuted on Amazon.com only one month later and she’s written thirty-three (33) novels to date. She’s become an accomplished and successful author overnight and is planning on additional releases within this year.
Her first national release, The Connect’s Wife, ranked within the top one hundred (100) releases and was number one (#1) in the following categories: African American Romance, Urban Fiction, and African American Fiction. At twenty-two, Nako has already made her mark on the literary world. Through the formation of her newly-established publishing company, NakoEXPO, she’s dedicated and determined to assist other talented authors in the literary world to bring their projects to fruition. Her ultimate goal is to assist other authors in realizing their true potential and change the world one novel at a time.
CEO of NakoEXPO Publishing
● Successfully published and released seventeen novels
● Eight Best-selling novels
● Sold 50,000 copies of her debut novel, The Connect’s Wife, within the first six months
● Nominated for E-Book of the Year and Reader’s Choice Awards (Other nominees are New York Times Best-sellers and Nako is the youngest nominee in both categories)
● Author of The Connect’s Wife series, The Chanel Cavette Story, If We Ruled the World, and Love in the Ghetto
● Founder of mentorship program entitled, Molding Girls into Jacksonian Women
● Over three hundred (300) girls have been mentored since the organization’s inception in 2014
AREAS OF INTEREST
● Keynote Speaker – Topics range from Publishing, Character Development, and Pursing Your Dreams
● Philanthropist- Bullying, Overcoming Low Self-Esteem, and Navigating through Toxic Relationships
● January 2014, launched The Passport, a personal guide for women striving to find their “stamps” in life. Once a month, Nako releases a “stamp” to her followers geared towards reaching contentment.
www.NakoEXPO.com
cometoatlanta@gmail.com for BOOKING

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5 stars
367 (80%)
4 stars
72 (15%)
3 stars
11 (2%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Shanie B..
315 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2020
Prior to reading this I didn’t like Lauren. I stopped reading the books in the series because I didn’t like her. After reading it, my heart goes out to her. She loved Nasir with everything within her and he practically gave her his behind to kiss. She was loyal. Poor Ben. Lori needs her holy-rolling a$$ kicked. The momma was no better. Sasha 😒 (side eye). MJ was a true “friend” to Lo. Nako...forever my favorite author. Hands down. This mega series gives me life.
Profile Image for &#x1f496;&#x1f4da;BOOKZAMILLION&#x1f4d6;&#x1f498;.
1,390 reviews96 followers
September 11, 2019
This whole series thus far and this book...SO GOOD. I don’t want to spoil it but this series is a must read!!!The only thing I have to say is that there is some confusion about which book starts this series. I saw somewhere that it starts with Arraignment but then I get Arraignment and one of first pages says by now you should have read and then lists some books so I did that and then started to feel like I was missing information by book 6 so I did some research and found out that most people read this series in this order: - [ ] The Underworld Series - The arraignment 1, PLEASE CATCH MY SOUL, POINTE OF NO RETURN, FROM HIS RIB, THE CHRIST FAMILY, STRANGER IN MY EYES, RESENTMENT, The arraignment 2, ORANGE MOON, Redemption, BEFORE YOU JUDGE, The arraignment 3, The Sentencing, Papa...so I’m going to go read Arraignment and then pick back up on book 6.
30 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2016
This is truly your best work!

I have read all of your work and I honestly feel this is your best book thus far. I don't typically give book reviews but I rely heavily on the review of others when deciding what to read. After reading Lauren's story I had to leave a review. If I could give you a standing ovation I would do that too. This book was truly an emotional roller coaster for me because at one point my life I was at Lauren. It's so funny how when you're on the outside looking in everything seems so clear. There were times when my mouth was wide open or I was literally talking to the book. The character development, passion, and suspense was off the chart. I can't believe how much I hate Nas now. I am eagerly wait on the next installment of this series.
887 reviews
October 4, 2016
Too Many Tears

I liked the beginning and the end. The rest was too much. Lauren cried and whined too much over a man who abused her physically and emotionally. (Too much crying) He used her body for sex then played on her emotions yet didn't want anybody else to have her. It was a good story but could've ended chapters ago. Lauren did way too much crying over Nas who told her from the beginning that he didn't want love, marriage and children. Why she hung around for so long? He disrespected her repeatedly and she let him. The story dragged on too long. The end was confusing. Who killed Ben? We still don't know.
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Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews70 followers
July 17, 2016
Absolutely loved it! While Jade & Lo are 2 of my 3 favorite characters in this series, to finally read Lo's story definitely reminded me why she is a fave. Her dedication & love to Nas put her in a place that was unhealthy. I think Nas is the worse..Miko was a good friend. Ben came at the right time in her life. Lori gets the side-eye. The storyline had my emotions all over the place. Beautifully written story that left me in awe! Once again, I highly recommend reading this drama-filled series about these Underworld characters!
183 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2017
💛

Where to begin.... this series so far has been amazing. I laughed I cried and some parts I had to put my book down an walk away till I could regroup. Most of all I had to pray because I never realized until I read this story in particular that I am Lauren. I feel her pain and struggles. I'm more interested to find out her ending an hopefully pray I can give myself one as well. Thank Nako for making me see things in myself that I never would have had I not read this series
165 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2016
Hmmmmmm.......

I had been waiting to see Laurens story. Her bond and past with Nasir was so complicated and complex. She basically did what most women do at one point or another, which is compromise our selves for love. Nasir is still an absolute mystery and I'm anxious to see more. Loved the pace and flow. Just wish more pieces had been revealed.
Profile Image for Brittney.
162 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2018
Uugghhhhh

I’m soooo mad!!!!! That’s not karma!!!! Jordyan can’t can’t say that, Lo had Nas first, Heck Lo ain’t know she was even in the picture. Nas is the buttwhole in this situation, he even had Lo baby killed , his dang kid, uuuuggggghhhh I’m so mad right now, why couldn’t he let her have her happy ending with his hating self..... on to the next book but I’m too mad
Profile Image for Dana Allen Bunch.
199 reviews
October 10, 2020
Hated it!

I have never contemplated not finishing a book because of the storyline. This was an exception. I don't understand why the female character has to be portrayed as so incredibly weak and stupid. After reading this one, I feel like I need therapy. Seriously considering not finishing the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Clark.
343 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2020
Never expected

This book had me in my nerves the whole book. I was not expecting the twist and turn. I am beyond shock and devastated. Lauren can not catch a break..The best book I have read in April!!
Profile Image for Vette.
130 reviews
August 14, 2019
Excellent!
My heart went out to Lauren at times. Being a sucker for love, loving a man more than yourself.(God knows I’ve been there) Glad she was able to pick her crown up and see her worth. Now Nasir didn’t know he can be so grimey! So Lauren finally find love Ben. So on the wedding day it’s said Ben hung him self. I’m not buying it! Who did it? Was it Nasir since he couldn’t have his cake and eat it too. I don’t put nothing pass him he did order Sasha to poison Lauren which cause miscarriage of their baby? Was is Lauren sister who was pregnant by Ben? Was it Jordyn who made the slick remark about karma to Lauren at the church? Why was she even there?
Can’t wait to read the next installment. Nako did it again!
Profile Image for Porsha.
357 reviews20 followers
August 21, 2020
I spent the first 4 books not really liking Lo because she was painted to be a home wrecker. In this story, I discover that she didn’t really mess up a happy home but she allowed BS to continue to come back and forth in her life. She was 1/2 responsible for disrespecting a committed relationship. I really didn’t think Nako could make me more angry than I was for Yara’s story but she did with Lo’s story. After reading Stranger in My Eyes, I don’t hate Lo like I did before. She still not my favorite though. The plot is definitely entertaining and 4 star worthy. I gave the book 3 stars because even the plot is entertaining, I hated it. Reading about a trifling man and a weak but not weak, confident but low self esteem having woman just was too much. This book had me bipolar.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,972 reviews13 followers
December 5, 2020
Wow wow wow!

Poor Lauren loving a man who didn't love her back the right way. Nasir can't properly love her, he really doesn't love himself. Stringing both women along, why? Then poor Ben, that was just so unnecessary and sad! Sasha is low down, wow! I wonder if everything will be revealed, only time will tell! I must keep reading because there is still so many unanswered questions. Why couldn't he just let her be happy, does the truth come out about what he orchestrated, will it ever be known what really happened on the morning of the wedding, what about Lori and her little secret! Too much, too much! Editing is needed in this book, lots of grammatical errors but I am really loving this series. Just wow!
44 reviews
June 27, 2018
I haven't been disappointed yet

There's so much I can say about this book. So many times I rolled my eyes at Lo's simple mind. Cursed Nasir's selfish self. I wondered why Lo seemed so bitter in the previous books, and now I know why. Ben wasn't who I thought he was, or was he? I'm still trying to figure it out. So many women have been Lo at some point in her life. Head over hills in love with a man that only loved himself. But she's stronger than she give herself credit for.
Profile Image for Daycrayy.
61 reviews
March 18, 2021
Triggered

Whew! I haven’t had a book trigger me in sooo long. Lauryn was sooooo frustrating but until you’ve been in a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship it’s nearly impossible to understand... I can’t believe it ended like that I just... wow! I don’t think I’ve ever hated a male character so much!! The narcissism is crazy. I hope he gets his cause man. I thought the situation with Julia in the previous book was frustrating and bad... but nah. I listened to this at work and needed a drink the whoooolleee time. Whew on to the next.
Profile Image for Maya Martin.
5 reviews21 followers
May 21, 2021
I can’t wait to read the next one!

I’m usually not a fan of very long series, but this one has been good from book to book. I’m still stuck at how book one began so the build up is wonderful. There’s a twist everywhere and they’re very fitting ones. I love this book about Lauren, very relatable. Each book has the wow factor you can’t forget. Even starting back from the books about the Knights.

…..The ending took me clean out. I am very much ready for the Nasir and Jordyn’s story. Niggas ain’t shit. lol.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,873 reviews
August 25, 2025
🤬🤬🤬

This is a book I’ll never forget! It takes a certain level of skill and storytelling abilities to tell a story like this, and keep readers engaged the whole time. Lauren and Nasir gave me the BLUES! I was stressed, anxious, cursing, angry- literally every emotion but joy 🥲. I don’t think I would want the kind of love Lauren had for Nasir, that was next level toxic. Nasir played mind games the entire book and preyed on the fact that Lauren would do anything for him. I just cannot!! Nako, I’m sending you a bill for my pain and suffering 😭😩
Profile Image for reneeNaDaCherry.
2,452 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2017
Stranger In My Eyes: Book 5 of The Underworld

Nasir (Nas) 👑 runs The Underworld and recruits Lauren (LoLo) Howard, a 'PK', to join them and take a seat at the table. It seems Nas just uses people, then discards them so easily. Not my FAV character in this series because he takes advantage and abuses Lauren mentally & physically, but compensates her with expensive gifts, houses, cars & cash. Book 5 gets 3*** from me.
Profile Image for Denise Locust.
200 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2018
Nasir King

I don’t like Nasir King! He’s arrogant, heartless and very selfish especially when it comes to Lauren. I was very happy that Lauren had finally moved on with Ben. I truly believe that Nasir was the cause of Ben demised. I’m hoping that sometime in this series that Lauren finds out that Nasir was behind the deaths of her unborn child and Ben. Even though Ben wasn’t an angel either but he didn’t deserve what happened to him.
Profile Image for Jazzmyn Kennedy.
129 reviews13 followers
December 12, 2019
Another One I Couldn’t Put Down!!

Absolutely love Lauren!!!! Pretty sure my love for Malachi and Papa equals my IMMENSE dislike of Rod and Nasir!

I didn’t want to like Nako for some unknown reason but as much as i fought it this series has completely made me fall in love with her art of storytelling. Took me through so many emotions and every time I think I know whats going to happen she throw me a curveball. Off to #6!!!
Profile Image for tayara tate.
932 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2020
Intriguing read

I really hate that everyone was against Lauren when all she did was love a man to much and he never loved her like he was supposed to. She was just a pawn on his chess game and i don't like Sasha sneaky ass either. I can't wait to find out who did it and why just so Lauren can come back to the underworld. Jordyn ass is just as ruthless as the rest of them i think. Poor Lauren is just misunderstood by all of them.
Profile Image for Chandra Shinholster.
339 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2020
Entanglement

There are no words to describe Lauren and Nas but entanglement. Nasir is a complete narcissist and typical man. He wants everything his way and Lauren should oblige. Lauren gave herself to this man heart and soul for years only for someone else to reap the benefits. She finally wakes up and here comes Ben the man of her dreams or is he. He most definitely definitely has Nas shook. In the end who will Lauren choose?
Profile Image for Sunshine.
228 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2022
A lot of editing issues

This could have been such a good book. However, it was an editing disaster. There were tons of grammatical errors, names were misplaced it is a jumbled mess. It seems parts of the earlier series were cut and pasted; yet, they were placed in the wrong places. This was so disappointing. I normally wouldn’t leave this type of review. Yet, this book needs to be pulled and revamped. It has potential.
Profile Image for SumFire.
680 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2025
OH EM Ghee!! Concider my flber gasted! that is some biblical karma for you!

I am addicted!!!! I am so sick of Nasir, but Jordyn has to go!! Kitty's claws came out. The audacity!! And who brought her??

Lauren lived in a hell of her own making. That devil showed her time and time again who he was but she stayed loyal.

She was just like everyone else, nothing more than a chess piece in that twisted mind game he's been playing.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Alexander.
632 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2018
Damn Good💯

Lo was a beast in her own way. You talked about the veil and this is so true we all wear one some of us know and others have no clue. 😕😕 But did Nas do something to Ben???? I was hoping that she has a good ending . I want to say more 😐 .. just get the books. This series is a must read🔥🔥🔥🔥💯
Profile Image for she_ill_22.
280 reviews21 followers
October 12, 2019
Wow 😯

This story was soooo good! I totally feel for Lauren. You can’t love somebody into wanting to treat you the way you want to be treated. But, many of us have fallen victim to this at one time or another. Nasir should be ashamed of himself. Poor Benjamin...was it really self-inflicted though?
655 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2019
Omg

I can't believe Lauren suffer so much behind Nas. I have been Lauren before, to love someone wholeheartedly, and they not love you the same. But one truth I learned is you don't miss your water until your well run dry. My heart really goes out to all the Laurens in the world. Good job lady. Thank you for this story
181 reviews
October 9, 2020
Shocker!!!

Nako you are the best!!This book shocked the heck out of me, I cried so hard for Lauren but she made me mad at how she let Nasir treat her! At first I loved how Ben loved Lauren, and I loved her relationship with her sister Lori but now my emotions are all messed up! Nasir was the devil and Jordyn going find out just how evil he is!
Profile Image for Dana Veronica.
257 reviews9 followers
February 2, 2021
J.U.I.C.Y

This underworld series is going to give me a heart attack!Nasir must die!!!! I cussed this character out like he could hear me. The book was a page turner the only thing I didn’t like was the chapter where Papa was waiting for Demi at her studio because that had nothing to do with Lauren they had their book.
1,725 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2023
Great series 🤩

My goodness, I feel bad for Lauren but then again I'm upset with her. I was wishing for happiness for her.
Nasir, he ain't sh*t. I know I shouldn't be upset with him because she allows him to treat her that way. This series just continues to get better and better. It's definitely worth the read. Four stars for editing ☹️.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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