What do you think?
Rate this book
Under The Influence : A Down South Hood Love
Men will stab you in the lungs and ask why you’re having trouble breathing. At least, that’s what happened to Naomi Michaels, not once, not twice, but three times and every situation ended the same. She would be stuck with another baby, and the daddy was nowhere to be found. She was no stranger to curve balls that life tossed her way, but she was a tough cookie, often turning lemons into lemonade. However, some situations are impossible to get out of, and she had to learn the hard way.
When her latest boyfriend, Haze, commits the ultimate deceit and betrayal, she makes sure it’s his last time. But one quick and impulsive decision could cost her life. She wakes up the dirty streets of Birmingham, and vengeance is in the air. Haze’s brothers want vengeance in blood from the chick who cost him his life. They tear the city down, trying to get their hands on this hood beauty but soon find it difficult.
Naomi has a little brother who will go toe to toe with the devil behind her and everyone in his circle. What she didn’t expect was to cross paths with a handsome rude boy who had her feeling some type of way—De’Vondre, aka Von.
This country boy is known for putting drugs through the city and breaking backs more than hearts. Von doesn’t do the whole love facade and doesn’t plan to. Any woman he deals with only has fourteen days with him. Meanwhile, Naomi screams forget love from the deepest pit of her stomach and vows never to let another man get close to her. But what happens when they both break their own rules and can’t leave each other alone? This roller coaster ride of drama will have you stuck from page one to the end.
When her latest boyfriend, Haze, commits the ultimate deceit and betrayal, she makes sure it’s his last time. But one quick and impulsive decision could cost her life. She wakes up the dirty streets of Birmingham, and vengeance is in the air. Haze’s brothers want vengeance in blood from the chick who cost him his life. They tear the city down, trying to get their hands on this hood beauty but soon find it difficult.
Naomi has a little brother who will go toe to toe with the devil behind her and everyone in his circle. What she didn’t expect was to cross paths with a handsome rude boy who had her feeling some type of way—De’Vondre, aka Von.
This country boy is known for putting drugs through the city and breaking backs more than hearts. Von doesn’t do the whole love facade and doesn’t plan to. Any woman he deals with only has fourteen days with him. Meanwhile, Naomi screams forget love from the deepest pit of her stomach and vows never to let another man get close to her. But what happens when they both break their own rules and can’t leave each other alone? This roller coaster ride of drama will have you stuck from page one to the end.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2022
224 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 13, 2022
When The Decision One Makes Makes It Seem Impossible To Change!
Leilani, man oh man this cliffhanger! I don't know how this is gonna play out. Naomi
lived her life as she saw fit. She made decisions without thinking although her reasoning in her mind made sense. Having a family that made up their minds on her she was finally thinking she would grow up and play the hand she was dealt.
Everytime she thought her sky would be a tad bit blue it turned to grey. Naomi, needed to take accountability for her actions and maybe she could accept everyone wasn't out to get her.
Tiana , Rahiem and Naomi really didn't have a good role model, so they did what needed to be done for each other. Rahiem, was his sister's protector,now it may be more than anyone can help. Devonte doesn't understand what's going on with his feelings, he won't admit what he is feeling and he is intertwined now rather he wants to be or not. I'm praying Naomi can really open her self to see what she needs to do to better herself and her children. I hope its a light at the end of the tunnel.🤗🤗🤗🤗
Leilani, man oh man this cliffhanger! I don't know how this is gonna play out. Naomi
lived her life as she saw fit. She made decisions without thinking although her reasoning in her mind made sense. Having a family that made up their minds on her she was finally thinking she would grow up and play the hand she was dealt.
Everytime she thought her sky would be a tad bit blue it turned to grey. Naomi, needed to take accountability for her actions and maybe she could accept everyone wasn't out to get her.
Tiana , Rahiem and Naomi really didn't have a good role model, so they did what needed to be done for each other. Rahiem, was his sister's protector,now it may be more than anyone can help. Devonte doesn't understand what's going on with his feelings, he won't admit what he is feeling and he is intertwined now rather he wants to be or not. I'm praying Naomi can really open her self to see what she needs to do to better herself and her children. I hope its a light at the end of the tunnel.🤗🤗🤗🤗
December 15, 2022
Hoping for the best...
OMG...what else could possibly go wrong? Naomi is the poster child for "If i didnt have bad luck I would have no luck at all"! My heart truly goes out to her because she is being tested from all sides. I glad go see that Hakeim is there for her but her mom & sister are something else. I think Von has good intentions and can be a good asset but he is letting his occupation take precedence. That cliffhanger was not expected but i thought if was gonna be with Dr Chapel finding out who Naomis' sister is. I hope it doesnt add to what she aleady has going on. This story can go so many directions and im anxiously waiting to see what path it takes. Overall I would recommend this book because the storyline flowed well and kept you interested, wondering what would happen next and there were no editing issues. Everything seems believable and the storyline wasnt drawn out but straight to the point which made for what seemed like a quick read.
OMG...what else could possibly go wrong? Naomi is the poster child for "If i didnt have bad luck I would have no luck at all"! My heart truly goes out to her because she is being tested from all sides. I glad go see that Hakeim is there for her but her mom & sister are something else. I think Von has good intentions and can be a good asset but he is letting his occupation take precedence. That cliffhanger was not expected but i thought if was gonna be with Dr Chapel finding out who Naomis' sister is. I hope it doesnt add to what she aleady has going on. This story can go so many directions and im anxiously waiting to see what path it takes. Overall I would recommend this book because the storyline flowed well and kept you interested, wondering what would happen next and there were no editing issues. Everything seems believable and the storyline wasnt drawn out but straight to the point which made for what seemed like a quick read.
December 12, 2022
Great Book
I like Naomi but life just keeps giving her it's azz to kiss. Baby girl just can't catch a break and it breaks my heart. I love Hiem, regardless of anyone he ten fingers and ten toes down for his sister Nae. He down to ride for everyone he love really, even if he is kinda mental. I like Camilla for him though because she seems to calm him down with ease. Ion know how I feel about their sister Tiana though. I don't blame Nae her for not wanting any help from her when she just gonna complain and throw it back in her face about helping her. I kinda like Von but I don't know if he's good for Naomi. I think she needs to work on herself for awhile although I do hope those are his twins. I pray that Dray will be alright cause I don't believe Naomi can handle any more bad news.💖💖
I like Naomi but life just keeps giving her it's azz to kiss. Baby girl just can't catch a break and it breaks my heart. I love Hiem, regardless of anyone he ten fingers and ten toes down for his sister Nae. He down to ride for everyone he love really, even if he is kinda mental. I like Camilla for him though because she seems to calm him down with ease. Ion know how I feel about their sister Tiana though. I don't blame Nae her for not wanting any help from her when she just gonna complain and throw it back in her face about helping her. I kinda like Von but I don't know if he's good for Naomi. I think she needs to work on herself for awhile although I do hope those are his twins. I pray that Dray will be alright cause I don't believe Naomi can handle any more bad news.💖💖
December 15, 2022
🔥🔥🔥
Naomi couldn't catch a break. She did a good job for removing her momma and sister. I adore Rahiem, and no matter who he is, he always puts his sister Nae first, he is willing to ride for anyone he loves. However, Camilla is better for him because she appears to settle him down easily and be his peace he needs. I realize Tiana attempting to be an good sibling but I couldn't stand her, I hate a person who do for you and turn around and throw it in your face. Haze and Trey got what their karma. I hope Dray is okay bcuz I know Naomi cant deal with any more terrible news. I somewhat like Von yet I couldn't say whether he's really great for Naomi. I think she really need to deal with herself for a little while, self love herself, despite the fact that I truly do think those are his twins. I need part two ASAP!!!
Naomi couldn't catch a break. She did a good job for removing her momma and sister. I adore Rahiem, and no matter who he is, he always puts his sister Nae first, he is willing to ride for anyone he loves. However, Camilla is better for him because she appears to settle him down easily and be his peace he needs. I realize Tiana attempting to be an good sibling but I couldn't stand her, I hate a person who do for you and turn around and throw it in your face. Haze and Trey got what their karma. I hope Dray is okay bcuz I know Naomi cant deal with any more terrible news. I somewhat like Von yet I couldn't say whether he's really great for Naomi. I think she really need to deal with herself for a little while, self love herself, despite the fact that I truly do think those are his twins. I need part two ASAP!!!
December 15, 2022
If it wasn’t for bad luck!!
If it wasn’t for bad luck for Naomi won’t have any luck at all!! I feel so bad for her everytime I feel like she was finally starting to get it together something else drastic happens and pull her back down!! I was hoping her and Von got together and he helped her become the wonderful person that I feel that she is, it’s just the stumbling blocks that keep holding her back. Now on to Tiana and her mom they were so wrong for shipping them kids out like that!! They girl wasn’t locked up a week and they were already sending her kids off I don’t blame her for not messing with either of them! Rahiem is the definition of a ride or die brother he holds it down for his sister and I love their relationship I just hope Naomi baby is okay and I feel like in part 2 things are going to get worse for poor Naomi before they get better.
If it wasn’t for bad luck for Naomi won’t have any luck at all!! I feel so bad for her everytime I feel like she was finally starting to get it together something else drastic happens and pull her back down!! I was hoping her and Von got together and he helped her become the wonderful person that I feel that she is, it’s just the stumbling blocks that keep holding her back. Now on to Tiana and her mom they were so wrong for shipping them kids out like that!! They girl wasn’t locked up a week and they were already sending her kids off I don’t blame her for not messing with either of them! Rahiem is the definition of a ride or die brother he holds it down for his sister and I love their relationship I just hope Naomi baby is okay and I feel like in part 2 things are going to get worse for poor Naomi before they get better.
January 21, 2023
Toxic Society
I’m completely appalled by everyone taking up for Naomi! This is why the world we live in is so toxic! Naomi was/is a bad parent who wants to keep having children with no accountability and wants to keep asking her sister for help! And how are you constantly broke as a stripper??? Are y’all serious talking about she couldn’t catch a break??? Everything she went through was because of her poor decisions!! She knew what type of time Haze was on as well as her brother!! Now she’s contemplating twins!!!!! No wayyy!! Yes I’m pro choice but not if you’re already a horrible parent who isn’t trying she need to go to jail so she can be left alone with her thoughts! Maybe her kids will have a better chance at life!
I’m completely appalled by everyone taking up for Naomi! This is why the world we live in is so toxic! Naomi was/is a bad parent who wants to keep having children with no accountability and wants to keep asking her sister for help! And how are you constantly broke as a stripper??? Are y’all serious talking about she couldn’t catch a break??? Everything she went through was because of her poor decisions!! She knew what type of time Haze was on as well as her brother!! Now she’s contemplating twins!!!!! No wayyy!! Yes I’m pro choice but not if you’re already a horrible parent who isn’t trying she need to go to jail so she can be left alone with her thoughts! Maybe her kids will have a better chance at life!
December 13, 2022
When it rains, it pours.. Seems like Naomie couldn't catch a break. Somebody stole her car then she come face to face with Haze's brother. It was either kill or be killed with your babies.. Now Mar
iah she's a true dummy! How you gonna get your tailed whopped
and come back a few days later.i love how Heim rides for Nae. I know Tiara feels bad for listening to her mother about the kids but the way she talked to Nae was how she got more feeling with that F it attitude.. I sure hope she doesn't cause Nae her job....the momma no words..But Amaud is his audacity for me! I sure hope Drayton is okay. Now Von....jury still out. Part 2 me quickly!!
iah she's a true dummy! How you gonna get your tailed whopped
and come back a few days later.i love how Heim rides for Nae. I know Tiara feels bad for listening to her mother about the kids but the way she talked to Nae was how she got more feeling with that F it attitude.. I sure hope she doesn't cause Nae her job....the momma no words..But Amaud is his audacity for me! I sure hope Drayton is okay. Now Von....jury still out. Part 2 me quickly!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2022
hmmm
I’m amazed by the amount of reviews taking up for Naomi. I live by the saying “if you know better you do better.” Naomi wasn’t trying do better. Everything that happen was HER FAULT. She has no accountability at all. Nothing her mama or sister said or did was wrong. It’s not their jobs to take care of her kids especially if they have fathers. Ahmaud didn’t even know he had a child 😒 then to want to bring more kids into that environment is just wild to me. She’s broke, her kids bad, she can’t even take care of them, constantly asking for money, she high key a prostitute, but everybody else the problem🙄 Raheim isn’t doing anything but enabling her behavior.
I’m amazed by the amount of reviews taking up for Naomi. I live by the saying “if you know better you do better.” Naomi wasn’t trying do better. Everything that happen was HER FAULT. She has no accountability at all. Nothing her mama or sister said or did was wrong. It’s not their jobs to take care of her kids especially if they have fathers. Ahmaud didn’t even know he had a child 😒 then to want to bring more kids into that environment is just wild to me. She’s broke, her kids bad, she can’t even take care of them, constantly asking for money, she high key a prostitute, but everybody else the problem🙄 Raheim isn’t doing anything but enabling her behavior.
December 14, 2022
Woah
Jeez Naomi just can’t catch a break! She’s definitely one of those people where when it rains it pours! I love the fact that Raheim comes in and helps his sister when she asks for help! I really think that quite a few things are happening because she won’t take accountability for her actions! She also needs to discipline her the disrespect was at all time high. Let’s hope things get better for her including her relationship with her mom and sister! I’m hoping Drag is okay! Can’t wait for the next installment!
Jeez Naomi just can’t catch a break! She’s definitely one of those people where when it rains it pours! I love the fact that Raheim comes in and helps his sister when she asks for help! I really think that quite a few things are happening because she won’t take accountability for her actions! She also needs to discipline her the disrespect was at all time high. Let’s hope things get better for her including her relationship with her mom and sister! I’m hoping Drag is okay! Can’t wait for the next installment!
December 14, 2022
Wow
Although Rahiem is crazy I love him.he don't play about his's sisters. I love Camilla for him she is his peace.i know Tiana trying to be a big sister but she gets on my nerves. She always throws it back in Naomi face about her helping her.i thought Dr. Brandon was a good man. He had a whole wife and daughter at home. Trey and Haze got what they deserved.Naomi can't catch a break I hope she gets her life together. I hope Drayton is ok.i don't know how I feel about von. Can't wait to read part 2
Although Rahiem is crazy I love him.he don't play about his's sisters. I love Camilla for him she is his peace.i know Tiana trying to be a big sister but she gets on my nerves. She always throws it back in Naomi face about her helping her.i thought Dr. Brandon was a good man. He had a whole wife and daughter at home. Trey and Haze got what they deserved.Naomi can't catch a break I hope she gets her life together. I hope Drayton is ok.i don't know how I feel about von. Can't wait to read part 2
December 15, 2022
Omg!!
This book was so good. Naomi was really going through it. I kind of felt bad for her, but she did make a lot of bad decisions of her part. But everyone makes bad decisions. You live and you learn from them. Her brother Heim was a straight nut case to say the least. Her mom and sister always had something bad to say about her instead of uplifting her and encouraging her to do and be better. Her kids were bad though. They really needed a good butt whopping. I can’t wait to read part 2.
This book was so good. Naomi was really going through it. I kind of felt bad for her, but she did make a lot of bad decisions of her part. But everyone makes bad decisions. You live and you learn from them. Her brother Heim was a straight nut case to say the least. Her mom and sister always had something bad to say about her instead of uplifting her and encouraging her to do and be better. Her kids were bad though. They really needed a good butt whopping. I can’t wait to read part 2.
December 14, 2022
Praying for better days
Dang she just couldn't catch a break for nothing everything just coming her way from murder cases her kids being too much to handle and being pregnant and don't know who the father is I feel for ther girl I hope things start to get better for her but I don't think so being that dray just got her in another situation wow..can't wait for the next part cause this book was everything
Dang she just couldn't catch a break for nothing everything just coming her way from murder cases her kids being too much to handle and being pregnant and don't know who the father is I feel for ther girl I hope things start to get better for her but I don't think so being that dray just got her in another situation wow..can't wait for the next part cause this book was everything
January 12, 2023
Life changing
At first I was going to not read this book but then I realized that Nimani shared some characteristics i once had, single parent, working to survive, always choosing the wrong dudes. However it got real when dude hit her now she did the right thing but this reaction caused consequences and might I say this book I couldn’t stop listening too. So please tell me where’s part 2
At first I was going to not read this book but then I realized that Nimani shared some characteristics i once had, single parent, working to survive, always choosing the wrong dudes. However it got real when dude hit her now she did the right thing but this reaction caused consequences and might I say this book I couldn’t stop listening too. So please tell me where’s part 2
December 13, 2022
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Poor Naomi she can’t seem to catch a break I just hope and pray she gets everything in order so she could do right by her kids cause for knows her boys needs her more than ever I can’t wait for Part 2 cause I know my favorite Author won’t disappoint us with how Naomi is going to come on top
Poor Naomi she can’t seem to catch a break I just hope and pray she gets everything in order so she could do right by her kids cause for knows her boys needs her more than ever I can’t wait for Part 2 cause I know my favorite Author won’t disappoint us with how Naomi is going to come on top
December 15, 2022
Jaw dropper
I know that every has their share of dark days but Naomi seem to be having dark years. We should be able to lean on our family at all times but between Tiana and their Mom, Naomi doesn’t stand a chance, if it wasn’t for Rahiem she’d be in worst condition than she is. I thought Von would be her saving Grace but that isn’t even looking good right now. Hopefully in the 2nd book Leilani will give Naismith a lil bit of sunshine.
I know that every has their share of dark days but Naomi seem to be having dark years. We should be able to lean on our family at all times but between Tiana and their Mom, Naomi doesn’t stand a chance, if it wasn’t for Rahiem she’d be in worst condition than she is. I thought Von would be her saving Grace but that isn’t even looking good right now. Hopefully in the 2nd book Leilani will give Naismith a lil bit of sunshine.
December 15, 2022
wow
That ending omg I didn’t see that coming at all. This author gave us a page turner for real. All these characters were a hot mess. Lord Naomi I will pray for you. Leilani wrote the heck out of this book. Not one time did I feel like I could put I down. The story the flow the characters were all good. Great job can’t wait for part 2.
That ending omg I didn’t see that coming at all. This author gave us a page turner for real. All these characters were a hot mess. Lord Naomi I will pray for you. Leilani wrote the heck out of this book. Not one time did I feel like I could put I down. The story the flow the characters were all good. Great job can’t wait for part 2.
December 15, 2022
must read book
Damn this book was good I can’t believe this girl luck she can’t win for losing. She about to fight three hard battles a murder charge, custody case and get her son Dre back because he swallowed cleaning products. Damn I really hope she get through this they might even want to take the rest of the kids now.. need part two asap
Damn this book was good I can’t believe this girl luck she can’t win for losing. She about to fight three hard battles a murder charge, custody case and get her son Dre back because he swallowed cleaning products. Damn I really hope she get through this they might even want to take the rest of the kids now.. need part two asap
January 8, 2023
😳
Nobody has that much bad luck in less than a years time. Unless something is mentally wrong with the 2 year old then his character doing the most unbelievable stuff. Why the author decided to throw all those wrenches in the storyline beats me but it's taking away from what could have been a great 1st book.
Nobody has that much bad luck in less than a years time. Unless something is mentally wrong with the 2 year old then his character doing the most unbelievable stuff. Why the author decided to throw all those wrenches in the storyline beats me but it's taking away from what could have been a great 1st book.
February 1, 2023
Great read
Omg Naomi can not catch a break. I hope her baby is ok an I wonder what the Marshalls want... heim is crazy an dont care bout popping off bout his family. Von really need to make up his mind either he want Naomi or dont. They mama is a whole mess an the sister need to not follow an make her own mind up.
Felicia
Omg Naomi can not catch a break. I hope her baby is ok an I wonder what the Marshalls want... heim is crazy an dont care bout popping off bout his family. Von really need to make up his mind either he want Naomi or dont. They mama is a whole mess an the sister need to not follow an make her own mind up.
Felicia
February 2, 2023
never a dull moment
This book right here is so good! I love Naomi and I feel so bad for how life has kicked her down. I love Hiem! He’s a little crazy but only out of love for his family. If you want a good, entertaining read, definitely give this book a go! I’ll be starting part 2 tomorrow
This book right here is so good! I love Naomi and I feel so bad for how life has kicked her down. I love Hiem! He’s a little crazy but only out of love for his family. If you want a good, entertaining read, definitely give this book a go! I’ll be starting part 2 tomorrow
December 14, 2022
Excellent
This book was everything from beginning to end every page intense story well written couples well match each other couples going through it sisters and brother are close praying for happy ending
This book was everything from beginning to end every page intense story well written couples well match each other couples going through it sisters and brother are close praying for happy ending
December 14, 2022
review
I felt bad for Naomi but i think it’s time for her to grow up!! She can’t catch a break. I’m on the fence about Von! I do believe this could have been a stand alone but hey let’s see what part two brings
I felt bad for Naomi but i think it’s time for her to grow up!! She can’t catch a break. I’m on the fence about Von! I do believe this could have been a stand alone but hey let’s see what part two brings
February 19, 2023
Great read these characters in this book were a bit on the immature side . Naomi wreckers bevaior von scared to love Tiana snooty behind. Sll, though they were immature, the drama was there tenfold, which made this a great read.
February 19, 2023
Good Read
Damn it's a good read But my girl can't catch a break for nothing, Kudos to the author This read is kind of like If you didn't have bad luck you wouldn't have no luck Anyway I'm on to the follow up
Damn it's a good read But my girl can't catch a break for nothing, Kudos to the author This read is kind of like If you didn't have bad luck you wouldn't have no luck Anyway I'm on to the follow up
December 13, 2022
Ugh
I'm so mad I was so I to this book that I finished too soon. I need part two like yesterday!!!
I'm so mad I was so I to this book that I finished too soon. I need part two like yesterday!!!
December 14, 2022
This was a captivating read from page 1. Naomi can’t catch a break. She did right by cutting her momma and sister off. But please don’t lead her to drugs her babies need her.
Come on book 2
Come on book 2
December 22, 2022
Ok read
This was an ok read. Not enough action for me but it wasn't terrible. That's why I gave it 3 stars. That's just my personal opinion.
This was an ok read. Not enough action for me but it wasn't terrible. That's why I gave it 3 stars. That's just my personal opinion.
December 30, 2022
yesssss
I loved this book and can’t wait for part 2. I have so many questions. It’s so many ways you can spin this book but I hope she get it together and get her happy ending
I loved this book and can’t wait for part 2. I have so many questions. It’s so many ways you can spin this book but I hope she get it together and get her happy ending
January 29, 2023
Good Read!
This was such a good book. It was good from the beginning to the end. I can't wait to see what happens next!
This was such a good book. It was good from the beginning to the end. I can't wait to see what happens next!
March 31, 2023
lord
I just pray that everything works out for her in the next book.. she trying really trying and it’s just getting bad for her.. I feel her pain but the book is soooo good!
I just pray that everything works out for her in the next book.. she trying really trying and it’s just getting bad for her.. I feel her pain but the book is soooo good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews