Laike

The Eisenberg Effect #3

by Grey Huffington

She’s a good girl.

And she has a thing for bad boys .

It’s the reason I had to let her go. I knew that I was a mistake she was willing to make over and over, again. I loved her too much to hurt her, but that didn’t give anyone else the right to. She’s too pure and too precious. And, I’d do any nigga dirty that dared to play with her heart. I wasn’t even the exception when it came to her. That’s why I knew I had to get my shit together and cater to her heart the way only I could. And until she was mine again, I’d go to war with any nigga, empty my bank accounts, ignite fires between us, sing every love song known to man, and grovel at her feet. Because I wouldn’t rest until she belonged to me.

He’s a heartbreaker.

And I’m still recovering from that time he broke mine.

Year after year after year, I trick myself into believing that I’m over it – that I’m over him . But then I see his face and the feelings we once shared resurface. We were young and we were in love, but it was a love I was willing to do anything for. He was someone I was willing to do anything for. Suddenly, he decided that my love wasn’t enough. While he went on with his life, mine was always stuck on pause. Then, suddenly, I decided that love waits for no one and allowed it into my world again. Happiness has found me in the form of a chocolate, successful black man, yet, I’m still wondering if I would be even happier with him .

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Second Chance, Audiobook, African American, Love, Urban

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2022

About the author

Riveting Romance Reads with Hot Heroines and Even Hotter Heroes Who Adore Them in a Collective Effort to Bring You Sheer Pleasure and Spice Up Your Life.


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Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, Laike is no Luca but that’s my psychotic toxic bae and I’ma stick beside him. Does his elevator go all the way to the top?!!! Nope but, I’ma stick beside him. Is he playin’ with a full deck of cards?!!! Hell no but, I’ma stick beside him. Does he have more than a few loose marbles?!!! Yes. Yes he does but, guess what?!!! I’ma stick beside him. Did any of these less than redeeming qualities turn me off? Absolutely not! Clearly, toxic men are my new jam. Laike Eisenberg was the quintessential bad boy your mama warned you about but, you were too hot in the azz to heed her warning. I completely understand why Baisleigh waited in the cut for 13 years for Laike to get his shyt together. All that BDE coupled with an enormous ego and a hair trigger temper had her forgetting she was a strong black educated woman whose should've known better. Whew! Ion eeeeeeeeeever wanna come across no man like that. With all the drama they had going on, Laike and Baisleigh were, surprisingly, a likeable couple. You’ll root for these two to get it right for the one millionth time and find their HEA at the end of the rainbow. But, their toxic love journey will definitely leave you conflicted.

[Breeee Ranae⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laike said “I’m a lil toxic but you gone love it here!”
& DO 🫣😭🥰🤣
Baisleigh girl I understand why you played your position the way you did. Ain’t nothing like that first Love 😭‼️

I don’t know why it took me so long to finish this. I was putting this down for days and reading other books. See when the “situation” came about I was like nahhhh I have to finish. I enjoyed this a little more then Lyrics book. My only complaint with this book is the Ashlyn scene @ the ending could’ve been left out. That was so unnecessary!!!

The plot twist @ the end though 😦Now I need to read Liam’s book asap because WHAT !!!

['The Book Queen' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laike was All Consuming

Laike almost had me in a tizzy with his constant need to run from Braisleigh. She did not have the cooties or anything to fear. She had his little heart in a vice grip, and he acted like a big baby. Laike getting the news about his mother started his spiral to FB Ville. I did not blame Braisleigh for wanting to move on with her life.
I disliked how Laike would dip in and out of Braisleigh’s life like lousy weather leaving a mess every time. The Eisenbergs we're family goals for sure. Luca and the gang made appearances to show family support. It was nice how the family still rallied around Braisleigh, despite Laike’s added drama.

But once Laike figured it out. He was all in. I get it; he was afraid to love and lose again. He wanted B to always be there for him. That part was scary and extra sweet too.
The almost ending and the ending, for now, took away any doubts (oh, I did not have any) about this amazing writing and storytelling. I will be back to see about Pops. This was sooooo good. Okay, Pops...

[Bonn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Imma need someone to explain to me why they said this was a 5 star rating for them.

Y'all are quarter to keeping this book to yourselves - I only love toxic books if I know before going in that it's toxic/dark or whatever otherwise throw it in the ravine.

I am aware that this is a second chance romance of sorts and that I don't like second chance romances and this one wasn't an exception but I will be giving it a rating because I put myself through it anyway.

First and foremost I think we all appreciated Ditto on this book. She was there for me when I was too pissed off reading this.

I normally love it when the couple or one of the pair is being stubborn about them getting back together.. but here? I felt like the hairs on my arms were being pulled out each time they said it.

Regarding laike, I feel like it's my job to address the elephant that wasn't in the room with us and that was his character development - or was he not supposed to have any?

LAIKE
• at this point I just don't like him. I've separated him from being the same brother and son in the first books.
• I would've left laike for good for the fucking stunt he pulled at the celebratory dinner. That was so distasteful.
• he has too much money for him to be acting like such a child.
• seeing everyone encourage Laike in his endeavour put such a damper on the book ☹️.
• "third time's a charm" really laike? That's what we're going with?
• mmmmhhhhh he's being a major hypocrite to this guy talking about "I don't play with my girls"..
• the only thing as disappointing as laikes reasoning about leaving B all those years ago was the stunt he pulled at her dinner.

BAIS
• she's blatantly disrespecting this man she claims to love, that she said yes to, for a man who chewed, spit n shat on her heart the last 10 years?? Where's the self respect sis.
• the fiance cheating thing was such a cliche😂I dunno why I'm shocked by it. Then she's all sad while she was still attached to laike? It's not okay what homeboy did but atleast be honest with yourself too.
• sis... He didn't even have to do anything for him to be invited back into your good graces😒.


Naa y'all can hold this one Imma need to detox with the mindfuck series so I get off this exhaustion zone this book put me in.

[WellReadRuby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to reread this again and then give my review. I don't want to let them go! Basleigh and Laike are just the perfect way to end this series! I definitely recommend this series and this book!!

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this story would be something else, and mannnnn did these two put on a show! 😂 Laike was smart as hell, but just continued to do dumb ish! He regrets how he left things with Baisleigh, but was too prideful to work things out. However, the love remained while he watched her from afar; always making sure she was good. The hold that Laike had on Baisleigh was ironclad! No matter how hard she tried to rid herself of her feelings for Laike, she couldn't. Finally, she finds someone to love her correctly, and it is a dud! Not like Laike was allowing that ish to happen anyway! He was out there showing his ass when he got in his feelings! It took a hard shove for Laike to come back to Baisleigh and beg for her forgiveness, and let the magic begin! I loved Luca, but I think Laike done bumped him out his spot! Laike's mouth, crazy antics and the vulnerability he showed in this read, made me love him more! Baisleigh was his person, there was no denying that! He was ready and willing to do whatever he needed to make life easier for her. Now, that revelation had me afraid that Laike was lacing up his running shoes again, but he surprised me and manned up! Liam! What the hell man? Say it ain't so? Everyone done put you on a pedestal, I hope you haven't done Laura dirty! Can't wait to read his story to see whatsup with that! Great job!

[Eri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laike is my favorite. Laike was cutting up but he knew Baisleigh was his true love. This book kept me entertained from beginning to end. I definitely didn’t see the last two scenes occurring.

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!!!!

I almost can't review this without giving spoilers so I'll just say Grey Huffington elevated her pen in this installment of the Eisenberg Effect.
For a while, I thought Laike would have to win me over. His antics were just so much. But Laike Eisenburg is 100% his authentic self.
I thoroughly enjoyed him and his shenanigans.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and the plot twists just kept coming.
Whew, this was an amazing read! I look forward to 2023!

[Sheronda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

And another one. I love this series. Loved Laike and Basleigh’s story. The ending surprised me. It seemed like the series was ending but I’m glad there’s another book. I need answers!

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baisleigh x Laike

Well, we’ve already established that sadly, I too, may have toxic tendencies, cause I was here for all Laike’s shenanigans. But like my book friend says, as long as the toxicness never makes its way IRL. But I loved Laike. He was self aware, I’ll extend him that grace. But unfortunately the self awareness didn’t do much. Lake had no filters. He says what he means and means what he says. Even with Baisleigh. And speaking of Baisleigh… I.LOVED.THAT.WOMAN. She had the three B’s. Beauty, body and brain. And the way Laike kept fumbling the bag was almost comical. I only wished B would’ve made Laike work harder, but she loved him some Laike. I applaud her for waiting that long for Laike cause, I would never.
The love and bond of the Einsenberg is unmatched. They will stand 10 toes down for each other. Shoot first and ask questions later when it comes to each other. But when Papa Eisenberg told Laike about himself …when Luca told him about himself…bravo. This story was just as good as I thought it would be and to be honest, it left me with more questions than answers. Grey Huffington has made her way to one of my favorites. She’s an amazing storyteller. Can’t wait to figure out what is going on.

[*Ebony I* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew this ending just took me all the way out 😩. It was definitely worth the wait.

Listen just call me a hypocrite because ain't no way I should've loved Laike the way I did because he was toxic as hell. Idc Idc he was everything flaws and all. Laike was a boss in every sense of the word and the BDE was oozing loudly off of this tall, curly haired, expensive smelling THICKKKK man. It was the way he cared for the women in his life, the way he loved on his nieces and nephew, I just wanted him to get it together.... He had the audacity to be tripping when the love of his life moved on after he insisted on soiling his royal oats if you will. The man was sticking it in anything moving for over a decade, but had the nerve to expect that Basleigh would wait for him. The toxicity of it all. He claimed he didn't want to hurt her, but his actions and unwillingness to choose her hurt her for years. Years kept passing and it seemed he didn't think he was worthy of her, and truth be told he did not with the way he was moving.

Basleigh was baaaad. We talking bout a chocolate stallion, with glowing skin, long hair, with all types of body ody ody and on top of all that she was a boss. She also had a sweet demeanor, but also didn't play either. Basleigh was head over heels in love with Laike for most of her life, but when he chose the streets he broke her. Over a decade later the heart still wants what the heart wants, but her mind says it's time to move on. When she finally steps into what she believes is the next phase of her life, toxic Laike says aht, aht, aht. He was loud and wrong and I was here for it 🤷🏾‍♀️ It was about time he manned up and went and got his woman. The journey they went through was definitely full of twists and turns. I will say that I called the story line, but it didn't make my heart hurt any less for them.

There were so many good moments in this book. When Papa Liam checked the mess out of Laike that was one of my favorite scenes. Along with Ever showing up as the supportive friend like always, she is my favorite character in this series. When Laike finally stopped running, my heart was relieved for them. It was the sweetest moment. I knew this book was gonna wear me out, and I enjoyed the journey. I was fully ready to let these characters go.....
Then this damn ending threw me all the way for a loop. Not Papa Liam lawd I wasn't ready. New book me asap.😩

Do yourself a favor and fall in Love with the Eisenbergs like me♥️

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laike was my guy from book 1....Although Luca had that charisma....Laike simply kept it real....His love was reserved specifically for his circle which really only consisted of his family and one special lady who has been a part of his family since they were 11 years old. Baisleigh was the lady we knew Laike would definitely spend the rest of his life with. Laike & Baisleigh went through their typical relationship woes, But, the bottom line was she was it for him....I love how hard they loved one another...I also enjoyed his circle getting on him to help him see his errored ways, this ultimately promoted some growth that we saw in him....I absolutely adore this family and I'm excited for the next installment to see what's going on with Liam.

[Crimson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grey Huffington is a great author. This is a great book.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man! I can not believe Ms. Huffington made me fall for Laike. And fall, I did. I feel kinda like a sucker. But I'm not alone because Baislieigh was just as much of a sucker as me. Really more. Laike had me out here saying EFF YOU VERY MUCH LAIKE! I never would have made it to my HEA with him. But you know what, this man grew up and I was here for it. That plot climax was crazy. I was here for all this toxic drama. Now it is time for Daddy Eilenberg. 😉 Happy reading!

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I tried! I really did for over a month! I just couldn’t do it. I think Laike was just too immature for me. I also could not get over the fact that he let her go for decades to sew his oats and didn’t engage until she had someone else. That’s not love to me. And the fact that she just came running back was weak to me. I just couldn’t buy it. The other siblings were awesome. Just not Laike.

[Nay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew I knew Laike was going to be toxic and I loved it 🤣🥴…I’m pissed it took Laike to see Bais getting married to come to his senses..I’m happy they finally got their HEA

That ending 😒😳..can’t wait for the next book in this series

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me a long time to finish. It was just something about Laike that I just did not like. He was a bit much in my opinion. I don’t like to DNF books so I read this slowly lol

[Anniscia Montanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmmmm I knew you were gonna come with the 🔥in Laike! This book was everything and some. I love how Laike finally got his shit together and got his woman. Great read, but I’m ready for 2023!!

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗣️Luca!!!! Come get your brother!!!! When I say this nxgga Laike had zero marbles in his jar!!! He lost them all in this book and I spent all 329 pages trying to collect the mfs🤧🤧🤣🤣 I knew Laike wasn’t playing with a full deck but he was in rare form!

It was too much like right to expect an easy love like we had with Luca and Ever. Hxll I would’ve even taken a chaotic one like we got with Ken and Lyric….. nooooo we got some toxic as$ mf love!! Laike worked nerves I didn’t know I had! If you look up Toxic in the dictionary you’d surely find an 8x10 of Laike’s as$!! But let me just say if there was ever a toxic love to have, this was it! Call me crazy but I loved EVERYTHING about Laike and Baisleigh’s journey! From him crying to his mama to Luca putting his proverbial foot up Laike’s as$. Laike and Baisleigh were everything when they were finally able to get things right. Men know they cannot take what they dish out! Baisleigh had this nxgga crying in a Hellcat! 🤣🤣

I’m not gone lie parts of me were like 🗣️Baisleigh move TF on!!!!! Ain’t no mf way I’m waiting 15 years or how ever many years she waited for him to knock down every bxtch is Channing only to decide I’m the one he’s always wanted. Nxgga kick rocks with open toe shoes on!! But I guess the heart wants what the heart wants!! That ending had me spent!!!! I can’t wait for what’s in store!! Ish just got real af!!!

And let me just add, the way Grey wrote these wealthy black kings loving and protecting their women and children was everything!

[artsandgrace *ೃ༄ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 50%

I just… Fuck you, Laike. I was disappointed with Ken, but Laike? Nope. Nuh uh. I hate his ass and what he did to Baisleigh. I wanted to keep going for her, but I just can’t. As a brother and son, Laike was a dream. As a man, he was a poor excuse.

He could fuck around for A DECADE but when B was finally happy (disregarding Nicholas’s bullshit for a moment here), he plowed on like a bull in china shop, embarassing her and making a scene everywhere? Nope.

And her just going “okay” at him after he didn’t even grovel that much? AHHHHH FUCK. HAVE SOME DIGNITY WOMAN PLEASE

I just can’t. I’m sorry. I love you, B, but Laike ain’t it.

[📚MekaG Readz📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boi if Laike anint touch a nerve!!! It felt like he played in my face the way he did Baisleigh. Played with her heart all those years only to act an a$$ when she so called moves on. He came back only to run again dragging some baggage that almost end up biting him in the end. Baisleigh was my girl tho, real version of using hurt to move on and try to live her life. She almost made a bad decision but dm’s saved her life. Laike made his true feelings know and got her back even with an added situation to mix but they got their HEA!!! Now a mystery person shows up during family Sunday dinner and now Liam has some explaining to do…….. yup you guessed it, cliffhanger!!!!!

[Bethany Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

laike was by far (so far) my favorite book of the eisenberg effect series. this story was well done, and very well developed. i loved how self aware laike was and how he acknowledged and owned up to his mistakes (although he was a little hard headed sometimes and did some things unhinged) lol! and i love how great of a woman basleigh was to herself and to laike. they were definitely a great second chance romance that I really enjoyed reading. their love story was by far my favorite so far, and this book was also hilarious!! so happy to say i rate this 5 stars 🥹✨

[martha fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laike, Laike, Laike

I didn't know what to expect with this book but was pleasantly surprised how Laike's story turned out. He was frustratingly sexy, straight alpha and all BDE. The toast he made at Basleigh's engagement was ballsy, so Laike! I didn't know how they recover from the shocking news and somehow love prevailed like a ... more to come in the Domino effect...can't wait. Oh yeah Laike is hilarious if you are looking for a good laugh throughout the book.

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review to come. I have to really sit and marinate on my thoughts

[The Diva Den Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart and this book 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

[Reading with Yolandas Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laike and B. was a staple in this story!
10 out 10 ⭐️
The relationship between the two was true love in my eye sight. The way those two reacted to each other was just the perfect element of childhood true love in the making; in my eyes and I was just loving it and the energy. B was a black woman that was in love with her childhood friend and at the time of this book Laike was not ready for that until he saw that she was getting with another person and the way Laike stepped up his game and everything just was great again and the way things happen was just great.
Awesome Book!!!

[Tanira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I am a big fan of this author. I have read probably every novella GH has published and absolutely loved most of them. When reading those novellas I often wished they were longer, that I had just a little more time to love on the characters. As GH is expanding into the full-length novels, I can see the challenge. I think GH is a master at quickly building chemistry between her MCs. In this novel (and the few others I’ve read), there tends to be so much unnecessary words or actions or thoughts going on that really adds no value to the story being told. I struggled with this book and honestly started first skimming paragraphs and eventually skipping full pages because there was so much narrative monologue that I just didn’t find any interest in. I also think there was so much happening off-page that I had a hard time following. Female MC went from single to engaged to single again in a 3 month time span of maybe 3 chapters (I didn’t count) but none of that happens really on the page. We’re kind of just told it did. While this engagement ending was (too) convenient for the male MC, it left me as a reader a little confused on the females MCs judgment. I made it to roughly 50% (probably only reading maybe half of it) and by then I just wanted to skip to the last 5% to see what the outcome was. I do believe in GH’s storytelling talent and I’ll be excited once she finds her footing with novels.

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to conclude... or begin... this series. When it comes to details, the book is incredibly vivid, and I can envision everything. Baisleigh was waiting for her HEA, and I wished she didn't have to wait for Laike for so long... shidd I wouldn't. This was Laike's shot at redemption at love, and he seemed to have woken up and gotten his lady. This was a wild trip, and I believe Laike deserved it after all the years of agony he caused Baisleigh. Grey has a knack for creating authentic and honest relationships. Every sibiling love tale in the series was unique, which I appreciated. As Grey said, experiencing a strong family dynamic and healthy black love is always refreshing to read. Laike had me in tears of laughter and rolling my eyes with irritation. Until next time, Eisenberg, because things are about to get serious.

[Kenya · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ i enjoyed the artistry of this book, but hated to see a woman being mistreated/abused/traumatized and told it’s passion/love in a romance novel. 🥴 huffington did pull me out of a months long book slump though.

[Myramaynes]

DNF at 43%
The FMC has no self esteem whatsoever, it's so embarassing...