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Finding Love In a Dope Boy
Ready for new beginnings, Akela Heart sets off to a new state to start college. With her best friend, Hiro, and her boyfriend, Yohan, both along for the ride, will she be able to keep her focus, or will blurred relationships cause her to be in over her head?
Hiro Smith’s main focus has always been basketball and his best friend. However, when the dynamics with him and Akela begin to change, he’s left questioning their friendship. When he crosses paths with the alluring Zuri, he’s forced to figure out feelings he had no idea existed.
Hades, fresh out of prison, and Loyalty are adjusting as new parents. The two think they have it all figured out until his street life, her career goals, and parenthood become hard to balance. Will they be able to keep their heads above water, or will the stress of it all cause them to make illogical decisions?
Every relationship isn’t meant to last, and sometimes friendships are just that; a bond that shouldn’t be taken further. Find out in this standalone if love can be misguiding or if it leads them exactly where they need to be.
Hiro Smith’s main focus has always been basketball and his best friend. However, when the dynamics with him and Akela begin to change, he’s left questioning their friendship. When he crosses paths with the alluring Zuri, he’s forced to figure out feelings he had no idea existed.
Hades, fresh out of prison, and Loyalty are adjusting as new parents. The two think they have it all figured out until his street life, her career goals, and parenthood become hard to balance. Will they be able to keep their heads above water, or will the stress of it all cause them to make illogical decisions?
Every relationship isn’t meant to last, and sometimes friendships are just that; a bond that shouldn’t be taken further. Find out in this standalone if love can be misguiding or if it leads them exactly where they need to be.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 25, 2019
Real love
It was good seeing how much Hades, Loyalty, Akela, and Hiro had grown into their own. Hades had Lo covered and gave her the space to do live her dream and make them reality. He was still demanding but didn't play when it came Loyalty his family. Kela and Hiro were tested in multiple ways until reality hit them with the real. The love for each other was real love and beyond friendship level. Glad that things worked out how they were supposed to.
It was good seeing how much Hades, Loyalty, Akela, and Hiro had grown into their own. Hades had Lo covered and gave her the space to do live her dream and make them reality. He was still demanding but didn't play when it came Loyalty his family. Kela and Hiro were tested in multiple ways until reality hit them with the real. The love for each other was real love and beyond friendship level. Glad that things worked out how they were supposed to.
October 22, 2023
Loved it! I loved all the books in this series, honestly.
I loved Hades and Lo together. Hades was so supportive of and encouraging to Lo and I loved that for her. Now, as usual, Hades did do some dumb stuff, but men are dumb and don’t understand the way women think, see things, and react to things. Thankfully, Lo had enough grace and love to work through his mistake.
I hate that so many years were wasted between Akela and Hiro, but the timing wasn’t right until it finally was. Akela wasn’t ready to receive the type of love Hiro had to give anyway. But they eventually got it together and they are right for one another.
Yohan was a good dude, just not the right guy for Akela in the season she was in. Plus, Akela was already pre-destined for Hiro so her and Yohan would have never worked out permanently.
It sucks that this appears to be the final installment in this series. I loved these 3 families and their dysfunctional, toxic, crazy shenanigans!
Oh and make sure you read the Halloween story included at the end of this book cause baby, when I tell you that is theeee funniest shhh I have ever read in my life! I cried real tears from laughter while reading that story. It was a whole mess! Good mess, but mess nonetheless. I will be reading it again cause it was too entertaining not to.
I loved Hades and Lo together. Hades was so supportive of and encouraging to Lo and I loved that for her. Now, as usual, Hades did do some dumb stuff, but men are dumb and don’t understand the way women think, see things, and react to things. Thankfully, Lo had enough grace and love to work through his mistake.
I hate that so many years were wasted between Akela and Hiro, but the timing wasn’t right until it finally was. Akela wasn’t ready to receive the type of love Hiro had to give anyway. But they eventually got it together and they are right for one another.
Yohan was a good dude, just not the right guy for Akela in the season she was in. Plus, Akela was already pre-destined for Hiro so her and Yohan would have never worked out permanently.
It sucks that this appears to be the final installment in this series. I loved these 3 families and their dysfunctional, toxic, crazy shenanigans!
Oh and make sure you read the Halloween story included at the end of this book cause baby, when I tell you that is theeee funniest shhh I have ever read in my life! I cried real tears from laughter while reading that story. It was a whole mess! Good mess, but mess nonetheless. I will be reading it again cause it was too entertaining not to.
March 24, 2026
The Family Saga is 🔥, easily one of the best series I’ve tapped into! From Dope Boys and Hittas, to Sadity Girls and Bad B*tches, this series has everything.
It explores layers of family, love, friendship, and loyalty throughout three generations …. with some of them rocking together from the sandbox all the way to parenthood.
Filled with good messy toxicity, unhinged men and banter that cracks you up…it’s pure entertainment! This is a full circle series that didn’t miss a single detail and wrapped up perfectly.
💜Book Bae: Legacy
🥂Favorite Couple: Quan & Gin
☢️Most Toxic Couple: Gigi & Achilles
🔪Most Unhinged MMC/FMC: Legacy & Mo’Nae
📚Favorite In Series: She Fell In Love With A Hitta (Book 6)
It explores layers of family, love, friendship, and loyalty throughout three generations …. with some of them rocking together from the sandbox all the way to parenthood.
Filled with good messy toxicity, unhinged men and banter that cracks you up…it’s pure entertainment! This is a full circle series that didn’t miss a single detail and wrapped up perfectly.
💜Book Bae: Legacy
🥂Favorite Couple: Quan & Gin
☢️Most Toxic Couple: Gigi & Achilles
🔪Most Unhinged MMC/FMC: Legacy & Mo’Nae
📚Favorite In Series: She Fell In Love With A Hitta (Book 6)
May 21, 2026
1 million ⭐️ for such a great series!
for the LONGEST time, i have heard people talking about the family saga, and after reading the fold, i knew i had to read these! took a min for me to get around to it, but boy did we love these books so much!!!!!! i honestly know now why people say they can't choose in the family vs fold debate - bc GIIIIIRLLL me neither! and i don't wanna choose - i want them all! <3
now, i have just put this book down - sis needs to get her thoughts together so we can give this book/series a PROPER review.
stay tuned for the full review, coming very soon! xo
(and if you haven't read any of these books - let this be your sign to PICK THEM UP ASAP. i promise you, they are TOO GOOD!!!)
for the LONGEST time, i have heard people talking about the family saga, and after reading the fold, i knew i had to read these! took a min for me to get around to it, but boy did we love these books so much!!!!!! i honestly know now why people say they can't choose in the family vs fold debate - bc GIIIIIRLLL me neither! and i don't wanna choose - i want them all! <3
now, i have just put this book down - sis needs to get her thoughts together so we can give this book/series a PROPER review.
stay tuned for the full review, coming very soon! xo
(and if you haven't read any of these books - let this be your sign to PICK THEM UP ASAP. i promise you, they are TOO GOOD!!!)
September 21, 2020
Loved it
I loved this book from beginning to end. It was right on time because I desperately needed something to read. This author never disappoints
I loved this book from beginning to end. It was right on time because I desperately needed something to read. This author never disappoints
January 29, 2023
Great Read
It was sad not hearing from Ivy at the end of all this and strange having Kolyon around without her. Her death was definitely felt. I said it before and I will say it again. This third generation of kids were worst and had more problems than their grandparents and parents. After Ivy death. She made sure her grandchildren Legend and Loyalty was left with an abundance of money which Loyalty use to pursue her dream. I knew Darren was going to turn out to be a creep and try to use his influence to sleep with Loyalty. Her rejection caused him to react and that caused Hades to react. Hades really had grown up. His love for Loyalty was unmatched. Darren crossed a line with Loyalty and Hades had to show him why he should've kept his hands to himself. Akela waso ready for Yohan. She was selfish and set in her way's. Yohan was too mature for her and I know since he wasn't feeling Hiro being her best friend. Him and Akela relationship wasn't going to work. I was a little with how Akela acted in the car with Yohan after he told her his daughter was in a car accident. I believe Akela insecurities came from the fact that she also had feelings for Hiro and that she cheated on Yohan. Zuri was a sweetheart. I hated Hiro chased her until she gave him a chance because he was bound to end up hurting her because he truly had feelings for Akela. Zuri wasn't a fool because she clearly saw through that best friend persona Hiro and Akela tried to front. I couldn't do nothing but shake my head at Adonis and Teagan daughter Sinna. She is grown now but her choice in men were disturbing. Quamir act just like Quame when he was younger
It was sad not hearing from Ivy at the end of all this and strange having Kolyon around without her. Her death was definitely felt. I said it before and I will say it again. This third generation of kids were worst and had more problems than their grandparents and parents. After Ivy death. She made sure her grandchildren Legend and Loyalty was left with an abundance of money which Loyalty use to pursue her dream. I knew Darren was going to turn out to be a creep and try to use his influence to sleep with Loyalty. Her rejection caused him to react and that caused Hades to react. Hades really had grown up. His love for Loyalty was unmatched. Darren crossed a line with Loyalty and Hades had to show him why he should've kept his hands to himself. Akela waso ready for Yohan. She was selfish and set in her way's. Yohan was too mature for her and I know since he wasn't feeling Hiro being her best friend. Him and Akela relationship wasn't going to work. I was a little with how Akela acted in the car with Yohan after he told her his daughter was in a car accident. I believe Akela insecurities came from the fact that she also had feelings for Hiro and that she cheated on Yohan. Zuri was a sweetheart. I hated Hiro chased her until she gave him a chance because he was bound to end up hurting her because he truly had feelings for Akela. Zuri wasn't a fool because she clearly saw through that best friend persona Hiro and Akela tried to front. I couldn't do nothing but shake my head at Adonis and Teagan daughter Sinna. She is grown now but her choice in men were disturbing. Quamir act just like Quame when he was younger
March 21, 2019
Well we'll well
You know what Nett i ain't even mad at you cause at the end of the day everyone got their happily ever after although while reading i thought I would have a panic attack because I was like I know she didn't let Hades and Loyalty to through all they did for them to break up behind a bum biotch about a Honda nawl she wouldn't and than got sick thinking man did she really separate Kela and Hiro from being besties seriously man I'm about to pull up on this lady she tripping but than I kept reading and was like whet they ain't even going to hug unh unh but than I kept reading and was like ok y'all better get it to-get-her but girl ya pen game is on point loved it and an ready for the next one strongly recommend this book
You know what Nett i ain't even mad at you cause at the end of the day everyone got their happily ever after although while reading i thought I would have a panic attack because I was like I know she didn't let Hades and Loyalty to through all they did for them to break up behind a bum biotch about a Honda nawl she wouldn't and than got sick thinking man did she really separate Kela and Hiro from being besties seriously man I'm about to pull up on this lady she tripping but than I kept reading and was like whet they ain't even going to hug unh unh but than I kept reading and was like ok y'all better get it to-get-her but girl ya pen game is on point loved it and an ready for the next one strongly recommend this book
April 22, 2019
Ok read
This was an ok read. I love the Hearts, Royals, and Smith. The family dynamics are what love and family is all about Kela was getting on my last nerve with her childish butt, but she finally got it together. Hedes and Lo still had they love and bond with each other. I think she forgave Hedes to quickly for my liking because was straight up wrong for what he did! Hiro was dumb at times as well, with having unprotected sex with Ziro, guess he didn't learn the first time. Thank God, she didn't get pregnant by him. All of was a pretty good read and worth the purchase! I took one star away due to the typos!
This was an ok read. I love the Hearts, Royals, and Smith. The family dynamics are what love and family is all about Kela was getting on my last nerve with her childish butt, but she finally got it together. Hedes and Lo still had they love and bond with each other. I think she forgave Hedes to quickly for my liking because was straight up wrong for what he did! Hiro was dumb at times as well, with having unprotected sex with Ziro, guess he didn't learn the first time. Thank God, she didn't get pregnant by him. All of was a pretty good read and worth the purchase! I took one star away due to the typos!
March 20, 2019
#teamhiroandkela
Antoinette has done it again! First off I just want to say that this is one of my favorite fictional families and I hate to see them go. Hopefully they'll pop up in some of her future books 😉! … Before reading this book In was Team Yohan (for selfish reasons … I didn't was this series to end🤷♀️ ), but after seeing the love that Hiro and Kela had for each other I jumped on the Team Hiro bandwagon! Although all of their ups and downs had be dizzy I'm happy they ended up together.
Antoinette has done it again! First off I just want to say that this is one of my favorite fictional families and I hate to see them go. Hopefully they'll pop up in some of her future books 😉! … Before reading this book In was Team Yohan (for selfish reasons … I didn't was this series to end🤷♀️ ), but after seeing the love that Hiro and Kela had for each other I jumped on the Team Hiro bandwagon! Although all of their ups and downs had be dizzy I'm happy they ended up together.
March 21, 2019
Amazing
I really love these families. I loved taking this journey with Akela, Hiro, Loyalty and Hades. I feel like I know them and watched them grow into the adults they are. I’m so proud of Lo as if she is my real life niece lol! I wanted Hiro and Akela together but wasn’t sure how’d they get there. I’ve read plenty of best friends to lovers book but this was the absolute best! Yohan wasn’t all that bad and neither was Zuri. They just weren’t meant for Akela and Hiro. Great great read!
I really love these families. I loved taking this journey with Akela, Hiro, Loyalty and Hades. I feel like I know them and watched them grow into the adults they are. I’m so proud of Lo as if she is my real life niece lol! I wanted Hiro and Akela together but wasn’t sure how’d they get there. I’ve read plenty of best friends to lovers book but this was the absolute best! Yohan wasn’t all that bad and neither was Zuri. They just weren’t meant for Akela and Hiro. Great great read!
March 23, 2019
Banger🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Antoinette has never disappointed me, and I love the Royal’s, Heart’s, and Smith’s. I never get enough of these characters, I don’t want to give any part of the story away. Great storyline and the love story was cute that blossomed into something beautiful. I will say I loved the growth in the characters especially Hades. Trust me you don’t want to miss out this is a must read. Antoinette you did this excellent job. I want more of Hiro and Kela, like I said I can’t enough.
Antoinette has never disappointed me, and I love the Royal’s, Heart’s, and Smith’s. I never get enough of these characters, I don’t want to give any part of the story away. Great storyline and the love story was cute that blossomed into something beautiful. I will say I loved the growth in the characters especially Hades. Trust me you don’t want to miss out this is a must read. Antoinette you did this excellent job. I want more of Hiro and Kela, like I said I can’t enough.
September 24, 2025
4 stars for the whole series
I felt that the Halloween bit was just dragging it out for no reason. I didn’t feel it was needed and if it hadn’t been included as part of the box set, wouldn’t have read it.
Overall I give the series 4.5 with some individual books getting 5. I loved the whole multi generational thing but I’m glad I got this after the whole series was complete, it would have been so frustrating having to wait for the next release
I felt that the Halloween bit was just dragging it out for no reason. I didn’t feel it was needed and if it hadn’t been included as part of the box set, wouldn’t have read it.
Overall I give the series 4.5 with some individual books getting 5. I loved the whole multi generational thing but I’m glad I got this after the whole series was complete, it would have been so frustrating having to wait for the next release
March 21, 2019
Lovers and Friends
Awesome read and follow up to the new generation. It was great to catch up.with everyone and see the growth and maturity. Sometimes friendship is all that a relationship is meant to be. While other times , friends make the best lovers and life mates. Take a ride with the Royals, Hearts and Smith's and see what a Dope Boys love can do!
Awesome read and follow up to the new generation. It was great to catch up.with everyone and see the growth and maturity. Sometimes friendship is all that a relationship is meant to be. While other times , friends make the best lovers and life mates. Take a ride with the Royals, Hearts and Smith's and see what a Dope Boys love can do!
March 21, 2019
Loved it
Man those kids are just as wild and crazy like there parents the Hearts, Royals, and Smith's has been amazing characters to read about! Hate that the storyline is ending. So happy kela and hiro finally admitted there love was more than friendship. Loyalty and Hades where perfect for each other.
Man those kids are just as wild and crazy like there parents the Hearts, Royals, and Smith's has been amazing characters to read about! Hate that the storyline is ending. So happy kela and hiro finally admitted there love was more than friendship. Loyalty and Hades where perfect for each other.
March 22, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lawwd i couldnt give this enough stars i knew they would always end up together. Yohan was just a place holder for Hiro. That kinda love never goes away. Them sex scenes was off the chain baby. Had me all out my element lol! This book wAs the $hit.. cant wait till the next one
Lawwd i couldnt give this enough stars i knew they would always end up together. Yohan was just a place holder for Hiro. That kinda love never goes away. Them sex scenes was off the chain baby. Had me all out my element lol! This book wAs the $hit.. cant wait till the next one
March 22, 2019
Amazing as usual!!!!
I seriously can not get enough of Antoinette Sherelle's books! They are so entertaining and well written ! I fall in love with all her characters and they make me not want to let them go. I'm so sad to this family come to an end but I'm excited to see what she has has next for us! Great job and keep up the good work!
I seriously can not get enough of Antoinette Sherelle's books! They are so entertaining and well written ! I fall in love with all her characters and they make me not want to let them go. I'm so sad to this family come to an end but I'm excited to see what she has has next for us! Great job and keep up the good work!
March 22, 2019
Hiro
Can I just say Hiro stole my heart with this one. I couldn’t get enough of him 😩. Kela irked the mess out of me. This was up there with Legacy & Liberty for me! I got so many different vibes from this book. I loved her with Yohan but I’m so happy you made me change my mind. This book was Sensational.
Can I just say Hiro stole my heart with this one. I couldn’t get enough of him 😩. Kela irked the mess out of me. This was up there with Legacy & Liberty for me! I got so many different vibes from this book. I loved her with Yohan but I’m so happy you made me change my mind. This book was Sensational.
March 22, 2019
Must Read
This was a very good read. These characters were hilarious. I couldn’t do anything except laugh at these fools. Hiro and Kela were something else. The relationship they had was so cute. Lo and Hades were a mess. Hades made a dumb decision and luckily it wasn’t dumb enough to cause him to lose his woman. I was happy with how things played out!!
This was a very good read. These characters were hilarious. I couldn’t do anything except laugh at these fools. Hiro and Kela were something else. The relationship they had was so cute. Lo and Hades were a mess. Hades made a dumb decision and luckily it wasn’t dumb enough to cause him to lose his woman. I was happy with how things played out!!
March 23, 2019
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I so love the way that Hades had love and support for Loyalty. I was glad that Kele Bee came to her senses took her long enough. I'm not ready for this family storyline to end. I feel like I'm apart of their family. You have to gave us one final story. You have become one of my favorite authors.
I so love the way that Hades had love and support for Loyalty. I was glad that Kele Bee came to her senses took her long enough. I'm not ready for this family storyline to end. I feel like I'm apart of their family. You have to gave us one final story. You have become one of my favorite authors.
May 6, 2019
Outstanding
This was a great read. I was truly happy with the turn of events with Kela, because I was nervous for a minute. Hiro was the best and I was so glad when he put his pride to the side for love. Antoinette, I hope this is not the end of my favorite families, because they give me life.
This was a great read. I was truly happy with the turn of events with Kela, because I was nervous for a minute. Hiro was the best and I was so glad when he put his pride to the side for love. Antoinette, I hope this is not the end of my favorite families, because they give me life.
May 25, 2019
What an awesome read
I could've slap Kela for the way she kept doing Hiro knowing Yo was playing her. Hades turned out to be a good man who
loved & supported Lo with her dream. I was glad Kela finally admitted to Hiro tht she loved him. Both brothers have been though a lot and are finally happy with their women
I could've slap Kela for the way she kept doing Hiro knowing Yo was playing her. Hades turned out to be a good man who
loved & supported Lo with her dream. I was glad Kela finally admitted to Hiro tht she loved him. Both brothers have been though a lot and are finally happy with their women
June 13, 2019
Is this really the end???
I loved this entire series and I'm so sad that it is over. I am so in love with this entire family. I really enjoyed how the author let us see the love, triumphs and tribulations of this family through multiple generations. Very well done! This series was my first read from this author but will definitely not be my last.
I loved this entire series and I'm so sad that it is over. I am so in love with this entire family. I really enjoyed how the author let us see the love, triumphs and tribulations of this family through multiple generations. Very well done! This series was my first read from this author but will definitely not be my last.
August 15, 2019
Yesssss!!!!!
Beautiful 5🌟 banger all around!!! What a wonderful family..This was a great way to end this connected crew...From the very top of the family tree it was about LOVE!! No matter what they all went through it disagreements they all had each other back..Couldn't ask for a better way to close the families out..Great job🙌🙌🙌 Royal, Heart and Smith 4 live👏👏👏
Beautiful 5🌟 banger all around!!! What a wonderful family..This was a great way to end this connected crew...From the very top of the family tree it was about LOVE!! No matter what they all went through it disagreements they all had each other back..Couldn't ask for a better way to close the families out..Great job🙌🙌🙌 Royal, Heart and Smith 4 live👏👏👏
March 21, 2019
Whew Chile
This book took me on a roller coaster ride. But the growth on these young adults was phenomenal. I enjoyed every single moment. Hades is bae coming second only to Legacy. I’m still teary eyed to see them go. What’s next.
This book took me on a roller coaster ride. But the growth on these young adults was phenomenal. I enjoyed every single moment. Hades is bae coming second only to Legacy. I’m still teary eyed to see them go. What’s next.
March 21, 2019
🔥🔥🔥🔥
This series was absolutely amazing!! This is by far one of the best series I’ve ever read!! Thanks for always giving us your very best!! The ending wasn’t expected but I was definitely happy with it!! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!!! ❤️😍
This series was absolutely amazing!! This is by far one of the best series I’ve ever read!! Thanks for always giving us your very best!! The ending wasn’t expected but I was definitely happy with it!! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!!! ❤️😍
March 21, 2019
I’m in tears
I swear I don’t want them to end I love this family and the love they have for each other even though we missing the mother who started it all Ivy (may she Rest In Peace )I still gone miss them
I swear I don’t want them to end I love this family and the love they have for each other even though we missing the mother who started it all Ivy (may she Rest In Peace )I still gone miss them
March 21, 2019
One of the best to ever do it!!!
Stumbled on one her books one day and quickly became a loyal fan.... Nett Williams you have a fan always in me !!!! Thank you for my family’s happy ending lol
Stumbled on one her books one day and quickly became a loyal fan.... Nett Williams you have a fan always in me !!!! Thank you for my family’s happy ending lol
March 23, 2019
Aaaawwwweeeee
Those kids that are now adults are off the chain thank you so much for the insight and the closure regarding the hearts the Royals and the Smiths everyone ended up just where they were supposed to good looking out luv.
Those kids that are now adults are off the chain thank you so much for the insight and the closure regarding the hearts the Royals and the Smiths everyone ended up just where they were supposed to good looking out luv.
March 24, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love the Royal and Heart family. Lo has grown up with own family. Kela has to with Hiro. Legend Sr still crazy as ever.
Their parents still be one too. Good Job! Good Series.
I love the Royal and Heart family. Lo has grown up with own family. Kela has to with Hiro. Legend Sr still crazy as ever.
Their parents still be one too. Good Job! Good Series.
March 28, 2019
Sorry..
Great book but Kela was dumb as hell and ugh... glad they got it together but it took too long..like allllllllll the way till the end after she got her dumb ass feelings hurt... smh
Great book but Kela was dumb as hell and ugh... glad they got it together but it took too long..like allllllllll the way till the end after she got her dumb ass feelings hurt... smh
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews