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Long Way Down: A Tainted Love Story
**FULL STANDALONE NOVEL** Life has a way of taking you down and swallowing you whole. Just ask Aakeem Graham, who’s sixteen years old and living a sheltered life. Things take a turn for the worst for Aakeem when she meets up with the wrong crowd and ends up being sentenced to ten years in prison. Aakeem quickly learns that friends aren’t really friends, and the two people she expects to be there quickly disappear. Meeting a young sweet girl named Marley changes her life. With the loss of those “friends,” she gains real ones in the process. But who will be there when her time is up? Maximiliano Sparks leads a simple life. He and his best friend, Azen, run the city. He does it legally while Azen, on the other hand, does it illegally. Neither one of them are thinking about settling down. Even though Max has a girlfriend named Joy, his mind is on other pressing matters, and Joy ends up having to take a back seat to those matters. Can Joy get Max’s mind right, or will she get lost in the mix? Azen, or AZ as he is called by many, is who some would call a playboy. With great looks and large pockets, every girl wants a place by his side. AZ could care less about what a chick thinks or wants. That’s just who he is. Is there a girl bad enough to bring this playboy to his knees? There will be crazy exes, jealous friends, and foes. Aakeem, Max, Azen, and Marley have to learn that it’s a long way down when you’re trying not to fall.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2018
75 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 15, 2020
GREAT STANDALONE
I absolutely loved this book. It was great. Juani you did the darn thing with this book..I loved Aakeem and Max together..Aken was something else..This is most definitely a must read..I highly recommend this book...
I absolutely loved this book. It was great. Juani you did the darn thing with this book..I loved Aakeem and Max together..Aken was something else..This is most definitely a must read..I highly recommend this book...
January 17, 2018
Bomb.com
Juani has done it again. I love me some Max. He is definitely Bae. He cam through for Akeem and loved her unconditionally. Their friendship led to a loving relationship. I limed that the book mostly focused on the relationships and nit side chicks, bum bm's, and drugs. Your writing is phenomenal. I definitely cantvleave out crazy but Azen. He was not playing with Natalie or Steven. He went and snatched Marly up quick like come here. U have definitely earned a loyal reader. Great job
Juani has done it again. I love me some Max. He is definitely Bae. He cam through for Akeem and loved her unconditionally. Their friendship led to a loving relationship. I limed that the book mostly focused on the relationships and nit side chicks, bum bm's, and drugs. Your writing is phenomenal. I definitely cantvleave out crazy but Azen. He was not playing with Natalie or Steven. He went and snatched Marly up quick like come here. U have definitely earned a loyal reader. Great job
January 17, 2018
Cute story!
This was a good read. Aakeem thought she had the man of her dreams in Tas until unforeseen circumstances showed her the real. When she was down and out, her true friends showed their faces. Marley and Max were blessings for Aakeem. I loved watching the relationship between Aakeem and Max grow from nothing to everything. Marley and Azen thought that knew what was best for them and their relationship until God showed them different. This book flowed well and held my attention.
This was a good read. Aakeem thought she had the man of her dreams in Tas until unforeseen circumstances showed her the real. When she was down and out, her true friends showed their faces. Marley and Max were blessings for Aakeem. I loved watching the relationship between Aakeem and Max grow from nothing to everything. Marley and Azen thought that knew what was best for them and their relationship until God showed them different. This book flowed well and held my attention.
January 19, 2018
Good read
This was a great standalone. Not everyone that says that they are your friend is down for you. I'm glad Akie gave Marley the chance to become her friend because she was with her through everything. Sheena was just jealous and showed her true colour when Akie needed her the most. Max is bae. He though he was friend zoned, he held Akie down through her sentence and come through for her. Azen is real life crazy though. Nigga trapped Marley. I'm glad she bossed up on him. Overall this was a great book.
This was a great standalone. Not everyone that says that they are your friend is down for you. I'm glad Akie gave Marley the chance to become her friend because she was with her through everything. Sheena was just jealous and showed her true colour when Akie needed her the most. Max is bae. He though he was friend zoned, he held Akie down through her sentence and come through for her. Azen is real life crazy though. Nigga trapped Marley. I'm glad she bossed up on him. Overall this was a great book.
June 23, 2024
Underrated!
I have read so many books. So many! And Juani is one of the most realistic authors I have ever read. The drama is perfect, not over the top. No over the top crazy exes that get violent. No, this is just the right of drama and crazy. I love that she doesn’t make someone turn out to be evil just so 2 other ppl can end up together! Nope. These women are flat out breaking up with men they don’t want to be with to try to be with who they want! Just read ! I don’t know what order to read, but I’m reading The Love Galore series now!
I have read so many books. So many! And Juani is one of the most realistic authors I have ever read. The drama is perfect, not over the top. No over the top crazy exes that get violent. No, this is just the right of drama and crazy. I love that she doesn’t make someone turn out to be evil just so 2 other ppl can end up together! Nope. These women are flat out breaking up with men they don’t want to be with to try to be with who they want! Just read ! I don’t know what order to read, but I’m reading The Love Galore series now!
January 18, 2018
Wonderful
First I have to say that I love Juani, her first series was bomb and this standalone was giving me life. A!Keene and Max , what a good love story, I knew he loved her because he stayed by her side when she was down and all the gifts he gave her when she came home. Marley was so strong, I love a strong women and she did Aden the correct way, she was acting like a dude and he was not use to that, she was different and he liked it.
First I have to say that I love Juani, her first series was bomb and this standalone was giving me life. A!Keene and Max , what a good love story, I knew he loved her because he stayed by her side when she was down and all the gifts he gave her when she came home. Marley was so strong, I love a strong women and she did Aden the correct way, she was acting like a dude and he was not use to that, she was different and he liked it.
March 31, 2018
Great read!
I loved this book ! Each couple were young when they first met each other and went through things from previous relationships to get where they were. Max knew what he wanted when he first met Akeem but chose not move forward with her until he was ready but he was always near by. I should have known they were going to end up together by the things he did for her while she was in prison. Azen was not let Marley have a relationship was anyone unless it was him.
I loved this book ! Each couple were young when they first met each other and went through things from previous relationships to get where they were. Max knew what he wanted when he first met Akeem but chose not move forward with her until he was ready but he was always near by. I should have known they were going to end up together by the things he did for her while she was in prison. Azen was not let Marley have a relationship was anyone unless it was him.
January 18, 2018
Such a refreshing read 🔥🔥🔥
This book was so good and refreshing. Wasn’t to much drama but just enough to keep you reading. Max is bae and Azen is a funny hot mess. Aakeem was so real, I loved her and Marely friendship. Tas and Sheena definitely wasn’t 💩 I’m glad everyone got their happy ending.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so good and refreshing. Wasn’t to much drama but just enough to keep you reading. Max is bae and Azen is a funny hot mess. Aakeem was so real, I loved her and Marely friendship. Tas and Sheena definitely wasn’t 💩 I’m glad everyone got their happy ending.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 23, 2018
WONDERFUL!!!
Omg this book was magnificent!!!I loved each n everything about this book the good n the bad...the loyalty max and marls had for keem was the best!!The relationship that they all shared was straight love..very emotional book and great ending👐👐👐Great read!!! I really enjoyed reading this book!!
Omg this book was magnificent!!!I loved each n everything about this book the good n the bad...the loyalty max and marls had for keem was the best!!The relationship that they all shared was straight love..very emotional book and great ending👐👐👐Great read!!! I really enjoyed reading this book!!
March 25, 2018
As the crazy turns!!!
It’s crazy how Joy was acting towards Max about his relationship with Akie. Azen he thought Marley was a push over, but boy did she show him different, I’m also glad that he called Nat out on her bs. Aakeem I was glad that she finally found herself again after all she’s been through.Now Max all I can say is that he’s the man with a heart of gold...
It’s crazy how Joy was acting towards Max about his relationship with Akie. Azen he thought Marley was a push over, but boy did she show him different, I’m also glad that he called Nat out on her bs. Aakeem I was glad that she finally found herself again after all she’s been through.Now Max all I can say is that he’s the man with a heart of gold...
May 23, 2018
😍😍😍
Love this read it in one day couldn't put it down .. Max is bae and I'm so happy him and Akie figured out wut they wanted... As for all the other characters I love them and Joy and Nat was a joke and learned tht the had way... FIRST TIME READING THE AUTHOR AND I CAN SAY I TRULY ENJOYED THE READ AND GONNA READ MORE TO COME....😁😁
Love this read it in one day couldn't put it down .. Max is bae and I'm so happy him and Akie figured out wut they wanted... As for all the other characters I love them and Joy and Nat was a joke and learned tht the had way... FIRST TIME READING THE AUTHOR AND I CAN SAY I TRULY ENJOYED THE READ AND GONNA READ MORE TO COME....😁😁
July 26, 2019
Bookie stand up
Yessssss this is my 2nd book by this author and I can honestly say she got a girl. I was so glad it's a standalone. By 85 % I was like she gone draw this book out but she whipped it right up .I hate leaving reviews that give the book away but I just want to say read this book it's good .
Yessssss this is my 2nd book by this author and I can honestly say she got a girl. I was so glad it's a standalone. By 85 % I was like she gone draw this book out but she whipped it right up .I hate leaving reviews that give the book away but I just want to say read this book it's good .
September 23, 2019
Everything
This book was everything I love the way everyone had a happy ever after but I would love to know what happened with sheena a d tas even though I knew it was him who told about Jamal and I would've luv for more info on what her siblings had going on but other then that good read
This book was everything I love the way everyone had a happy ever after but I would love to know what happened with sheena a d tas even though I knew it was him who told about Jamal and I would've luv for more info on what her siblings had going on but other then that good read
January 19, 2018
Thoroughly Enjoyable
I really liked this standalone. It had all the right elements including a twist I did not see coming at all. Like who would have thought ole boy was obsessed. Great work.
I really liked this standalone. It had all the right elements including a twist I did not see coming at all. Like who would have thought ole boy was obsessed. Great work.
January 22, 2018
Loved it!
This was a great standalone, the bond Akie had with Max and Marley was incredible! AZ was crazy but the love Marley put on him made him grow up! I can't wait to see what's next from you!
This was a great standalone, the bond Akie had with Max and Marley was incredible! AZ was crazy but the love Marley put on him made him grow up! I can't wait to see what's next from you!
January 24, 2018
Yassssss
Yep another well written good old fashioned love story I love this book and the story. Max and Azen are definitely bae and I will always love my Chop. Juani is a dope author and I look forward to seeing her succeed.
Yep another well written good old fashioned love story I love this book and the story. Max and Azen are definitely bae and I will always love my Chop. Juani is a dope author and I look forward to seeing her succeed.
January 25, 2018
Beautiful
What a wonderful love story. Aakeem sure did fall from grace but picked herself back up with the right people in her corner. Everyone deserves happiness with the right person
What a wonderful love story. Aakeem sure did fall from grace but picked herself back up with the right people in her corner. Everyone deserves happiness with the right person
January 28, 2018
Review .
Max was everything he was such a stand up guy. I can't believe Tas let Akeema take the fall like that and spend all that time in jail . I liked AZ and Marley together . Sheena was a non factor.
Max was everything he was such a stand up guy. I can't believe Tas let Akeema take the fall like that and spend all that time in jail . I liked AZ and Marley together . Sheena was a non factor.
February 1, 2018
I loved how Max and Marley were there for Aakeem the whole time. Her and Max made a great couple. I also loved Marley and Azen together. I'm glad Aakeem was able to reunite with her family and get her happy ending. Great job I enjoyed it.
October 22, 2019
Okay
I stopped at 80% I had enough. A few grammatical errors. The store was told not shown. There weren’t many details and a lot of situations were glossed over as well as time lapses. Decent, nothing to get excited about.
I stopped at 80% I had enough. A few grammatical errors. The store was told not shown. There weren’t many details and a lot of situations were glossed over as well as time lapses. Decent, nothing to get excited about.
January 22, 2018
Awsome
I enjoyed this book. It started a little slow, then it pick up and I could not put it down. Azen and Max are crazy and they found 2 crazy women to love them.
I enjoyed this book. It started a little slow, then it pick up and I could not put it down. Azen and Max are crazy and they found 2 crazy women to love them.
October 28, 2023
KR
Awesome
Wow I say read it for yourself I can't give away
Awesome second chance at happiness is all I can say
Awesome
Wow I say read it for yourself I can't give away
Awesome second chance at happiness is all I can say
March 29, 2026
Good story but horrible editing
This was a good story but it had too many grammatical errors. There were entirely too many run-on sentences, misspelled words, and wrong use of words. The errors took away my reading experience and began to annoy me. I hope this author invest in an editor as well as proof readers to prevent this from happening again.
This was a good story but it had too many grammatical errors. There were entirely too many run-on sentences, misspelled words, and wrong use of words. The errors took away my reading experience and began to annoy me. I hope this author invest in an editor as well as proof readers to prevent this from happening again.
November 19, 2025
Respectfully to the author, please reread this book asap. There were too many grammar issues, and I was only on page 3. I definitely want to read it because the story seems promising, but I don’t want to feel like I’m correcting the wording myself the whole way through.
I’m always open to new authors, and you’re new to me, so I’m adding this to my TBR to come back to once it’s edited properly. :)
I’m always open to new authors, and you’re new to me, so I’m adding this to my TBR to come back to once it’s edited properly. :)
January 10, 2026
Loved it!
This is my first read by the author but the author did not disappoint! I enjoyed the journey. The men in this book did not play about the leading ladies. They knew what they wanted and the rest was history and so was anyone who tried to test them. Akeem was a good girl turned savage. Shawty was matching energy!
This is my first read by the author but the author did not disappoint! I enjoyed the journey. The men in this book did not play about the leading ladies. They knew what they wanted and the rest was history and so was anyone who tried to test them. Akeem was a good girl turned savage. Shawty was matching energy!
August 26, 2019
Sometimes it's not your Day1s
I loved this. I loved how Aakeem went away for a glow up. I loved how Max & Marley were down from day one and held her down for all them years. And I loved how Max loved her. I could do with a short story just to see them in the future.
I loved this. I loved how Aakeem went away for a glow up. I loved how Max & Marley were down from day one and held her down for all them years. And I loved how Max loved her. I could do with a short story just to see them in the future.
January 25, 2018
Loved it
Man this entire book gave me the feels. Tas and Sheena are so dirty. Marley is the type of best friend we all need. AZ crazy ass is so bae worthy that I am not sure if I loved him or Max more
Man this entire book gave me the feels. Tas and Sheena are so dirty. Marley is the type of best friend we all need. AZ crazy ass is so bae worthy that I am not sure if I loved him or Max more
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews