What do you think?
Rate this book
Nirvana: A Kingston Heights Novel
Maia Smith is the head of her family, despite being the middle child. With a terminally ill mother, and a deceased father, most of the weight falls on her instead of her other two siblings. She works hard to keep the lights on, while her big sister Aria and her baby brother Juvie run the streets. However, things weren’t always that way. Two years ago, the Smith family had high hopes and plans of finally leaving the dangerous, murderous small town, Kingston Heights but when Jerard, Maia’s father, is gunned down, things take a traumatic turn for the worst. Sadly, in Kingston, Jerard’s murder is just another added tally to the steady rising murder rate. For the Smith family, it was much, much more than that. The tragedy causes what seems to be a domino effect. When life gets a little too heavy for her to bare alone, Maia’s best friend Kadeem is there as a constant reminder to her that she doesn’t have to. Kadeem has always been there for her. Their fathers were best friends, which, naturally made them best friends too. However, Maia was hit with the biggest curveball when she started to fall in love with him at the tender age of fifteen. Unbeknownst to Maia, Kadeem has known since the moment she fell in love because he ended up falling too. He keeps his feelings at bay for selfless reasons. Maia has dreams. He does not
Kadeem Jackson breathe’s and bleeds Kingston Heights. Despite the gritty town taking some of his closest loved ones, he couldn’t imagine living anywhere but it. The darkness of Kingston had indeed swallowed the young, troubled Kadeem whole. Maia's always had high hopes and dreams of someday leaving. And because Kadeem believes that Maia is too beautiful to be trapped inside the ugliness of Kingston, he refuses to cross that line of friendship with her because he knows, that if they did, Maia would never leave. But things start to shift when residents from a neighboring town, Crowne Heights, moves on the block. Kadeem finds himself not only territorial of his hood, but over his Maia too. When tragedy strikes and he isn’t the first one on Maia’s side like he usually is, Kadeem really starts to feel threatened. Feelings he vowed to keep hidden begin to unravel. Sadly, he couldn’t have come to terms with his true feelings at a worst time. A heartbreaking secret he’s been keeping from Maia comes to light, revealing the role he played in one of the most traumatic moments in her life. Kadeem is faced with the sad reality that he might just end up losing the only person he had left. And in losing her, he’d surely lose every bit of sanity and will to live he had left.
Find out how Kadeem and Maia's story unfold in this gripping friends to lovers tale.
Kadeem Jackson breathe’s and bleeds Kingston Heights. Despite the gritty town taking some of his closest loved ones, he couldn’t imagine living anywhere but it. The darkness of Kingston had indeed swallowed the young, troubled Kadeem whole. Maia's always had high hopes and dreams of someday leaving. And because Kadeem believes that Maia is too beautiful to be trapped inside the ugliness of Kingston, he refuses to cross that line of friendship with her because he knows, that if they did, Maia would never leave. But things start to shift when residents from a neighboring town, Crowne Heights, moves on the block. Kadeem finds himself not only territorial of his hood, but over his Maia too. When tragedy strikes and he isn’t the first one on Maia’s side like he usually is, Kadeem really starts to feel threatened. Feelings he vowed to keep hidden begin to unravel. Sadly, he couldn’t have come to terms with his true feelings at a worst time. A heartbreaking secret he’s been keeping from Maia comes to light, revealing the role he played in one of the most traumatic moments in her life. Kadeem is faced with the sad reality that he might just end up losing the only person he had left. And in losing her, he’d surely lose every bit of sanity and will to live he had left.
Find out how Kadeem and Maia's story unfold in this gripping friends to lovers tale.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2022
166 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Miss Candice
116 books582 followersFor as long as Miss Candice could remember, writing has been her passion. In the beginning, she wrote poetry. Later on in life, when she was about thirteen years old, she was introduced to fanfiction.
The Coldest Winter Ever was the first urban fiction book she read. It wast then when she took Fanfiction to another level. She perfected her writing skills, and began to write Urban fanfiction. At first, writing was something she did in her spare time. Something that was therapeutic to her. Never in a million years, did she think she would become a published author, although it has always been a dream of hers.
Now, at the age of twenty-eight, she's penned over ten bestselling novels with many more to come.
In addition to writing, She's also CEO and founder of Miss Candice Presents.
http://www.authormisscandice.com
The Coldest Winter Ever was the first urban fiction book she read. It wast then when she took Fanfiction to another level. She perfected her writing skills, and began to write Urban fanfiction. At first, writing was something she did in her spare time. Something that was therapeutic to her. Never in a million years, did she think she would become a published author, although it has always been a dream of hers.
Now, at the age of twenty-eight, she's penned over ten bestselling novels with many more to come.
In addition to writing, She's also CEO and founder of Miss Candice Presents.
http://www.authormisscandice.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 5, 2023
Imagine the worst possible area in your city. The area where no one is foolish enough to visit let alone drive through. Well that’s Kingston Heights where if you know what’s good for you, you’re not caught dead outside after sundown. It’s also home to Kadeem and Maia. Both 20 years old, they’ve been friends since the womb. Their fathers were best friends so it was only natural that they grew up together. Everyone in Kingston Heights knows that Maia is off limits. She’s protected by Kadeem and no one is stupid enough to try him.
Kadeem is battling serious demons. His father is currently on death row and his mother was murdered a few years back. Outside of Maia, Kadeem has no one. He had to make tough decisions and some he’s not proud of but he’s taking things one day at a time.
Maia is the middle of three children. She’s also the most responsible one. Her younger brother Juvie is 18 years old and trying to prove himself in the Kingston Heights streets and her sister Aria is all about self! Maia is also caring for her terminally ill mother and grieving the loss of their father. To say she has the weight of the world on her shoulders is an understatement. Her only slice of heaven is Kadeem.
It’s clear these two are madly in love with each other but neither want to cross that line for fear of ruining their bond. When Crowne Heights becomes gentrified, their residents begin to move into Kingston Heights and the neighborhood experiences a change Kadeem nor Maia were ready for. Everything familiar is threatened and sadly Maia and Kadeem’s friendship takes a hard hit. I can’t wait to see how these two recover. I know it’s going to get worse before it gets better. I should’ve known Miss Candice was going to make me work for this HEA 🫤
Kadeem is battling serious demons. His father is currently on death row and his mother was murdered a few years back. Outside of Maia, Kadeem has no one. He had to make tough decisions and some he’s not proud of but he’s taking things one day at a time.
Maia is the middle of three children. She’s also the most responsible one. Her younger brother Juvie is 18 years old and trying to prove himself in the Kingston Heights streets and her sister Aria is all about self! Maia is also caring for her terminally ill mother and grieving the loss of their father. To say she has the weight of the world on her shoulders is an understatement. Her only slice of heaven is Kadeem.
It’s clear these two are madly in love with each other but neither want to cross that line for fear of ruining their bond. When Crowne Heights becomes gentrified, their residents begin to move into Kingston Heights and the neighborhood experiences a change Kadeem nor Maia were ready for. Everything familiar is threatened and sadly Maia and Kadeem’s friendship takes a hard hit. I can’t wait to see how these two recover. I know it’s going to get worse before it gets better. I should’ve known Miss Candice was going to make me work for this HEA 🫤
July 25, 2024
This book really set the tone for this series. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2! 😯
October 1, 2022
I Can Feel The Grief
Both Kadeem & Maia have the weight of the world on their shoulders. I can feel the grief Kadeem is steeped in—it’s debilitating but he still has to carry the Ave on his back. Maia is shouldering being the caregiver, the responsible one in her household—the one who stays even though she’s dreaming of the day she can move away.
I wanted this to be a simple friends to lovers story so bad but realistically it can’t be because there’s some pain In Kingston, love is a luxury. I do hope they find their way to each other when they’re ready,
I’m ready to see how the rest of this story plays out.
Both Kadeem & Maia have the weight of the world on their shoulders. I can feel the grief Kadeem is steeped in—it’s debilitating but he still has to carry the Ave on his back. Maia is shouldering being the caregiver, the responsible one in her household—the one who stays even though she’s dreaming of the day she can move away.
I wanted this to be a simple friends to lovers story so bad but realistically it can’t be because there’s some pain In Kingston, love is a luxury. I do hope they find their way to each other when they’re ready,
I’m ready to see how the rest of this story plays out.
September 26, 2022
Whew!
The way this book ended has me deep in my feelings.
I'm a little torn where my alliance will go. While I get Kadeem being cold because of the life he is forced to live, I'm having difficulty finding any redeeming qualities in him, but Pierre on the other hand...I think I like him. A lot.
But only time will tell who the best man really is.
The way this book ended has me deep in my feelings.
I'm a little torn where my alliance will go. While I get Kadeem being cold because of the life he is forced to live, I'm having difficulty finding any redeeming qualities in him, but Pierre on the other hand...I think I like him. A lot.
But only time will tell who the best man really is.
October 6, 2022
Must Read!!!
Two broken people can either break each other down or build each other up. Maia was heartbroken about the loss of her father. Still continuing to grieve for him, taking care of a sick mother, being worried about her older sister Aria, her little brother Juvie, and her best friend Kadeem running the wicked street's of Kingston has stressed. Kadeem have become cold hearted and closed off after the death of his mother and hold resentment towards his father. Maia is his peace during those dark times but he's pushing her away. Pierre have a motive when it comes to Maia. I believe he's using her as a pawn to try to take over The Ave from Kadeem. The way this ended. After what happened to Juvie and Maia hearing Kadeem confession. I believe that might be the end of the two relationship
Two broken people can either break each other down or build each other up. Maia was heartbroken about the loss of her father. Still continuing to grieve for him, taking care of a sick mother, being worried about her older sister Aria, her little brother Juvie, and her best friend Kadeem running the wicked street's of Kingston has stressed. Kadeem have become cold hearted and closed off after the death of his mother and hold resentment towards his father. Maia is his peace during those dark times but he's pushing her away. Pierre have a motive when it comes to Maia. I believe he's using her as a pawn to try to take over The Ave from Kadeem. The way this ended. After what happened to Juvie and Maia hearing Kadeem confession. I believe that might be the end of the two relationship
October 30, 2022
Survival Of The Fittest!!
Kadeem has so much hate in his heart. First for Kareem because his father didn't protect his mama. Secondly his brother because he let Kadeem down and he was doing Kareem's bidding. Kadeem has no hopes or dreams to get out of Kingston Heights for doesn't have nothing to offer Maia. Maia might as well be the oldest because she runs the household. Aria is just selfish and and self-centered, Juvie is youngest trying to be a man. Maia kill me with her naivete and because Kadeem shield her. If I was Maia when I heard Pierre talking about me I would have been like to me home, but if she would have did that Pierre wouldn't have got them to the hospital. Phyllis is thinking she's about to lose another love one. Maia and Kadeem need to talk about their feelings. If Juvie doesn't survive Maia probably not going to forgive Kadeem. Pierre is a sneaky mfer, he's up to something. Maybe that will help Kadeem come out of self-pity.
Kadeem has so much hate in his heart. First for Kareem because his father didn't protect his mama. Secondly his brother because he let Kadeem down and he was doing Kareem's bidding. Kadeem has no hopes or dreams to get out of Kingston Heights for doesn't have nothing to offer Maia. Maia might as well be the oldest because she runs the household. Aria is just selfish and and self-centered, Juvie is youngest trying to be a man. Maia kill me with her naivete and because Kadeem shield her. If I was Maia when I heard Pierre talking about me I would have been like to me home, but if she would have did that Pierre wouldn't have got them to the hospital. Phyllis is thinking she's about to lose another love one. Maia and Kadeem need to talk about their feelings. If Juvie doesn't survive Maia probably not going to forgive Kadeem. Pierre is a sneaky mfer, he's up to something. Maybe that will help Kadeem come out of self-pity.
September 29, 2022
Chile!!!!!😩
Aye! They’re taking me on a rollercoaster ride. My head spinning because none of them don’t listen. Kadeem have to step outside of all that “Hate” he be dishing out. Juvie needs to chill out literally because lord I pray he make it. Aria A$$ needs to stop being so damn selfish and really be the big sister she supposed to be. Maia gotta stop letting everyone but their burdens on her because it will always be that way. Pierre is giving me suspect “real bad” in my yung mama voice 😂 this was a definitely a good read. I can’t wait! To read part 2, I need Maia to get her back broke or something 😂
Aye! They’re taking me on a rollercoaster ride. My head spinning because none of them don’t listen. Kadeem have to step outside of all that “Hate” he be dishing out. Juvie needs to chill out literally because lord I pray he make it. Aria A$$ needs to stop being so damn selfish and really be the big sister she supposed to be. Maia gotta stop letting everyone but their burdens on her because it will always be that way. Pierre is giving me suspect “real bad” in my yung mama voice 😂 this was a definitely a good read. I can’t wait! To read part 2, I need Maia to get her back broke or something 😂
May 7, 2023
Great Read
Kadeem and Maia are fighting too hard not to show their true feelings for one another. Especially Kadeem. He's so afraid of having feelings after experiencing so much loss that he's losing his best friend that loves him unconditionally. Juvie just wanted to be respected as a young adult. He didn't want to be treated like a kid or constantly disrespected. He also wanted to be able to protect his family. Kadeem was only trying to provide him with that protection. Aria should tell her mom the truth and stop stressing her. I hope Kadeem and Maia are okay after things cool off. Job well done!
Kadeem and Maia are fighting too hard not to show their true feelings for one another. Especially Kadeem. He's so afraid of having feelings after experiencing so much loss that he's losing his best friend that loves him unconditionally. Juvie just wanted to be respected as a young adult. He didn't want to be treated like a kid or constantly disrespected. He also wanted to be able to protect his family. Kadeem was only trying to provide him with that protection. Aria should tell her mom the truth and stop stressing her. I hope Kadeem and Maia are okay after things cool off. Job well done!
December 30, 2022
Nirvana 1
Another dope series I wanted to read before the years end! Kingston Heights is the trenches for sure. No one knows who will catch the next bullet. I feel the despair. I see the dreams of the ladies like Maia and the hopelessness of the fellas who can’t even fathom to dream like Kadeem. Pierre seems like a welcome breath of fresh air and ticket to the possibility of nirvana but love is love! In to part 2 🤍
Another dope series I wanted to read before the years end! Kingston Heights is the trenches for sure. No one knows who will catch the next bullet. I feel the despair. I see the dreams of the ladies like Maia and the hopelessness of the fellas who can’t even fathom to dream like Kadeem. Pierre seems like a welcome breath of fresh air and ticket to the possibility of nirvana but love is love! In to part 2 🤍
December 31, 2022
Great Storyline
This was such a great read! Living in poverty, drugs and murder makes people become hard, that's what happened to Kadeem. Now Juvie wants to follow in those same footsteps Maia is nervous for her family, Aria is just out there doing her! Pierre,not sure of his motives yet but a great read so far! We are left on a cliffhanger, can't wait to see what happens next!
This was such a great read! Living in poverty, drugs and murder makes people become hard, that's what happened to Kadeem. Now Juvie wants to follow in those same footsteps Maia is nervous for her family, Aria is just out there doing her! Pierre,not sure of his motives yet but a great read so far! We are left on a cliffhanger, can't wait to see what happens next!
January 13, 2023
Okay
I'm enjoying the first book it was a little boring but I'm going to continue to read because I know this author potential. My is going through so much but I need her to get a little more drive to accomplish what she wants. I love how she loves her family. I need Kadeem to stop being so stubborn and mean and want more for himself. I want him and My together. Pierre is coming to stir the pot. Watch out Kadeem I hope its not to late. Let check out book 2
I'm enjoying the first book it was a little boring but I'm going to continue to read because I know this author potential. My is going through so much but I need her to get a little more drive to accomplish what she wants. I love how she loves her family. I need Kadeem to stop being so stubborn and mean and want more for himself. I want him and My together. Pierre is coming to stir the pot. Watch out Kadeem I hope its not to late. Let check out book 2
September 25, 2022
the vibes.
This book was definitely the vibes for me. I love how it wasn’t just sex scenes and ppl falling in love fast. It was more. It gave more. It fed more. Definitely sad that the climaxed at the end. That now I have to wait forever to read what comes next lol. But no worries and no pressure do your thing. This was a beautiful story.
This book was definitely the vibes for me. I love how it wasn’t just sex scenes and ppl falling in love fast. It was more. It gave more. It fed more. Definitely sad that the climaxed at the end. That now I have to wait forever to read what comes next lol. But no worries and no pressure do your thing. This was a beautiful story.
October 2, 2022
Classic miss candice
This is a great start to a new series. Miss Candice likes to give her readers inside the character relationships and mind set. So that you get emotionally attached to them. I found myself praying for Maia whole family. Because it a real life story seen in the hood all the time. Characters beat down by life before they are grown.
This is a great start to a new series. Miss Candice likes to give her readers inside the character relationships and mind set. So that you get emotionally attached to them. I found myself praying for Maia whole family. Because it a real life story seen in the hood all the time. Characters beat down by life before they are grown.
October 18, 2022
Omg
I really wanted Maia and kedeem together because perrie is up to know good he has a motive and Juvie would've got a gun from somewhere else I hope he survives the family don't deserve another loss like that kedeem better get it together Maia shouldn't have distracted him like that great read I can't wait for part 2
I really wanted Maia and kedeem together because perrie is up to know good he has a motive and Juvie would've got a gun from somewhere else I hope he survives the family don't deserve another loss like that kedeem better get it together Maia shouldn't have distracted him like that great read I can't wait for part 2
October 6, 2022
Miss Candice
I loved this book. It was everything from the beginning to the end. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. Maia didn’t play about the people she loved at all though. I hope that her brother pulls through though.
I loved this book. It was everything from the beginning to the end. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. Maia didn’t play about the people she loved at all though. I hope that her brother pulls through though.
October 31, 2022
Kadeem and My
Kadeem and My’s friendship is tough as the streets of Kingston. They both love each other but their friendship keeps them apart. Their friendship is tested and will determine if it really will stand the test of time.
Kadeem and My’s friendship is tough as the streets of Kingston. They both love each other but their friendship keeps them apart. Their friendship is tested and will determine if it really will stand the test of time.
September 26, 2022
loved
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! She knows how to pull you in. I have so many thoughts already. She can go so many ways! My poor nerves! Sensational
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! She knows how to pull you in. I have so many thoughts already. She can go so many ways! My poor nerves! Sensational
October 3, 2022
OMG!
Loved it! That was definitely an emotional rollercoaster and that ending…OH MY! Can’t wait for part 2 to see what happens next ❤️
Loved it! That was definitely an emotional rollercoaster and that ending…OH MY! Can’t wait for part 2 to see what happens next ❤️
October 11, 2022
READ IT
miss candice omg i loved it can’t wait for the next one perfect love story and not the same ol love story
miss candice omg i loved it can’t wait for the next one perfect love story and not the same ol love story
October 16, 2022
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Miss Candice did it again, another banger. I need part 2 asap…. I hope Juvie pull threw. They family have been through so much.
Miss Candice did it again, another banger. I need part 2 asap…. I hope Juvie pull threw. They family have been through so much.
October 23, 2022
Great book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book of this series.
October 24, 2022
Great Read
I enjoyed and recommend this five star read. Wonderful storyline with excellent character development. Looking forward to reading part 2 and more from this author.
I enjoyed and recommend this five star read. Wonderful storyline with excellent character development. Looking forward to reading part 2 and more from this author.
November 20, 2022
Long boring
Long and extremely boring there is no need for 2parts this book seems like it's set in the 60-70's .
Long and extremely boring there is no need for 2parts this book seems like it's set in the 60-70's .
June 10, 2023
Nothing happens in this until the last chapter. Maybe book 2 will come with something. I’m only reading further because the author writes well
Read
September 26, 2023Dnf…wasn’t for me.
January 22, 2023
I hate grown ppl that act like it’s so hard to communicate they’re feelings for each other. Like ughhh.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews