A lot of people want their significant other to be a little jealous until it becomes… Too much. Too dangerous. Too stalkerish. Too deadly.
Living the life at the college of her dreams with her two best friends Ayanna and Melody, Zoey “Zoe” Richardson is single, having no time for a man and remains focused on her classes so she can graduate next year. Zoey and Yanna have ladies’ night at a local club while Mel follows behind her consistent unfaithful boyfriend to a house party. Getting ready to end their night, Zoey and Yanna ends up rescuing Mel from another unbearable lover’s quarrel, putting her in the crosshairs of Keno. A night where chaos erupts simultaneously in her life. Having to rely on Keno’s help, the two exchange numbers and starts getting to know each other better. Being the sweetest and most charming person she has ever met, it doesn’t take long for Zoey to fall head over heel for Keno until the real him surfaces. Unfortunately for Zoey, Keno’s wolf in sheep covered skin is revealed a little too late, costing her to endure a lifetime of regrettable decisions.
Attending FAMU Homecoming weekend turns out to be the best thing that happens to Keno Daniels. According to him, he finds his future wife in Zoey. Despite his on and off relationship with his ex and his current legal woes, Keno sets out to woo Zoey, despite her claim of not wanting a relationship. Claiming Zoey has his, Keno is devastated when Zoey learns his truths and sees the real him, ending their brief relationship. Except, Keno is not easily convinced it’s over and refuses to let go.
Ending things with Keno sets Zoey on the right path, leading her to meet her true king—Ezekiel “Zeek” Taylor. After forming a year long friendship and unknown crushes, Zoey and Zeek gravitate towards each other and find a real connection with each other. A connection that has them talking about the future, one with marriage and kids. However, moving on is not so easily done, especially with Keno popping up everywhere.
Indiscretion, heartbreak, lies, relationships, love, and dire consequences are easily found in this mind-blowing, page turning story. In Author Lakia’s debut African American Urban Fiction standalone “When A Savage Is After Your Heart,” everything is not fair in love and relationships.
Baby that ending broke my little heart. Great storyline and character development. I just knew they were going to grow from this situation. I was crying real tears at the end. Great job!!!!
This book will have you on a emotional roller coaster. It was weird reading the location this book took place at because I graduated from FSU and recognized the clubs they attended. I thought Keno was perfect for Zoey at first, he seemed like the perfect gentleman but lord them tables really turned at the end. I loved Zeek and Zoey together they seemed like the perfect couple and Zeek was really trying to help Zoey any way he could. Zoey, Yanna and Mel has the perfect bffs relationship, I just wish Yanna and Mel would have took Zoey situation serious. I was glad Mel finally gave Rich a chance and left Lance alone. Yanna and Mark really kept their relationship a secret. This book really brought domestic violence to life because we hear of this kind domestic abuse all the time, I just wish Zoey and Zeek had a different outcome. Excellent job Lakia!!
This book was a great book! It made the reality of things that go on in this world. This book is something many should read because it will show you signs of what to look for when it comes to domestic violence. I felt so bad for Zoe. She went through some things and couldn’t really go to anyone because she was scared how things would play out. Her two best friends should have went to someone when they realized her ex was crazy. Yes Mel spoke on one incident but when she realized things weren’t changing she should have told. Zoe had finally found someone that made her happy and didn’t have a true chance to enjoy that happiness. That speech Zari gave had me in tears. I felt so bad for both families. I will be recommending this book to friends and family.
I'm so emotional right now I don't know where to start. This book touched me in so many ways, I had an aunt to go thru a similar situation. I loved everything about this book and every emotion it took me thru. Zoey was a good girl whose made the mistake of falling for a crazy man. Even with all the signs in her face that he was abusive and crazy she tried to keep the peace and handle it her own way. Her friends Yanna and Mel should have encouraged her to tell someone but I guess when you're young you just don't think things are as serious as they really are. Even though Zeek had finally convinced her to tell her parents and to police it was a little to late. This was an amazing and heartfelt book and I can't wait for Zari's story.💟💝
This book was indeed an eye opener. The book sheds light to everyday experience. Zoey was represented as an Big hearted Angel who was dedicated to friends and has a vision and plan in place. Seek was so freaking amazing, he knew what he wanted and was dating with a purpose. Keno had serious anger issues and could have passed with bioploar. A true coward exist daily and won't take no for a answer. I'm truly sadden by the ending although they it displayed a great lesson. Mel and Yanna it's hard because as friends you are to stay loyal but certain situations cause for to voices of reason great book truly hate the outcome 😢😢😢
Love can make you so some crazy things. But I didn't think it would go that far. Keno had big issue and he couldn't handle rejection. Zoey was good to him but he wasn't right for her. Zeek was a great guy and wanted nothing happiness for Zoey. Mel and Yanni were great friends even tho Mel had me wanting to punch her a few times. But she meant well and they were thick as thieves. I wish Zoe would've opened up sooner and to get help and maybe Keno would be behind bars. I didn't expect things to happen the way it did cuz I saw nothing but happiness in Seek and Zoe future. My emotions are all over the place but this story was good
Such a great story, sad though as it was. I read the stories out of order but I am glad I did. It took be back to 2004 one of my sister's was killed from domestic violence. And the question I always wish I could ask my sister was why didn't you let someone know? He took my sister to a different state and it wasn't until she came for a visit that we were aware of anything out of order. We tried to tell her to stay but she said she didn't want to involve us. So for anyone in a situation that involves violence PLEASE DON'T hesitate to let someone know before it get's out of control.
I’ve read domestic violence books before, but this one was so emotional. I think I left tears on every page that Keno’s name appeared on. Zoey was a good girl who made a bad decision when she got involved with Keno. She should’ve let me go after the first incident. He was a toxic waste of human space. So many secrets she held caused a whole lot of pain and misfortune. Zoey saw the best in everyone even if they didn’t deserve it. Because of Keno, her happily ever after with Zeek is null and void.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. I was happy when Mel finally Lance alone. He was no good at all. I was glad that she finally gave Rich a chance. Keno really had Zoey fooled at first and me too. I really thought he would be the one for her until he showed his true. Something was mental wrong with him. Zeek was way better for Zoey. That ending brought tears to my tears. I was not ready for that. Keon didn't have to do that to Zeek and Zoey. I really enjoyed this book.
I hate that Zoey and Zeek had to go out like that. I was hoping that they would live and f...boy died, but he took all of them out. Zoey was acting real stupid though foreal. She knew how Keno was so she should have given him that damn car back and called the police on him. Then Mel and Yanna keeping it to themselves, they should have said something. Poor Zeek just didn't stand a chance. But this just lets us know every ending will not be a fairytale. Great book though.
Well I can tell you that the writer definitely surprises you with a few twist to this story.When this story starts off I become a little disappointed because I am not a fan of instant love.From the beginning Zoey and Keno strike me as two immature people.Then you get the first glimpse into Keno's character and you become alarmed and you become quite peeved with Zoey.This story touches on a very heavy subject and its going to be upsetting.Overall this was a good story and it was entertaining but there are moments when you think that some things aren't necessary.
I didn’t really know what to expect from this book. I was pleasantly surprised. Zoey seemed like a sweet girl that fell for the wrong guy. She had her whole life ahead of her. At the beginning, I didn’t think much of Keno’s behavior until further along in the book I realized he was crazy!! I kept hoping that Zoey would tell her parents or go to the cops. I’m sure she was scared or maybe didn’t think much of it but the signs were definitely there. It sucks that it was too late and everyone lost their lives :( DV really sucks.
Love standalones....This one seemed to drag on.. But I loved the characters, and how everything and everyone grew up and made discoveries... Zari finally let her guard down, and got her love and a man who waited and wanted, and showed her love by his actions. Rod, honestly should have left Juice alone. The finding out he had brothers WOW... Ms Trizie was foul for not coming clean about his father. Tia I new was a total snake, she got her karma... Kyianne thank god, knew her worth, and that Juice was a child, and not ready... Really Great Read Ms. Lakia
Man, this story put me in my feelings. That ending is unexpected and had me shedding real tears. I love Zoey and Zeek together. They build each other up and show how you really treat your significant other. Keno is a straight psycho with an unkeening possessive reflex. I hope that this story touches someone and can help them out of their situation. This standalone is engaging from page one. Looking forward to reading Zari's story next.
Man this book was great from beginning to end!!! I thought Keno was perfect for Zoey... Smh.... Crazy is not even the word for him beating on Zoey, That's not a man at all!!! Zeek came along and gave Zoey the love a real man should have and it mad matters worst for Zoey because Keno showed his true self which ended with him killing them and himself, So sad and yes it brought tears to my eyes!!! Didn't see that coming!! Awesome Read Lakia
This book made me so mad at the end. I wish Zoey would’ve told her father about the things that keno was doing because he was really crazy. I’m glad she finally gave Zeek some play for real at the end. They were the perfect couple. I wasn’t really shocked about the way things went with Mel and Lance. Lance was definitely a loser and Mel should’ve kicked him to the curb a long time ago.
When I first began reading this book I wasn’t sure about how convincing the main character was being portrayed but as the story started to unfold I started to become more & more pulled into each of the characters. Keno was plum nuts. Zeek was BAE 🧡 omg I was not expecting that ending 😪😪😪😪 I cant wait for Zari’s story
This book truly truly touched home. I was so mad with Zoey for not speaking up. But I had to remember that I was sorta her before. I did speak up but I also stayed. At least she left. But when it got real bad I did press charges and it was the best decision I ever made. This book broke my heart seriously!!!
Wow! This book was so good! It had me shedding tears towards the end! I just can't believe what happened to Zoey and Zeek! My heart literally broke into a thousand pieces! Never expected that outcome. But it has you really thinking about certain things. Never ignore signs even if you think they are small! Wow! Awesome book! This was well worth the read!
This was a good story about speaking up about any abuse you endure during a relationship! Also about how their are more victims then just the ones who are killed! Zoey was a little to kind hearted and didn't realize the consequences to her actions! Zeek was an innocent and just trying to love his lady!!
This book Got me all up in my feeling I'm so hurt by what happened to Zoey & zeek & they didn't even get justice because keno went out the cowardly way but I'm happy that MeL & yanna and that MeL & Rich still going strong can't wait to read zari story
Wow this story here has me all in my feelings!! I wasn’t expecting no shish like this. Omg I’m so hurt.. Zoey and Zeek was the perfect couple and man.... I don’t wanna be a spoiler but when a man is showing you signs of stalking you need to take heed.. She should have just given him back that stupid a$$ car
OMG i wish Zoey would have told someone bout Keno he was really crazy she should have spoke up. I feel so sorry for Zeek.cause he was killed cause he loved the only woman he had eyes for an she was going with a psychopath. I really wish this would have ended a good way for Zoey. I live how the message was clear for people that goes through domestic violence.
This book had me going through so many emotions. Normally, I don't read domestic books, but this book took something out of me. This is my first read by this author and she did an amazing job. I loved Zoey and Zeek, so sad about the tragic ending. Keno, took the cowards way out, just like the coward he was. Can't wait to read Zari's story. Job very well done Lakia.
When people show you who they are believe them. This book had me in tears with the powerful messaging about domestic abuse. This book is a huge reminder about being mindful of someone’s mental state of being. If something is off tell somebody and report it! Great read with a powerful message.
Domestic violence is real! I was not expecting this ending and the tears will not stop. I really wanted a happy ending but I understand there was a message to be told. I hope everyone who reads this get a clear understanding that silence can be deadly! Great book!
You had me in my feelings. I felt something wasn't right about Keno. He was too controlling. Zoey should have told her family immediately after he put his hands on her. I liked her and Zeek together. That ending had me in my feelings. So sad. Domestic violence is deadly.
This was a good story. Keno was a piece of work and that's putting it nicely. I was expecting a totally different ending for Zoey and Zeek than what I got. Had me all emotional. I don't want to ruin it by giving away the story but I'll just saw dont ignore signs and don't excuse bad or abusive behavior. I want to hear more from Mel and Rich too
Omg. This book had me in complete tears. This is definitely a MUST READ. I’ve never been in a domestic violence relationship but if you are in one, please get help before it’s too late. No matter how pure your heart is or how you feel as if the situation isn’t that serious, get help. I was happy Mel & Rich decided to give it a shot after all. This was a really good book.
Even though this and Zari's story is standalone's read this one first. It will help you understand Zari's story better. I read Zari's story first and didn't realize until I was almost to the end that both books went together. This book brought tears to my eyes. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NEVER OKAY.