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Lawless
Bernadette "Bernie" Hunt prides herself on never settling. In school, she was always at the top of her class, and after graduating from Spellman with honors she landed a job at one of Atlanta's top marketing firms. She lives by her father's motto: the best of everything, or nothing at all.
Bernie excels in life, but love is another story. Being gorgeous, smart and from a well-to-do family, she has no shortage of high society suitors vying for her attention, but when measured against her father, none seem good enough. This changes when she meets Keith Davis, a hot shot lawyer recently hired at her father's firm.
Keith is handsome, financially stable, and as skilled in the bedroom as he is in open court, with an infectious personality that draws people, including Bernie, to him. Being new to Atlanta from New Orleans, Keith's past is somewhat of a mystery, but that doesn't stop Bernie from falling head over heels for him. The day Keith gets down on one knee and proposes to Bernie is one of the happiest of her life. She has found a kindred soul who seems to bring everything to the table... including a dark secret.
When Keith is unexpectedly summoned back to New Orleans to attend the funeral of a relative killed under questionable circumstances, Bernie insists on being by his side. Their trip to the Big Easy will find the couple in the middle of a murder mystery that Keith has been reluctantly charged to solve. During the investigation into the slaying, secrets will be unearthed about Keith's past that cause Bernie to question everything she thought she knew about the man she's agreed to marry.
Bernie excels in life, but love is another story. Being gorgeous, smart and from a well-to-do family, she has no shortage of high society suitors vying for her attention, but when measured against her father, none seem good enough. This changes when she meets Keith Davis, a hot shot lawyer recently hired at her father's firm.
Keith is handsome, financially stable, and as skilled in the bedroom as he is in open court, with an infectious personality that draws people, including Bernie, to him. Being new to Atlanta from New Orleans, Keith's past is somewhat of a mystery, but that doesn't stop Bernie from falling head over heels for him. The day Keith gets down on one knee and proposes to Bernie is one of the happiest of her life. She has found a kindred soul who seems to bring everything to the table... including a dark secret.
When Keith is unexpectedly summoned back to New Orleans to attend the funeral of a relative killed under questionable circumstances, Bernie insists on being by his side. Their trip to the Big Easy will find the couple in the middle of a murder mystery that Keith has been reluctantly charged to solve. During the investigation into the slaying, secrets will be unearthed about Keith's past that cause Bernie to question everything she thought she knew about the man she's agreed to marry.
288 pages, Audiobook
Published January 29, 2019
73 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
K'wan
86 books1,532 followersIn 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 2, 2019
K'wan don't owe me nothing when it comes to this story! Lawless was everything I've waited for in a book for the last 2 years from this author! While the characters aren't entirely brand new as we've met them before in the hood rat series, they are new enough to be a breath of fresh air.
When reading a book by K'wan, one gets the love and feel of the streets and how those who run those streets are impacted by them. The hustle, bustle and struggle can be felt on any of the pages of a K'wan book. But Lawless had a different feel literally from the first page. You felt the impact Killer Keith's family had on him from a distance. How he was somehow different from them yet still the same. The Savage family may be Savages but the impact they have on each other is one any family can relate to. I can personally pinpoint 1 family member of my own for each of the Savage family members. The passion and aggression can be felt jumping off the pages of this book and I loved every second of it. There were some typos in the paperback but I don't care cuz it was little stuff like a dropped letter or an extra one. Otherwise this book was absolutely perfect!
When reading a book by K'wan, one gets the love and feel of the streets and how those who run those streets are impacted by them. The hustle, bustle and struggle can be felt on any of the pages of a K'wan book. But Lawless had a different feel literally from the first page. You felt the impact Killer Keith's family had on him from a distance. How he was somehow different from them yet still the same. The Savage family may be Savages but the impact they have on each other is one any family can relate to. I can personally pinpoint 1 family member of my own for each of the Savage family members. The passion and aggression can be felt jumping off the pages of this book and I loved every second of it. There were some typos in the paperback but I don't care cuz it was little stuff like a dropped letter or an extra one. Otherwise this book was absolutely perfect!
February 6, 2019
Realistic... Introspective... Heart string pulling...gritty...raw!
In classic K'wan fashion, he reunites us with some beloved characters while painting an engaging story. Keith was my favorite and most relatable character. I often found myself going through the motions with him. My heart hurt for Mad Dog the most. He reminded of Animal in several ways. I fought with tears at various points throughout the story and I applaud K'wan for yet another amazing read. I can't wait to see what happens next with these characters!
In classic K'wan fashion, he reunites us with some beloved characters while painting an engaging story. Keith was my favorite and most relatable character. I often found myself going through the motions with him. My heart hurt for Mad Dog the most. He reminded of Animal in several ways. I fought with tears at various points throughout the story and I applaud K'wan for yet another amazing read. I can't wait to see what happens next with these characters!
March 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel! K'wan is still a beast with a pen! I can only hope there will be a sequel as this definitely starts a war! I was glad to see Shai Clark lol up and dealing and King James is still acting up! Great story it will be nice to see how everything plays out with Keith and Bernadette as well as the Savage family!
June 6, 2020
My review in 6 words: Beware of those damn savages
This was a decent read, I can’t say I hated it. Keith has put in a lot of work to re establish himself as a new person in all new territory. But when tragedy strikes, every son of a Savage must show face. From the moment, Keith arrives we learn why he ran in the first place. The book left me with more questions than answers but I am sure it will be a part 2 and maybe I will find the answers within those pages
This was a decent read, I can’t say I hated it. Keith has put in a lot of work to re establish himself as a new person in all new territory. But when tragedy strikes, every son of a Savage must show face. From the moment, Keith arrives we learn why he ran in the first place. The book left me with more questions than answers but I am sure it will be a part 2 and maybe I will find the answers within those pages
November 4, 2025
The Savage family was with ALL the shits!
August 12, 2019
Omg this book was really good from start to finish. Keith was a good ole’ boy with a scandalous pass that he never wanted to be revealed. One his cousin was killed all the skeletons were let out the closet. All I can say is King better watch his step and his ass because now those damn Savages are on his ass. And now that Keith has reunited with with his family but he thinks he’s not going back to his old ways he lying to himself and Mad Dog is about to tear New York up looking to King god have mercy on his soul once he finds him. Can’t wait to read part two hopefully it will be a part two.....
March 4, 2019
I HATE K'WAN😍
This man is a GENIUS with his stories. Great character development for everyone who matters and those who don't. EVERY book you come across someone mentioned in a previous book and then you're caught up trying to remember what book and what role they played so you end up going back to read it again and BAM! Hooked all over again lol. I need the next story already! #TeamAnimal
This man is a GENIUS with his stories. Great character development for everyone who matters and those who don't. EVERY book you come across someone mentioned in a previous book and then you're caught up trying to remember what book and what role they played so you end up going back to read it again and BAM! Hooked all over again lol. I need the next story already! #TeamAnimal
May 9, 2019
3. 5 stars
This story follows the relationship between Keith and Bernie and Keith and the Savage Family. Bernie & Keith are both successful professionals who meet and fall in love. While Bernie gives herself and her family to Keith freely, Keith has a few savage secrets that he is holding on to for dear life. Unfortunately for Keith, life has other plans and secrets don't stay hidden.
Keith, who goes by his father's last name of Davis, has to head home and face his past and his family. Once home he is confronted with murder, lies, lost loves and telling his fiance, Bernie the truth. I love the way the author's characters intersect/cross over into each other's worlds. If you look at the world he has created, you have your next addictive cable series.
My only negative was that I needed the narrator to have a bit more grittiness, rawness when voicing Keith. He came across too soft. I think he needed to have an edge to him, which I didn't find in the narrator's delivery. Each time he was called "Killa", I kept thinking not this guy. He is definitely Keith Davis, not Keith Savage, which could have been the author's intent. Outside of that, the production quality was superb as expected. The primary characters were developed, the plot was sound as were the structure and formatting. Overall this was an okay listen, even without the usual fire I have come to expect from this talented author.
This story follows the relationship between Keith and Bernie and Keith and the Savage Family. Bernie & Keith are both successful professionals who meet and fall in love. While Bernie gives herself and her family to Keith freely, Keith has a few savage secrets that he is holding on to for dear life. Unfortunately for Keith, life has other plans and secrets don't stay hidden.
Keith, who goes by his father's last name of Davis, has to head home and face his past and his family. Once home he is confronted with murder, lies, lost loves and telling his fiance, Bernie the truth. I love the way the author's characters intersect/cross over into each other's worlds. If you look at the world he has created, you have your next addictive cable series.
My only negative was that I needed the narrator to have a bit more grittiness, rawness when voicing Keith. He came across too soft. I think he needed to have an edge to him, which I didn't find in the narrator's delivery. Each time he was called "Killa", I kept thinking not this guy. He is definitely Keith Davis, not Keith Savage, which could have been the author's intent. Outside of that, the production quality was superb as expected. The primary characters were developed, the plot was sound as were the structure and formatting. Overall this was an okay listen, even without the usual fire I have come to expect from this talented author.
February 9, 2023
Meet the Savages, a notorious crime family reigning from New Orleans. Someone sends them a deadly message, which leads to everyone under the same roof, once again. Their quest to seek revenge, will lead to murder, mayhem and …plenty of blood.
✨
King James rules the streets of New York with an iron fist. When one of his men meets a fatal end, he is determined to seek revenge, but this time, he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
✨
Once again, @kwan_iamlegend has given his readers a page turner. If you're familiar with his pen, then you know that there is an abundance of characters (some are new and others are old friends), so you have to pay attention. If I were to pick a favorite, it would have to be Keith and my least favorite is Beau. I highly recommend that you pick up this book and be prepared for the ride.
✨
King James rules the streets of New York with an iron fist. When one of his men meets a fatal end, he is determined to seek revenge, but this time, he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
✨
Once again, @kwan_iamlegend has given his readers a page turner. If you're familiar with his pen, then you know that there is an abundance of characters (some are new and others are old friends), so you have to pay attention. If I were to pick a favorite, it would have to be Keith and my least favorite is Beau. I highly recommend that you pick up this book and be prepared for the ride.
March 15, 2025
This was my first story by K’Wan and it was surprisingly really really good!! I usually read thriller/mystery type books but I’ve had this book on my TBR for a while and I’m glad I finally decided to read it. I loved the main characters Killer (Keith) and Bernie. Keith had a past that he was trying to hide from Bernie because he was unsure how she would react. He moved away from his hometown to hide his past and start over but when he returns home for a funeral all H*LL breaks loose!! I love how K’Wan told the story from different POVs, everything just unfolded so well. This story had romance, a street perspective and some dark family secrets that were shocking! Five star read for sure!! Definitely picking up more of this author’s books ASAP :)
December 27, 2021
When reading please acknowledge my grammar is not the best as I am dyslexic.
As always Kwan is King when it comes to urban fiction. This is my 7th Kwan novel, and he still never fails to entertain me!
I’ve always loved how all Kwans books interlink and bring back your favourite characters, but I think what I liked about this book was how Kwan took a different path in the main character “Keith”. Keith being someone who had reformed his life and just wanted to help people get out the game! I loved it and it made the story that much better.
As always Kwan is King when it comes to urban fiction. This is my 7th Kwan novel, and he still never fails to entertain me!
I’ve always loved how all Kwans books interlink and bring back your favourite characters, but I think what I liked about this book was how Kwan took a different path in the main character “Keith”. Keith being someone who had reformed his life and just wanted to help people get out the game! I loved it and it made the story that much better.
May 29, 2022
Another Great One!! K’wan has done it again! This is the story of the Savage family. I came across them briefly in the Animal series and again in some of the other stories. K’wan has done an AMAZING JOB at keeping all of these characters together. You meet them briefly in one book and then learn each of their stories in depth in another book. Where I find myself disgusted by them and their actions in one book, K’wan manages to make me love them in another. The proverbial A-HA moment occurs yet again as the dots start to connect between books. K’wan you ARE INDEED THA MAN!! 👍🏽
April 16, 2025
Hey hey, my favorites 😁
Lawless delivers exactly what you'd expect from K’wan—raw energy, gritty streets, and unforgettable characters. The story follows the rise of a young outlaw navigating betrayal, survival, and the blurred lines between loyalty and power. K’wan’s signature writing style keeps you turning pages, and the street drama is intense without feeling overdone.
While some parts felt a little predictable, the tension and character development made up for it. If you’re a fan of urban fiction with real edge, Lawless holds it down. Solid 4 stars from me.
Lawless delivers exactly what you'd expect from K’wan—raw energy, gritty streets, and unforgettable characters. The story follows the rise of a young outlaw navigating betrayal, survival, and the blurred lines between loyalty and power. K’wan’s signature writing style keeps you turning pages, and the street drama is intense without feeling overdone.
While some parts felt a little predictable, the tension and character development made up for it. If you’re a fan of urban fiction with real edge, Lawless holds it down. Solid 4 stars from me.
February 24, 2019
The blurb is a little misleading. The book isn't all about Bernie as much as it is about her boyfriend "Killer" Keith Savage, and his family.
I'm used to K'wans books being set in NYC. This one was mostly set in Nola. With interludes in NYC and a start in Georgia. It was the usual K'wan book. Filled with action, secrets and twists. A page turner. He has never disappointed. Looking forward to the next one.
I'm used to K'wans books being set in NYC. This one was mostly set in Nola. With interludes in NYC and a start in Georgia. It was the usual K'wan book. Filled with action, secrets and twists. A page turner. He has never disappointed. Looking forward to the next one.
March 17, 2019
Great story, Wouldn’t have expected anything less!!
Kieth ( Killer) Davis is a promising lawyer that is a beast in the court room, but behind that law degree is a killer that has a past that will have you thinking twice about betraying his family!! A lot of Secrets will be revealed through out this book. Can’t wait for the next book! A few old characters were brought up in this book( Animal).
I like K’wan writing it’s been a while since I read from this author. He still hasn’t miss a beat!!!
Kieth ( Killer) Davis is a promising lawyer that is a beast in the court room, but behind that law degree is a killer that has a past that will have you thinking twice about betraying his family!! A lot of Secrets will be revealed through out this book. Can’t wait for the next book! A few old characters were brought up in this book( Animal).
I like K’wan writing it’s been a while since I read from this author. He still hasn’t miss a beat!!!
July 10, 2020
I need and want more... I’m just a greedy reader for good story that jumps off the pages. Them Savages definitely represents NOLA to the fullest. I love the details of my city, that only a native would know. It just tells me how dedicated you are to your craft and why you are one of my favorite authors with some of the most explosive characters. Keep writing and I’ll keep supporting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2019
Another book written well with the characters by K'wan. I was surprise to read the many characters from previous books written by this author. Why am I not surprise that Shai Clark is still around in the books and not dead yet. Now I want to read the next book.
May 27, 2019
Not his best!
K'WAN is one of my favs, but I can tell he rushed through this one. Didn't seem to flow. Still gave him 5 stars because he's great at what he does and Lawless was still a joy to read.
K'WAN is one of my favs, but I can tell he rushed through this one. Didn't seem to flow. Still gave him 5 stars because he's great at what he does and Lawless was still a joy to read.
May 27, 2022
The book was great, but I’m gonna rate it 4 stars instead of 5 because I feel like the whole time I was waiting on something big to happen. Lawless is more of an introduction book with little to no action. I’m sure their will be a lawless 2 where everything goes down. But overall great book!
February 2, 2019
Wow
This book was so good I am mad that it ended. I can't wait until book two come out. Kwan you did a great job. Keith is a killer, he just don't want to admit it. Good job.
This book was so good I am mad that it ended. I can't wait until book two come out. Kwan you did a great job. Keith is a killer, he just don't want to admit it. Good job.
February 5, 2019
He's done it again.
I can't wait for the follow up to this one man oh man that's the only disappointing thing I can say about this book
I can't wait for the follow up to this one man oh man that's the only disappointing thing I can say about this book
February 10, 2019
Page turner
Excellent book. Will keep you guessing what is happening with the Savage Fa!ily. Hope the author releases book 2 estate soon.
Excellent book. Will keep you guessing what is happening with the Savage Fa!ily. Hope the author releases book 2 estate soon.
February 13, 2019
Very good read
February 13, 2019
WOW!!!! This was a really good story on the Savage family. Seems like they are all crazy killers..woosah!!!
February 14, 2019
Can't complain about anything except the fact that I need to wait for the next book to come out. This was good and grimy with a twist of love in it. Good job K'wan
February 16, 2019
Really
Wow wow wow wow wow n wow. Just when I thought all was going to be right n the world.............Here comes Mad Dog. Slaps forehead.
Wow wow wow wow wow n wow. Just when I thought all was going to be right n the world.............Here comes Mad Dog. Slaps forehead.
February 16, 2019
K'WAN!!!! Why you do that??? I slow read this book and still could not put it down. Then you end it with a promise of more. That is why I love your work. Thank you for that great story telling mind!
February 25, 2019
2 Thumbs Up! What a great book and you will continue to turn the pages until you get to the end. I cannot believe the ending....., can't wait for the sequel.
March 2, 2019
Y'all might be on to something...
Sitting on the edge on my seat waiting patiently to figure out who the real Keith/ Killer Savage is... Ready for the next book to drop.
Sitting on the edge on my seat waiting patiently to figure out who the real Keith/ Killer Savage is... Ready for the next book to drop.
March 4, 2019
Great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews