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All the Little Things #1
All the Little Things
Rafael's and Akilah's Story: An African American New Adult Urban Romance
After fleeing Miami for a new start, Akilah was the last thing 19-year-old Rafael needed.
She was everything he avoided in the past with girls. Opinionated. Assertive. Shrewd. Too curious for her own good. Bold. Daring. The type you didn't want involved when you were running and had something to hide.
He fell for her anyway.
There are a lot of big reasons that Rafael shouldn't be with Akilah. There are a lot of big reasons why he can't be with her.
But shouldn't and can't aren't in her vocabulary. And there are a lot of other reasons, little things really, that Rafael should be with her that outweigh the big things.
But when his past, my abuser, the reason he lived on the streets for three years, the reason he can never go back home, the biggest reason he shouldn't get involved with Akilah, comes knocking on the door, Rafael has a choice to make.
Confront it. Or lose Akilah forever.
After fleeing Miami for a new start, Akilah was the last thing 19-year-old Rafael needed.
She was everything he avoided in the past with girls. Opinionated. Assertive. Shrewd. Too curious for her own good. Bold. Daring. The type you didn't want involved when you were running and had something to hide.
He fell for her anyway.
There are a lot of big reasons that Rafael shouldn't be with Akilah. There are a lot of big reasons why he can't be with her.
But shouldn't and can't aren't in her vocabulary. And there are a lot of other reasons, little things really, that Rafael should be with her that outweigh the big things.
But when his past, my abuser, the reason he lived on the streets for three years, the reason he can never go back home, the biggest reason he shouldn't get involved with Akilah, comes knocking on the door, Rafael has a choice to make.
Confront it. Or lose Akilah forever.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 17, 2019
LOVED EVERY PAGE
Wwwwoooooowwwwwww I don't know how I discovered this book and author, but I'm glad I did. This was my first time reading a B. Hollidae novel and you DELIVERED!
The perspective of this book was completely different than what I am used to.
Rafael went through A LOTTTTT! My heart broke for him smdh. He found light in all the darkness when he met Akilah. She is definitely an old soul. I hate and love how she has an answer for everything lol She pushes him to better in every way. I'm excited for his healing tho because I feel in my gut he'll be able to fully love Akilah and express that to her.
Wwwwoooooowwwwwww I don't know how I discovered this book and author, but I'm glad I did. This was my first time reading a B. Hollidae novel and you DELIVERED!
The perspective of this book was completely different than what I am used to.
Rafael went through A LOTTTTT! My heart broke for him smdh. He found light in all the darkness when he met Akilah. She is definitely an old soul. I hate and love how she has an answer for everything lol She pushes him to better in every way. I'm excited for his healing tho because I feel in my gut he'll be able to fully love Akilah and express that to her.
August 11, 2018
Omg...this book is just wow. The grammar is off, it needs a good editor but honestly none of that matters when we get into the story. Real review to come.
September 29, 2018
I expected this to be a cute and flirty love story. I was surprised by how gritty and intense it was in some parts. After chapter 2, I considered giving up on it. The story was so interesting that I kept going. I got attached to the characters and their stories. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
October 4, 2023
Read 7/20/2018 and
October 7, 2018
Awesome read!
When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure if I’d like it. I mean it’s about two high schoolers and I’m in my late thirties but I hate starting books and not finishing them so I read on and honestly I’m so glad I did. Rafael is a young boy that has been through a lot that leaves him homeless for a while then his sister finds him and she invites him to leave with her. At school he meets Akilah and at first she pisses him off but they develop a bond and she helps him deal with his past and the demons he tried to leave in it. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s my first read by this author but I’m looking forward to reading more books by her.
When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure if I’d like it. I mean it’s about two high schoolers and I’m in my late thirties but I hate starting books and not finishing them so I read on and honestly I’m so glad I did. Rafael is a young boy that has been through a lot that leaves him homeless for a while then his sister finds him and she invites him to leave with her. At school he meets Akilah and at first she pisses him off but they develop a bond and she helps him deal with his past and the demons he tried to leave in it. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s my first read by this author but I’m looking forward to reading more books by her.
May 7, 2021
Misleading cover..
The cover shows a different guy than what's on the story. I don't care for books that misleads the reader. I read books with the black male model before so why not be honest. The story is told from the h P.O.V. The h was sexually abused by his step father and even being 19 he allowed it. The worst was he cheated on the heroiwith the step dad when he couldn't say no. What a wimp. The h was supposed to be a fighter who knows martial arts but yet allowed the step to use him again while married to the h. This is a m/m story with the m/f. What a wasted read. Don't recommend this book. It seemed the story is too focused on the m/m abused which the h consented. First and last time will be reading BH books.
The cover shows a different guy than what's on the story. I don't care for books that misleads the reader. I read books with the black male model before so why not be honest. The story is told from the h P.O.V. The h was sexually abused by his step father and even being 19 he allowed it. The worst was he cheated on the heroiwith the step dad when he couldn't say no. What a wimp. The h was supposed to be a fighter who knows martial arts but yet allowed the step to use him again while married to the h. This is a m/m story with the m/f. What a wasted read. Don't recommend this book. It seemed the story is too focused on the m/m abused which the h consented. First and last time will be reading BH books.
September 4, 2018
A wonderful read
This book was different from any book I've read in a while. It held my attention from beginning to end. As an author myself I feel it was worth taking time from my own writing schedule to experience life with these characters that were easy to relate to. I really hope that the couple Akilah and Raphael are happy together for many years to come. I can totally relate to how he felt about his parents and why. I also wish for Perla to get to know someone if only for companionship. This book is definitely a love, hate, happy, sad, emotion filled read.
This book was different from any book I've read in a while. It held my attention from beginning to end. As an author myself I feel it was worth taking time from my own writing schedule to experience life with these characters that were easy to relate to. I really hope that the couple Akilah and Raphael are happy together for many years to come. I can totally relate to how he felt about his parents and why. I also wish for Perla to get to know someone if only for companionship. This book is definitely a love, hate, happy, sad, emotion filled read.
April 19, 2021
Excellent!!!
This book has left me too emotional. I am drained. It was such a good book. I absolutely hate Quincy!!! I have never screamed and shouted while reading a book. I wanted to protect Rafael myself, if possible. So much so, that this is the end of the road for me. It was hard enough wading through the pain and humiliation that Rafael experienced but to knowingly put myself through that again for 2 more books is asking too much. I just want them to be happy. So even though Ms. Hollidade is an excellent writer, the subject matter is way too deep for my sensibilities.
This book has left me too emotional. I am drained. It was such a good book. I absolutely hate Quincy!!! I have never screamed and shouted while reading a book. I wanted to protect Rafael myself, if possible. So much so, that this is the end of the road for me. It was hard enough wading through the pain and humiliation that Rafael experienced but to knowingly put myself through that again for 2 more books is asking too much. I just want them to be happy. So even though Ms. Hollidade is an excellent writer, the subject matter is way too deep for my sensibilities.
February 5, 2022
Little Things, B Hollidae
I enjoyed the story and would say the author did her homework in researching psychological issues. The character building was well done. I was hooked early. This book is a page turner. It is a believable story. As an avid reader for decades, editing, proper grammar, spelling and punctuation make five stars. The editing needed to be more thorough. Typos throw off your focus and cadence like a bump in the road. Apart from that, I look forward to more from this author. Thank you B. Hollidae.
I enjoyed the story and would say the author did her homework in researching psychological issues. The character building was well done. I was hooked early. This book is a page turner. It is a believable story. As an avid reader for decades, editing, proper grammar, spelling and punctuation make five stars. The editing needed to be more thorough. Typos throw off your focus and cadence like a bump in the road. Apart from that, I look forward to more from this author. Thank you B. Hollidae.
July 20, 2018
All the Little Things
A breath of fresh air is required with this author's story. Her characters are well fleshed out and relatable too. Real life scenarios and ❤breaking results lead to complications in the protagonist life. It is complex. I gave the book a rating of four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟.
Ready to read Book II in these two part series.
A breath of fresh air is required with this author's story. Her characters are well fleshed out and relatable too. Real life scenarios and ❤breaking results lead to complications in the protagonist life. It is complex. I gave the book a rating of four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟.
Ready to read Book II in these two part series.
July 31, 2018
Great Job.
I love the reality of this story found it true that abuse and how it affects us overcome and be restored. And that you can have love even after you've been abused awesome storyline a commitment to Black love and the struggle that's real and all relationships it's a great read and reality is that this could really be somebody's life and it could have a happy ending
I love the reality of this story found it true that abuse and how it affects us overcome and be restored. And that you can have love even after you've been abused awesome storyline a commitment to Black love and the struggle that's real and all relationships it's a great read and reality is that this could really be somebody's life and it could have a happy ending
February 26, 2019
Wow. I didn’t know what to expect but it wasn’t this. First let me say Zenobia is a little darling yet very grown. In a way she reminds me of akilah. Raf been through so much shit. I’m glad Akilah’s spirit lead her to him and he succumbed to her insistence and charm.
Love how much perla loved her brother
Raf’s mom is a selfish bitch and Quincy needs to be put six foot under
Love how much perla loved her brother
Raf’s mom is a selfish bitch and Quincy needs to be put six foot under
April 9, 2019
This was a refreshing romance that didn't feature typical characters or characterizations. I love the strong female lead and the nurturing, compassionate male lead. This book speaks of horrible truths so if you have experienced a sexual trauma, please do not read this unless you are in a healthy place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2019
This book did not shy away from addressing trauma, sexual abuse, attempting suicide, how to ask for consent, and how you can be there for your partner that has suffered terribly at a family members hands. It’s incredible that the characters are so young with so much depth, yet the story was very believable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2020
Sad
Unfortunately the horrible sickness that children are subjected too that destroys their lives and that is not prosecuted in courts in guide family business is criminal and all parties involved in this madness from mothers and all the family should receive life sentences in prison.
Unfortunately the horrible sickness that children are subjected too that destroys their lives and that is not prosecuted in courts in guide family business is criminal and all parties involved in this madness from mothers and all the family should receive life sentences in prison.
January 17, 2024
So many emotions
I experienced a range of emotions why reading this. Laughter, sorrow, anger and humor amongst it. It felt real and I know that there are people going through this every day and it makes it even more sad. I enjoy when a book evokes different emotions in me and leaves me thinking.
I experienced a range of emotions why reading this. Laughter, sorrow, anger and humor amongst it. It felt real and I know that there are people going through this every day and it makes it even more sad. I enjoy when a book evokes different emotions in me and leaves me thinking.
February 28, 2018
Too many typos
As good as this story was, it really needs some close editting. I found myself rereading sentences many times trying to figure them out only to realize that there was an extra word, a word missing of words out of order. Very distracting.
As good as this story was, it really needs some close editting. I found myself rereading sentences many times trying to figure them out only to realize that there was an extra word, a word missing of words out of order. Very distracting.
July 17, 2018
Soooo Different but still GREAT!
Totally a different romance, but still has all the great components. Just when the sad and raw parts gets to being a little overwhelming, you lighten it up with love. Can't wait to read part 2!
Totally a different romance, but still has all the great components. Just when the sad and raw parts gets to being a little overwhelming, you lighten it up with love. Can't wait to read part 2!
December 16, 2018
Great read
This book touches on topics black families usually try to ignore. It puts it all out in the open in the midst of a beautiful love story. Rafael’s battle and perseverance is heartwarming and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
This book touches on topics black families usually try to ignore. It puts it all out in the open in the midst of a beautiful love story. Rafael’s battle and perseverance is heartwarming and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
August 10, 2019
It will make you route for Raphael
I gave this book 5 stars because it takes a dark subject and makes you want a happy ending for the main characters. I love that Akailah has so a strong sense of what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it.
I gave this book 5 stars because it takes a dark subject and makes you want a happy ending for the main characters. I love that Akailah has so a strong sense of what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it.
May 7, 2021
PTSD
The author managed to pull together a plot that was believable and showed avoided the intensity of the method of trauma. Both characters are not conformists. They get each other and the ease of their relationship is truly sweet.
The author managed to pull together a plot that was believable and showed avoided the intensity of the method of trauma. Both characters are not conformists. They get each other and the ease of their relationship is truly sweet.
July 10, 2018
Loved it!
B. Hollidae is so creative and has a wonderful way with words. I look forward to all her future endeavors.
B. Hollidae is so creative and has a wonderful way with words. I look forward to all her future endeavors.
July 23, 2018
A little thing
All the little things was a mixture of messages. It took a while to get into the story. The connection was off a bit. Overall, this was interesting.
All the little things was a mixture of messages. It took a while to get into the story. The connection was off a bit. Overall, this was interesting.
January 28, 2019
Awesome!!
I absolutely loved this book. It wasn't what I expected at all. This book highlights the importance of dealing with your trauma and having a good support system.
I absolutely loved this book. It wasn't what I expected at all. This book highlights the importance of dealing with your trauma and having a good support system.
August 13, 2019
Great
Great, kept me glued to reading to find out what happens to the two although many times I felt Quincy should have been dealt with in much harsh manner
Great, kept me glued to reading to find out what happens to the two although many times I felt Quincy should have been dealt with in much harsh manner
March 22, 2020
So Good!
Loved this book. I literally web through every emotion! I love that Raf and Akilah was not your traditional love story. Can't wait to read the next!
Loved this book. I literally web through every emotion! I love that Raf and Akilah was not your traditional love story. Can't wait to read the next!
Want to read
July 13, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/13/2021)! 🎁
February 18, 2023
Helpful
It brings awareness to seeking help went your too scared to ask for it. Young love at its best. Great read
It brings awareness to seeking help went your too scared to ask for it. Young love at its best. Great read
March 11, 2020
Good read
This story will take you on a real rollercoaster ride. It has everything, romance drama suspense and a little action. It took me by surprise that it's about a couple so young but the author did a great job bringing their story to life. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
This story will take you on a real rollercoaster ride. It has everything, romance drama suspense and a little action. It took me by surprise that it's about a couple so young but the author did a great job bringing their story to life. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
November 14, 2019
All the Little Things
Sorry couldn't really write a review I found this impossible for me to read I couldn't vopr with the bad language. Sorry could be ,a good story but not for me.
Sorry couldn't really write a review I found this impossible for me to read I couldn't vopr with the bad language. Sorry could be ,a good story but not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews