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Apple & Kola: The Baddest Chick #1
Bad Apple
There Can Only Be One Queen Bee... Young and beautiful, seventeen-year-old Apple believes there's one thing she can do better than anyone -- herself. Her selfish actions turn fatal in a New York minute when she gets tangled up with a ruthless drug dealer. He wants his payment in blood with interest. Apple tries to clean up her mess, but the lines between vengeance and reality begin to blur. Apple steps into her role as a main chick a little too easily.
Apple's twin sister Kola is leading a fast life of her own with a prostitution ring. Though she's making long money, she's not satisfied with second best, and she sets out to knock Apple off. Her wicked scheming explodes into the ultimate betrayal.
Nisa Santiago's tale of beautiful sisters from Harlem proves that when sibling rivalry spins out of control, loyalty is just a word on the streets of the Big Apple.
Apple's twin sister Kola is leading a fast life of her own with a prostitution ring. Though she's making long money, she's not satisfied with second best, and she sets out to knock Apple off. Her wicked scheming explodes into the ultimate betrayal.
Nisa Santiago's tale of beautiful sisters from Harlem proves that when sibling rivalry spins out of control, loyalty is just a word on the streets of the Big Apple.
- GenresUrbanAfrican American
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2011
About the author
Nisa Santiago
47 books314 followersNisa Santiago came bursting onto the literary scene in 2009 with her debut title, Cartier Cartel. The book garnered rave reviews and left her readers wanting more. She followed up with the sequel, Return of the Cartier Cartel – which turned into a national bestseller. The Library Journal declared that Santiago’s sequel, [Return of the Cartier Cartel] “Will keep readers hooked to the last chapter.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, and now living in Harlem, the author is moving at full speed with her writing endeavors. Coined the Duchess of Hop-Hip lit, Santiago humbly admits, “I’m just grateful to be doing what I love as a career and not just a hobby.”
Her latest novel, Bad Apple – The Baddest Chick is slated for an October 2011 release date. The author emphatically states that her decision to start a new series instead of penning part 3 to Cartier Cartel was a brave one. “My readers love Cartier and they wanted more.” Santiago wants her readers to know that she has so many stories to tell and shows no signs of slowing down. Dirty Money Honey is an anthology with her peers, Erica Hilton and Kim K., Melodrama Publishing’s new trinity of authors.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, and now living in Harlem, the author is moving at full speed with her writing endeavors. Coined the Duchess of Hop-Hip lit, Santiago humbly admits, “I’m just grateful to be doing what I love as a career and not just a hobby.”
Her latest novel, Bad Apple – The Baddest Chick is slated for an October 2011 release date. The author emphatically states that her decision to start a new series instead of penning part 3 to Cartier Cartel was a brave one. “My readers love Cartier and they wanted more.” Santiago wants her readers to know that she has so many stories to tell and shows no signs of slowing down. Dirty Money Honey is an anthology with her peers, Erica Hilton and Kim K., Melodrama Publishing’s new trinity of authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 16, 2014
Rotten Apple
This was my first novel by this author and I wasn't impressed. The story started off good. I loved the character development on Apple, Kola, and Nichols, but somewhere along the book, all that came to an end. In the beginning, I found myself rooting for Apple and disliking Kola, but oh how that quickly changed. Apple became a dumb bish that I couldn't tolerate too much longer. Also, in May, if I remember correctly, Apple or Kola, told someone that their birthday was in two months. August rolls around and they're still seventeen and now they're turning eighteen in October or November? The author lost herself in some parts; mostly the ending. I HATE how she dropped designer names every chance she got. She described the character's clothes better than she described everything else. I understand that this is a fictional novel, but some stuff could've been more believable. Everything that Kola was able to do didn't sit right with me. The fact that she had all that money and never left the house until after that situation puzzled me. The editing could've been better and there's more small things that I can live without expressing. All in all, I reckon the book had to be somewhat enjoyable for me to finish it. It wasn't all that bad, but for me it wasn't great either. I might read the second book. I haven't too much decided yet.
This was my first novel by this author and I wasn't impressed. The story started off good. I loved the character development on Apple, Kola, and Nichols, but somewhere along the book, all that came to an end. In the beginning, I found myself rooting for Apple and disliking Kola, but oh how that quickly changed. Apple became a dumb bish that I couldn't tolerate too much longer. Also, in May, if I remember correctly, Apple or Kola, told someone that their birthday was in two months. August rolls around and they're still seventeen and now they're turning eighteen in October or November? The author lost herself in some parts; mostly the ending. I HATE how she dropped designer names every chance she got. She described the character's clothes better than she described everything else. I understand that this is a fictional novel, but some stuff could've been more believable. Everything that Kola was able to do didn't sit right with me. The fact that she had all that money and never left the house until after that situation puzzled me. The editing could've been better and there's more small things that I can live without expressing. All in all, I reckon the book had to be somewhat enjoyable for me to finish it. It wasn't all that bad, but for me it wasn't great either. I might read the second book. I haven't too much decided yet.
July 9, 2023
This book right here was a rollercoaster ride that was non-stop. It was fire, a page turner, a book that was very hard to put down. It was a 5 star read and awesomely written. And there's more to this story. So, with that said, these 17 year old twin sisters and a 16-year sister who looked up to them and a drunk and wshed up mother lived the hard life growing up in Harlem projects. Apple was the oldest of the two twins, and I was liking her at first, but didn't really care for the younger twin Kola. The sibling rivalry between the twins and the choice they made on the streets got the younger sister caught up in their Shanghais. One was always trying to outdo the other and hated each other in the process. Things get out hand because in their mind, it can only be one queen bee. Which one will it be? They saying goes, nobody f**ks you like family.
March 6, 2012
Nisa Santiago you did a number on this book, it was truely a page turner!!! When I first saw the 510 pages I was like omg I will be reading for days and once I started reading it you had my undivided attention...lol It was a very active book with no confusion on anything. I really enjoyed this book and i am so ready to begin with Coca Kola to find out what happens next with the two sisters. I was sad and couldn't believe the choices they made but that is what kept me on my toes and wanting to find the answers...lol
Keep doing your thang!!
Keep doing your thang!!
December 11, 2011
Night and Day
Seventeen-year-old twins Apple and Kola are like night and day. Although identical in looks, they have different personalities. The two cannot stand one another and are always at each other's throats, arguing and fighting. Apple is the more laid back twin. Kola, on the other hand, is wild and loud, making moves of her own.
When a tragedy strikes their family, the twins are devastated. Unfortunately, Kola is angry because she knows that Apple had a part to play in it all. Apple knows deep down inside that her sister is right but refuses to accept the blame. Will this tragedy bring the sisters together in the long run or will it pull them further apart?
Nisa Santiago’s “Bad Apple” was a quick read but the story just moved way too fast. It got to the point that I was wondering what I missed. The character Apple went from acting one way to doing a complete 360 and became just as ruthless, if not more so, overnight. There were parts in the story that just did not add up and more explanation was needed. Also, some things just were a little "too convenient." The way the author tried to tidy up Apple's stupidity was too far-fetched. To finish the book and to realize there was going to be a sequel completely turned me off. Though a quick read, I cannot say I would recommend this novel.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
Seventeen-year-old twins Apple and Kola are like night and day. Although identical in looks, they have different personalities. The two cannot stand one another and are always at each other's throats, arguing and fighting. Apple is the more laid back twin. Kola, on the other hand, is wild and loud, making moves of her own.
When a tragedy strikes their family, the twins are devastated. Unfortunately, Kola is angry because she knows that Apple had a part to play in it all. Apple knows deep down inside that her sister is right but refuses to accept the blame. Will this tragedy bring the sisters together in the long run or will it pull them further apart?
Nisa Santiago’s “Bad Apple” was a quick read but the story just moved way too fast. It got to the point that I was wondering what I missed. The character Apple went from acting one way to doing a complete 360 and became just as ruthless, if not more so, overnight. There were parts in the story that just did not add up and more explanation was needed. Also, some things just were a little "too convenient." The way the author tried to tidy up Apple's stupidity was too far-fetched. To finish the book and to realize there was going to be a sequel completely turned me off. Though a quick read, I cannot say I would recommend this novel.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
July 3, 2022
This book was straight fire. I don’t know why I waited so damn long to read. I couldn’t put the damn book down. Apple and Kola were twins but totally different until a tragedy can’t upon the family. Never read a book that was so fun of hate in such a short period of time. The loved both of the twins had for their baby sister turned both of them into complete savages. The ending was crazy I was like holy shit. Can’t wait to read part 2
October 9, 2011
Rotten Apple
17 year old twins Apple and Kola hail from Harlem's Lincoln Projects. Frustrated with living in squalor both sisters have aspirations of escaping their destitute conditions. Kola is the go getter who has a scheme and has aligned herself with a notorious street team while Apple is naive and daydreams about a baller elevating her to wifey status. Apple shuns Kola for her wild reputation in the streets while Kola views Apple as lazy although the two didn’t always get along they had each other's backs. That all changes when Apple foolishly borrows money from a loan shark that she has no means of paying back.
Apple's debt to Supreme places the entire family in jeopardy and when tragedy strikes the love that the sisters have for one another is destroyed. Seeking revenge leads both sisters to align themselves with opposing factions. Apple is foolishly sleeping with the enemy but is willing to go against friends and family to maintain the luxurious lifestyle it’s afforded her. This coupled with the fact that kola blames Apple for their family loss further enrages Kola and a war ensues between the two siblings that can only be settled with even more blood shed.
Author Nisa Santiago does a great job developing the sibling rivalry between Apple and Kola. What was even more impressive was the way she showcased how Apple’s naivety allowed her to be manipulated from the good twin into a truly rotten Apple. The only aspect of the storyline that came across as farfetched were the high levels to which both 17 year old girls were able to easily attain in the streets.
Final Rating 3.5 Stars
17 year old twins Apple and Kola hail from Harlem's Lincoln Projects. Frustrated with living in squalor both sisters have aspirations of escaping their destitute conditions. Kola is the go getter who has a scheme and has aligned herself with a notorious street team while Apple is naive and daydreams about a baller elevating her to wifey status. Apple shuns Kola for her wild reputation in the streets while Kola views Apple as lazy although the two didn’t always get along they had each other's backs. That all changes when Apple foolishly borrows money from a loan shark that she has no means of paying back.
Apple's debt to Supreme places the entire family in jeopardy and when tragedy strikes the love that the sisters have for one another is destroyed. Seeking revenge leads both sisters to align themselves with opposing factions. Apple is foolishly sleeping with the enemy but is willing to go against friends and family to maintain the luxurious lifestyle it’s afforded her. This coupled with the fact that kola blames Apple for their family loss further enrages Kola and a war ensues between the two siblings that can only be settled with even more blood shed.
Author Nisa Santiago does a great job developing the sibling rivalry between Apple and Kola. What was even more impressive was the way she showcased how Apple’s naivety allowed her to be manipulated from the good twin into a truly rotten Apple. The only aspect of the storyline that came across as farfetched were the high levels to which both 17 year old girls were able to easily attain in the streets.
Final Rating 3.5 Stars
April 14, 2013
This is a true meaning of 1 Bad Apple spoils the bunch...
October 2, 2020
It was a filler book for me. Although I wanted to love this book, I just couldn't. With all the killing & the dumbness of Apple, all I could settle for was 3 stars. The beginning had potential but towards the middle, it lost me.
December 29, 2017
Awesome Book. With Just Enough Drama. I Had Never Read Nothing By This Author Before. But Will Be Starting The Second One Soon. 🐹
July 17, 2012
Nisa Santiago tells a very engaging story of twin sisters, Apple and Kola, who go at each other like complete strangers in the midst of all their struggles. you would think the sisters would come together and actually act like a family once tradgedy strikes, but they do the exact opposite and pledge all out war on each other.
The teenage girls experience a rollercoaster of love, hatred, betrayal, and revenge. They both seem street smat, but Kola definitely shines in that department while Apple seems to just ride along and go with whatever seems right at the moment. While Apple is focused on trying to look good for her crush she loses sight on what's really important, her sisters. She unknowingly causes the family's biggest tragedy (although I saw it coming) and turned around and literally slept with the enemy. Kola may have been the one hanging out with the bad crowd and being lost in her own world, but in the end Apple really does become the bad apple, by turning against her closest friends, her family, and in my opinion, herself.
Great book. you won't be disappointed.
The teenage girls experience a rollercoaster of love, hatred, betrayal, and revenge. They both seem street smat, but Kola definitely shines in that department while Apple seems to just ride along and go with whatever seems right at the moment. While Apple is focused on trying to look good for her crush she loses sight on what's really important, her sisters. She unknowingly causes the family's biggest tragedy (although I saw it coming) and turned around and literally slept with the enemy. Kola may have been the one hanging out with the bad crowd and being lost in her own world, but in the end Apple really does become the bad apple, by turning against her closest friends, her family, and in my opinion, herself.
Great book. you won't be disappointed.
April 13, 2011
Her Sister’s Keeper?
Twin sisters Apple and Kola may share the same DNA, but that is where all similarities end. Apple is meek while Kola is a wild child. When tragedy hits close to home, instead of the twins coming together, it pits them against each other.
Nisa Santiago’s “Bad Apple” started with great potential but somewhere along the pages that potential diminished. I found many things to be unbelievable, reaching and too far-fetched. Had the author maintained more of a balance with the believable I think this book could have been better. A quick read that others may find enjoyable, “Bad Apple” failed to grab me. The fact that the book didn’t end and that there will be a continuation didn’t help matters either.
Twin sisters Apple and Kola may share the same DNA, but that is where all similarities end. Apple is meek while Kola is a wild child. When tragedy hits close to home, instead of the twins coming together, it pits them against each other.
Nisa Santiago’s “Bad Apple” started with great potential but somewhere along the pages that potential diminished. I found many things to be unbelievable, reaching and too far-fetched. Had the author maintained more of a balance with the believable I think this book could have been better. A quick read that others may find enjoyable, “Bad Apple” failed to grab me. The fact that the book didn’t end and that there will be a continuation didn’t help matters either.
July 15, 2012
Ahhh! I loved this. It was sad and f'd up what happened to Nichols. And its crazy how Kola and Apple were at each other like strangers. Supreme got what he deserved for doin them like that. But what happened to Apple at the end of this I feel bad for her but she shouldn't have been in Harlem trying to show off. But luke u said I loved this. Gotta get part two and so on ....
January 2, 2012
Gotta watch them quieter ones. Good read. Very action packed. Felt so sad about younger sister she just go caught up in her sister's drama lookin 4 love. Definitely waitin 4 2 read the next installment.
January 12, 2012
Twins Apple and Kola were always at each others throats but the rape/murder of their youngest sister turns them into sworn enemies. Apples's greed and guilt leads in the arms of her sister's killer making Kola swear revenge on both Apple and their mother.
July 22, 2012
Apple & Kola are identical twins and are out to get each other. Jealousy is an understatement with these two. Apple caused the death of her 16 year old sister, Nichols and it was a brutal death. Kola can't forgive her. Drama, drama and mo' drama!
March 8, 2016
If you like urban fiction, this whole series is a must read! Gritty, shocking, definitely rated MA, you will not be able to put it down. You will definitely go out looking for the rest of the series, one after the other!
May 10, 2020
Book 1 of The Baddest Chick series introduces the readers to identical twin sisters Apple and Kola. They may look alike, but are as different as night and day.Raised in the projects by an alcoholic mother, they lacked a lot. Kola turned to the streets for her money, but Apple turned to a loan shark. This led to other problems, including the death of someone close to them. As a result, the twins were pitted against each other and war ensues on the streets.
I’ve been hearing about this author, as well as the series for quite some time, and finally decided to pick it up. I may be a little late to the party, but I’m definitely here to stay!
I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎book by @nisa_santiago to anyone looking for a page turner.
I’ve been hearing about this author, as well as the series for quite some time, and finally decided to pick it up. I may be a little late to the party, but I’m definitely here to stay!
I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎book by @nisa_santiago to anyone looking for a page turner.
September 25, 2017
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!
Why did it take me so long to read this series??? I cannot seem to put it down!
I would definitely recommend this series, it's a page turned for real!!!
These twins are something serious!!!
Why did it take me so long to read this series??? I cannot seem to put it down!
I would definitely recommend this series, it's a page turned for real!!!
These twins are something serious!!!
January 28, 2018
New guilty pleasure
I got hooked on this after a client of mine at the drug and alcohol rehab center I work at recommended it to me. It is so over the top in the most crazily entertaining way, I read it in two days. Don’t judge me. I bet you would do the same.
I got hooked on this after a client of mine at the drug and alcohol rehab center I work at recommended it to me. It is so over the top in the most crazily entertaining way, I read it in two days. Don’t judge me. I bet you would do the same.
November 29, 2020
Y’all ever read a book when it first come out and then read it again years later and your feelings change...that’s me with this book. When I first read this book, I was like 20 and idk how but I felt that Kola was dirty and I felt bad for Apple but now I’m almost 30 and I’m like Eff Apple!
January 6, 2026
I read this book when 18 or 19 and absolutely loved this book ! I wanted to reread it since I was older now and I thought I loved the twin Apple but now she just really pissed me off through out the whole book 😂 but I still enjoyed it.
September 22, 2017
Wow
I can't believe it took me so long to finally read this book. I have been missing out. This book was so good. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone.
I can't believe it took me so long to finally read this book. I have been missing out. This book was so good. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone.
March 27, 2018
Very good book.
Very good book. Wasn't expecting it to be so good. Its a must read. Can't wait to start the next second part
Very good book. Wasn't expecting it to be so good. Its a must read. Can't wait to start the next second part
August 12, 2018
Series
Great book, can’t wait to finish the series !!!! This book was great from the start to the finish!!!!!! Awesome!!!!
Great book, can’t wait to finish the series !!!! This book was great from the start to the finish!!!!!! Awesome!!!!
April 26, 2019
Great book and the series is very addictive. If you enjoy fiction novels with multiple twist you will absolutely love the series. I highly recommend reading all of them.
February 21, 2022
I love that things actually happen to the heroine. Apple is a great anti-heroine.
March 25, 2024
The baddest chick 1
It was a very good read, I can't wait for the next books. Will the two sister and mom ever get revenge.
It was a very good read, I can't wait for the next books. Will the two sister and mom ever get revenge.
March 5, 2021
Very good!!! Wasn’t expecting it to end how it ended.
May 26, 2018
Family sometimes ain’t NOTHING.
I loved this book the fact that its hood and graphic makes me want to know whats next because it reminds me living in the city of Chicago. The ending of the book made me want more but the book overall lets you know off the bat that family ain’t NOTHING most of the time and can’t be trusted. People will do whatever it takes to MESS over family whether its ya twin or mom they don’t care in order to make it they will cross you. But it also lets you know that the more people you cross over the more enemies you make!
I loved this book the fact that its hood and graphic makes me want to know whats next because it reminds me living in the city of Chicago. The ending of the book made me want more but the book overall lets you know off the bat that family ain’t NOTHING most of the time and can’t be trusted. People will do whatever it takes to MESS over family whether its ya twin or mom they don’t care in order to make it they will cross you. But it also lets you know that the more people you cross over the more enemies you make!
March 24, 2021
I really enjoyed book number 1 of this series. Lots of twist and turns! My emotions were all over the place with this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews