Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

McClain Brothers #4

Let Me Free You

Rate this book
Neil McClain is the screw-up, the one everyone hopes will win but expects to lose. He wants to live a better life, one that his late mother would be proud of, but his belief in himself is weak.

Sage Moniba is in need of a major miracle or she’ll be forced to give up the only life she’s known.

Neil is searching for freedom from the demons of his past.

Sage is in desperate need of help.

Could it be that what each one needs resides in the other?

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2018

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Alexandria House

42 books3,127 followers
About the author
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.

Verve Romance: @msalexhouse

Instagram: @msalexhouse

TikTok: @msalexhouse

Facebook: Alexandria House

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
3,223 (68%)
4 stars
1,064 (22%)
3 stars
346 (7%)
2 stars
66 (1%)
1 star
18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
2,793 reviews6,021 followers
January 23, 2021
MOVE OVER BIG SOUTH! HERE COMES NEIL MCCLAIN AND HE IS ALL I NEED!

I can't believe that Big South has officially been removed from my heart by Neil McClain. I'm in shock, but I honestly just need a Neil in my life. This is the final book with a McClain brother as the focus (their sister has a novella) and it did not disappoint. Quite frankly, this is the best book in the series. Neil has made appearances in each one of the books and he's definitely characterized as the family screw up, but after reading this book readers will realize that he is SO much more than that. After committing himself to rehab and sticking to a program, Neil is asked to help out a friend of Bridgette and Jo, Sage who is close to getting deported. The two enter a marriage of convenience and things pretty much go from there.

There are definitely some tough conversations in this one regarding Sage's past and Neil's past and his struggle with addiction; however, the highlight of this book is Neil's love and passion for Black women. IT IS EVERYTHING THAT I NEED FROM BLACK MEN. Don't get me wrong, the other McClain brothers are the same, but they don't do it like Neil. The way in which he feels a spiritual connection to Black women, reveres them as queens is just *chef's kiss.* On top of that the pure intellect in Neil is astonishing. He has such high respect for the Black community and does everything that he can to educate himself and help move the community forward. He's a renaissance man and so in touch with his roots. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable. From the very first time they kissed I felt, as a reader, that they were literally a match made in heaven, true soul mates with soul ties. For me the connection that these two had on a spiritual level was something that I didn't necessarily get out of the other books. Sure they were compatible and I really loved them all as couples, but these two just felt different. A lot of that could be that I connected deeply to Sage. I've been in her shoes before and understood, on a personal level, her insecurities when it came to men. Recognizing those insecurities and respecting her as his partner and wife, Neil continued to pour into her until she was able to feel safe and secure. Neil is just the epitome of everything that I would love to see in a Black man. He's just a fictional character, yet he made me feel really respected as a Black woman. And if you know anything about the way Black women are treated in this country that means a hell of a lot.

Overall, as stated before. This is the best book of the series. Hands down. I'm not debating that with anyone. Seeing all of the characters happy and secure in their relationships was the icing on the cake. I truly appreciate what House did with this one and I know that there are Black women out there that will hold this book in high regard. I can't wait to dive into more of her books.

Profile Image for C.M..
5,448 reviews92 followers
November 9, 2021
Dang Girl, this was Everything!!

I did not imagine Neil's story would hit this hard. Ms. House is a beast with her pen. The story was funny, emotional, sexy, and hot as the Serengeti. Neil found his queen and turned his life all the way around. I was so happy he and Sage found true love in one another. Their individual and collective backstory fueled this with so much energy. The drop-ins by the other McClain brothers made me happy. Big South always makes me swoon every time, and Uncle Lee Chester and his antics boost the story even more. Excellent storytelling and the dialogue entertaining. I've always wanted Neil to live up to his greatness. Book four was Everything!! 5+ Stars.
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
684 reviews63 followers
January 17, 2019
Hands Down! Hands Down! Hands Down!!!!! Neil McClain is My Favorite Brother in this Series!!!

I was waiting on Neil's story from his big brother South's book. You got the glimpse that something was off with him, as his story came to light just a little bit then you will discover that he is broken and lost. What started off with one type of pain quickly progressed into other coping mechanisms that took Neil down a path that appears to be no escape, until his twin brother Nolan enters him into a rehab retreat to get put back together again but not the way he was but to become a new man.

At the close of the last book (Nolan's story), we find out that Sage Moniba is going to be deported along with her parents. America is the only place that she has ever known, her parents are from Liberia, and in a desperate attempt to stay in the country she asked her ex-boyfriend if he would marry her so she can stay, well that didn't go well and Jo and Bridgette hired an immigration lawyer for her but the process to obtain her green card was going to be a long one. At her wit's end, Sage has no idea what is going to happen to her until Jo and Bridgette step in with a plan that appears on the outside to be so wild that even she can't fathom it. But then the Divine hand of God is about to show Himself mighty on behalf of Neil and Sage.

Neil trying to wrap his head around being clean from alcohol and gambling is presented with the idea of marrying Sage so that she can stay in the country, at first he balks at the idea until he speaks with his spiritual mentor of the head of the rehabilitation center and things begin to align for him.

Neil and Sage embark on this adventure of marriage and the wildest sense of the word, and I am telling you that their story was amazing, the journey that these two decided to take together will have you laughing, crying, rooting for them and just damn happy. Neil is alpha to his core, he doesn't play when it comes down to his wife Sage (his rib, I love that). And my girl Sage is no wilting flower honey, she will take folks down when it comes down to her husband Neil. This is definitely a must read and even better a reread several times over.

Their sister's Kim story is up next and I am excited to read that. Uncle Lee is a hot mess and at the wedding reception, he had me in tears (everyone has that one uncle LOLLL!!!). Always giving unwanted relationship advice LOLLL!!! The phone call Uncle Chester placed to Neil is so damn hilarious. Author Alexandria House is definitely in my top 5 of favorites!!

Well Until My Next Review...Ciao Bellas!

Profile Image for Malaika.
868 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2023
I didn’t want it to end!

This series has been everything! Alex House doesn’t pick up a pen all Willy nilly! When she writes, you laugh, cry, think and feel on so many levels. Neil is truly a book bae! Is he perfect? No but the way he loves his family, his people and his woman is. His journey to loving a woman was flawed but he learned. Sage was truly his soulmate and the air he didn’t know he needed. I love everything about her but her humble spirit is what I love most. Once again, my favorite, Uncle Lee Chester, showed his entire behind and I was here for it! This book was a great read! I can’t wait to see who she introduces us to next.
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,049 reviews277 followers
April 10, 2020
This series was everything! Neil stole my heart and became my favorite McClain. I absolutely loved him and Sage as a couple. Their love story was so pure and refreshing. I'm happy they were able to find their happily ever after despite that heffa Emory. Neil's story was the best wrap up to this series. I'm truly going to miss the McClain men.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,363 reviews1,025 followers
November 10, 2022
I hate doing this, but I am going to have to DNF this one. This one was overly political and mentioning certain political figures, in a demeaning way. I don't care for pushing personal views of an author into a story. So was looking forward to this one, but will be setting this one aside. Maybe one day when this factor doesn't rub me the wrong way, I will be able to enjoy it more. I am sure if you are fans of Kennedy Ryan, then this one will work for you more than it did me! But love this author and will try her other books.
Profile Image for Ezi Chinny.
2,625 reviews524 followers
September 4, 2020
3.5 stars

I will say that I am a little bit disappointed. Neil McClain has been built up to be a messed up and emotionally damaged guy for 3 books. I expected this book to be more intense and have more angst than the prior 3 combined. It wasn’t. The reason for his spiral was also not as tragic as I thought it would be.

I’ve always liked Sage Moniba and I was happy she found both love and a way to remain in the country. Their relationship was pretty easy and not as drama filled as the prior books. This book was pretty close to insta-love. I still enjoyed it but missed the Uncle.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,226 reviews527 followers
March 17, 2022
Neil McClain!!!!!! I mean!!! I really thought his story was going to be my least favorite and instead it turned out to be my second favorite ( ain’t nobody touching Everett). I loved him and Sage so much that I need a part two. I laughed so hard throughout the entire book. Once again the family and friendship in the book was unmatched. They were so supportive of each other. Nolan is savage! I love how he “handles” his brothers problems. This series left me wanting more!!
33 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2018
Just as good as the first

I loved this book just as much as the first McClain brothers book. Ms. House has quickly become one of my favorite authors that I automatically download.
Profile Image for hea booktubes.
1,280 reviews356 followers
August 28, 2020
Wow. Their spiritual connection was really amazing. Loved seeing them find happiness together. He was so freaking sweet and protective of her. Loved it.
Profile Image for Monteeeee.
110 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2023
Damn. Who knew Neil would end up being my favorite McClain brother 🫣 and I loved all the women but I think I enjoyed Sage the most. Her and Neil just fit and they had the sweetest relationship.
Profile Image for Agla.
718 reviews58 followers
February 16, 2021
2.5 rounded up. I enjoyed this one but Neil's reason for spiralling in the first place was weird and his recovery came out of nowhere which can happen but still. I like that he was very very aware and outrage by race dynamics in the US, tried to explain everything to Sage and made the conscious effort to only do business with black-owned places. I hated that he was over protective, that he hid stuff from her because they were "man stuff", that he was possessive and jealous which was unhealthy and unwarranted. The fact that Sage liked his OTT behaviour made it worse because it wasn't really checked which is a problem. He still helped her make her dreams come true career wise and personally but those aspects were too much. There connection was presented as soul mate so it happened almost like magic (I'm barely exaggerated the explanation is "magical") which made it difficult to feel it at times. Sage's character was good, she could have been more assertive but given her background that was ok. I wish the story had centered and been built on Sage's difficulty and journey to stay in the US and not Neil's OTT ex. I imagine that in a case like Sage's where the woman is about to be deported and gets married at the last minute (we know that fairly early on) there would be home visits from immigration agents, interviews to go through, the works. We got nothing here. It could have been a side plot at least or mentioned in passing but NOTHING. That feels like a lost opportunity to me.
Profile Image for wndrwtch_.
186 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2023
Neil has officially taken Everett’s spot as my favorite McClain brother! I loved seeing how he and Sage found redemption in each other.
Profile Image for Ryan - Sweet Red Reader .
1,423 reviews96 followers
October 19, 2021
I liked Neil better than Nolan, but not as much as South and Leland. I was super happy to see him get an HEA and all the drama and antics were a fun bit of escapism too. I'm sad to say goodbye to the McClains, but this is definitely a series that I can see myself rereading repeatedly when I need a special sort of pick me up. 5 out of 5 wine glasses.


Update 3/29/21
I love Neil even more each time I reread this.
Profile Image for Mary.
854 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2019
Hard To Say Goodbye

Just finished this book and still laughing. Uncle Lee Chester is a trip. Loved Neil and Sage's story. Two troubled souls that found each other. Gone missing these McClain Brothers.

Profile Image for Felice Foster.
874 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2019
Not Fated

Book 4 in the Mclain series features Sage and Neil.

After Big South’s book, Neil’s story was the one I was looking most forward to. He seemed to be a tortured soul who needed the love of a good woman, to help him heal his heart.

I didn’t really get the pairing of Sage and Neil. Sage, to me, is a n ensemble character. She is part of the crowd, not a leading woman. Even at the end of the story, I didn’t feel like I knew who she was.

The fake marriage story line didn’t work for me, because after they got married, the only person who kept bringing up the fact that the marriage was fake, was Sage. Shouldn’t there have been some sort of official inquiry into their marriage, an interview by an ICE agent or something? This was just an excuse to give Sage a story and it fell short.

Neil’s years of gambling and drinking and being depressed because of his failed relationship with this ex-girlfriend seemed to ring untrue as well. He readily admitted to cheating on her multiple times and even having menages and swapping partners, so when she breaks things off to be with one of the women they played with, his “devastation” just seemed false.

I also didn’t get the “mental” connection. They barely knew each other before getting married. Sage did admit that she had a crush on Neil, but other than a few words here and there, no interaction between these two before. I get love at first sight or lust at first sight, but Neil barely knew who she was, so how did he all of a sudden feel this connection?

There was also a little drama with the ex coming back and a potential love child, but that fell short as well
Profile Image for Tracey.
198 reviews
January 26, 2019
Couldn't wait for Neil story and I loved it!! Neil was a wounded soul but he got his happily ever after. I loved the chemistry between Neil and Sage, they just felt right for each other. I truly hate to see the McClain brothers series come to an end, all of the books have been an enjoyable read. Everett(Big South) and Neil stories are my favorite. I'm definitely going to miss Uncle Lee, he was the life of the party at every family gathering, he had me laughing so hard with his antics.
Profile Image for Chelé-----4 The Love of Books .
792 reviews58 followers
April 5, 2020
I KNEW I would love Neil! Gah! He is soooooo layered and complex and an alpha and fucking unbelievably intelligent which is so sexy! And Sage is a REAL one! Yes, the way they got together was a little different but OMG the love is sooooooo DEEP! I absolutely love them and this family and especially uncle Lee Chester!! I could read about the McClain brothers all day!
Profile Image for Connie F5.0.
252 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2023
Give it up for the big girls and the men that love on them! Neil is king and he loves his queen, Sage. Every inch of her and he worked so hard to remove all insecurities she had from dealing with “f€ck boys” all her life. I do love their story.

Profile Image for Lisa CC.
75 reviews14 followers
December 20, 2023
This is such a good series

Neil finally got it together. Wife, kids, sober and living his best life. Life's a journey so enjoy every moment.
Profile Image for Alvina.
746 reviews25 followers
April 7, 2021
Free Me, Neil

***I've read this story so many times, yet never did a review on Amazon... So here it goes***

This was by far the best of this series. King Neil was such a broken soul and I loved seeing him throughout the series more & more leading to this book.

Sage, so full of life, yet dogged by so many men. I wasn't feeling the way Bridgette was treating her either, yet I didn't care for Bridgette too much so there's that🤷🏾‍♀️.

For a man, a recovering man, to take on marrying a woman he doesn't even know and love her so fiercely, blew me away. Man I love Neil and I'll take one any day😉.

I will never get enough of Uncle Lee Chester. So glad he shows up in other books bc he's a complete NUT and I love it. I love Everett's silly self too. Heck, I love them all.

I fell in Love with the McClain family through Everett 'Big South' McClain in the first book of this series and I also found a new favorite author in Alexandria House. Her whole body of work never ceases to amaze me and I'm glad I finally took that leap into her world of Spectacular Writings. You just can't go wrong with an A. House book.

If it isn't crystal clear, READ. THIS. BOOK. The whole series. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,520 reviews13 followers
December 16, 2018
Golden,a true gem

This story has so many gold nuggets that it's a true gem. From the interaction between the brothers to the pre-wedding texts between Neil and Sage to Uncle Lee and his advice, my stomach got plenty of exercise from laughing so much. Neil and Sage didn't start out the conventional way, but like the saying goes, "it's not how you start but how you finish." You could feel the sincerity and genuineness of their relationship and love. These emojis 🍍✈🍆 will always be synonymous with this series for me. I don't know how the author comes up with these nuggets, but I hope that she continues to share them with us for a long time. She pulls a Jill Scott and made this story and this series like they are golden golden golden. Love recommending this author and series and I will continue to do so. Now, let see what Kat and Tommy are talking about.
Profile Image for Layeshia.
372 reviews
April 19, 2019
I was so happy when I found out this book was out I couldn’t wait to read Neil’s story! Neil found his rib. as he likes to call Sage. At his lowest time in his life. But sometimes you must hit rock bottom to realize all the good that you have in your life that’s worth working for and saving. I truly love the story of ashes to A bright light. Sage's is life was also at its lowest and she rolls from ashes to Phoenix. Way to go Alexandria house this was an excellent series!! Definitely 5 Life affirming freeing starsstars!
Profile Image for Authoress Nikqua.
486 reviews7 followers
March 29, 2019
Amazing

From start to finish this book was everything! I’m happy Neil and Sage found each other, because their love was so pure and refreshing to read about! I’m happy they were able to have a happily ever after despite the things and people that tried to come between that! Sage was definitely Neil’s rib! Their love was one another was everything! I absolutely enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.