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Kane: A Gangster's Love Story Two

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Kane and Serenity are back.

In book one so much transpired. With more obstacles tossed their way, can the couple's love conquer all this go around?
A Gangster’s Love Story Two is an urban romance that navigates the complexities of love and war.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2023

230 people are currently reading
348 people want to read

About the author

Talena Tillman

34 books303 followers
Talena Tillman is a native of Houston, Texas. At thirty years young, she has already made her mark on the literary world. Notoriously known for her novellas, Talena has mastered the ability to give a full story within a hundred and something pages. Her series “Kane” is her reader’s favorite. She writes urban romance, penning imperfect black love beautifully.

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5 stars
661 (54%)
4 stars
363 (30%)
3 stars
152 (12%)
2 stars
27 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,404 reviews157 followers
October 21, 2023
Love Wins

I liked the characters of this book. Kane, Serenity, and sweet little Junior were a sweet family. I liked the premise of the book, but overall the delivery was lacking to me. The author was extra with the wording. It was like she was trying to add in all these big words that didn't really fit the vibe of the story. You had the street edge from Kane and Zane and then you had the random story telling like it was Romeo and Juliet. Idk I just couldn't get with it. The family is at war because of Zane's choice, we barely hear from him by design because the story really wasn't from his lens. However, for so much turmoil to be happening because of him it felt like he should have at least been pictured more from Kane's point of view. Like the fool endangered his momma, why didn't we at least get his reaction to that.

Serenity and Kane endure a second chance love story. Kane is doing everything that he can to ensure that this time around their love wins. Serenity at times is barely hanging on, but the trust she has for this man is loud and clear. Not a bad read, but I think it would benefit from some editing to make the story more cohesive.
Profile Image for Bug.
310 reviews25 followers
October 14, 2023
getting out the game

Kane and Serenity do get their happily ever after. But it’s definitely after a lot of bloodshed, and tears conclusion to the story.
Profile Image for Kristin.
120 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2023
They shared a love that healed their wounds and nurtured their souls.🖤

I think this was the perfect ending to Kane and Ren Ren’s story. The sequel picks up exactly where the first book left off. I thought this one would have me a lot more stressed but my baby Kane orchestrated everything so perfectly. He was so determined to prove to Ren that he could protect their family by leaving the game for good and he absolutely delivered on that promise.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,548 reviews99 followers
September 24, 2023
Whew! After leaving me in shambles after book 1, I was so anxious about how this would turn out. Still pissed at Zane for his selfish and reckless moves, but that's fam and we gotta deal with it.

Kane! ❤️ He can do no wrong in my book! Although he had to delay his plans with Serenity, he is a man of his word. He vowed to take care of business, and get out, then that is what he would do!
I was in awe of this man as he made those daring and calculated moves to secure his family's safety. 🤩 The action was🔥, and I held my breath a few times, and prayed that Kane nor Zane was hurt!

I'm glad that Zane stepped up the way he did, as he is the reason for all this mess in the first place! 😡 I hope he and Liya get a story at some point. I have to know more about their love story, and if she was really worth him risking it all!

I'm sad to see the end of Kane and Serenity, as their love was one for the ages! ❤️ Great read. 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Ebony.
273 reviews34 followers
September 30, 2023
This book didn’t stress me out as bad as I thought it would.

Talena left us with a cliffhanger in book 1. Just when Kane was getting his family together, Zane has to pull a reckless move.

The way she wrote about this war between the brothers and Pablo was amazing. I felt like I was in an action movie lol

The ending was perfect! I can’t wait to see what Zane and Aliya’s life will look like now.

Talena does it again!!
871 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2025
Wrapped up nicely…

For some, but there’s still some unfinished business for others! The Santiago family captured my attention and kept me invested throughout the story. I also enjoyed the audiobook narration by Ebony Ford. Looking forward to the remaining books in the series being released in this format. Hopefully, that’s the plan!
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
644 reviews13 followers
September 11, 2024

*Spoilers* Part 2 to Kane and Serenity’s story. I love their little family, but Ngl Serenity was kinda getting on my nerves lol. First off she hid their son from Kane for two years. I understand with her being a mother she felt like she was making the right choices for her kid, but you trusted Kane to have the lifestyle that he’s always lived when it came to taking care of you. When he brought you out of your struggle in the slums, you was okay riding for him then. I never cared for the secret baby trope because they be having too many occasions to tell the father and just don’t. Second, Kane got placed in a war that he did not start but still had to move accordingly. She vowed to trust him and accepted his proposal but added stress. You threatening to take you and your son away will be his focus when he should be focusing on the war. Wars don’t end overnight. Now Zane, I live for the fact that you went after your girl, but y’all was so selfish. Zane had no remorse for the trouble and the danger that he put his family in. If your family decided to leave y’all hanging, you and Aliyah both would be dead. Show some gratitude. Talena warned this was not fluff lol. Overall I was invested and enjoyed the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amber Brown.
14 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2024
Title: Kane: A Gangster's Love Story Two

Review:
"Kane: A Gangster's Love Story Two" is a thrilling ride through the world of love, loyalty, and second chances. At its core, this sequel celebrates the power of family and the resilience of the human heart.

In this story, we follow Kane as he navigates the complex dynamics of his relationships while juggling the demands of his criminal lifestyle. Determined to prioritize his own happiness over the expectations of his father, Kane sets out to reclaim the love he lost with Serenity.
Serenity, too, grapples with her emotions as she cautiously opens her heart to Kane once again. Their journey is filled with ups and downs, but their love proves to be a guiding force through it all.
What makes this sequel stand out is its focus on the importance of family and the sacrifices Kane is willing to make to protect his loved ones. As he confronts the mess left behind by his brother Zane, Kane's unwavering dedication to his family shines through, showcasing the true meaning of loyalty.
Overall, "Kane: A Gangster's Love Story Two" is an engaging read that will keep you hooked until the very end. With its relatable characters and gripping storyline, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a captivating tale of love and redemption.
5 reviews
September 22, 2025
Love wins✨

I loved Kane 2! Kane is a real one he don’t play when it comes to Serenity, and I love how he’s a man of his word. But Zane? He’s a whole problem! All that drama over someone who wasn’t his... at first. 😂 Still, he definitely made the story more intense. I can’t wait to see what his story is like in Book 3!
Profile Image for Trisha Taylor.
24 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2023
The Santiago’s 😍🔥

Ms. Talena did her big one with this family. I loved how Kane covered his family and still handled his business like a boss. Kane and Zane was smart and calculated with how they dealt with Pablo. Family meant everything to these men, and they went above to protect their love ones.
Profile Image for TheBookJunkie.
107 reviews10 followers
May 7, 2024
This beautiful second chance romance was indeed wound healing. Kane and Serenity went through the ultimate test of time and still came out on the other side. I love how Kane kept his word and allowed his actions to exude the love he has for Serenity.
Profile Image for Jann.
726 reviews7 followers
November 28, 2023
Not as advertised

The fine ass face on the cover fooled me. Story was rushed and wasn't developed like I thought.

Did not need a2nd book
Profile Image for Kyla.
162 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Profile Image for Zoë.
41 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2024
The 24 hours I’ve spent have been a literal rollercoaster. I LOVED IT!!!! <3
Profile Image for Nile Princess.
1,570 reviews174 followers
November 23, 2023
Anti-climactic. Went through all that with Pablo for it to go out with a fizzle, and no real detail. Things were too easy for Aliya and Zane. I would have been quite happy with one of them catching a bullet. And, finally, these books need an editor.

eg. "How did NY treat you?" "It was really well." Huh??

Zane checked the Rolex that was donned around his wrist. Was donned??

When trying to sound fancy goes wrong. And there are so many like this. Zane wore a fly watch or donned a nice watch...not...that.

And, author, 'mi city', 'mi woman' etc. is NOT how Spanglish works.

The best parts of this book for me were Kane telling someone off lol. I like him and his girl together, and loved their little family. The author does tell a good story that kept my interest, but parts of it just feel like she was trying too hard to sound different. I skimmed much more of this book than I did Book 1, and feel that, for as big of a war as this should have been, it ended quickly and then, yay, everybody was all happy go lucky. Really?

At least the cover was amazing!

2.5
Profile Image for Aja.
87 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2024
Honestly I usually don’t read sequels because they usually let me down but this was a good one! I think the author did a great job and cutting out all the filler and giving us answers to everything we wanted and more! I enjoyed reading Zane’s POV even tho he is so annoying and he deserved everything that happened to him😭🤣 he was so selfish it made me so mad!!! I was just screaming jumping for joy because Serenity and Jr got exactly what they needed. A happy ending for them and their family! Zion coming around really was the cherry on top of it all. I hate when families fight but I’m so happy we didn’t get left with everyone still being at war or one of the brothers being dead. I only gave it 4 stars because I was getting annoyed with serenity lol and bc I so feel like it could’ve been longer!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sherley's Reading Corner.
300 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2024
I was on the edge of my seat!

Overall Rating: 5/5
Spice: 3/5

What a beautiful ending. Love does really conquer all.

I just love how this story was told. We not only got Kane and Serenity’s perspectives but we were given a little insight into Liya and Zane’s relationship for a better understanding of how we got here.

I must admit that I was on the edge of my seat wondering how all of this was going to play out. It was a roller coaster ride for sure but the writing, the plot, and the development of the characters were just so good that I really didn’t want to get off the ride.

I just loved the way Kane loved and took care of his family. Once he made a promise to Serenity, he was determined to keep it. He did everything in his power to protect her, their son, and those around them. Kane and Serenity’s love and devotion to one another was just beautiful and powerful and inspiring.

Like the first installment, this one is engaging and draws the reader in from the very first page. This story had me in a chock hold. I could not put it down and was able to read it in a few short hours.

I loved it and recommend it and am really looking forward to a deeper dive into Zane’s story.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
640 reviews16 followers
September 28, 2023
Y’all know I ride for Talena Tillman and all of her greatness, but sis had me deep in my emotions on this one, and believe me, I let her know it 😆. After how book one ended, I knew we were in for some foolishness, but we got much more than I expected.
First, Kane and Serenity are still nasty... that’ll never change, but if she does decide to switch up, I’m next in line to be Mrs. Santiago! We saw a more strategic side of Kane in this book, and I must admit it was sexy! As I said before, my emotions took a hit while reading this book. How this queen can pack a novella with everything we need leaves me in awe every time.
Kane and Serenity have been through some things that would’ve broken a weaker couple, but we see them make it to the happily ever after. I will warn you to prepare yourself because you will experience action, danger, pain, hope, and, most importantly love. I’m excited to see who will come up next. I hope Zane is given a book, but I might need a break from him for a while because of how he contributed to me being my feelings.
Profile Image for Natashia Crawford.
359 reviews7 followers
September 26, 2023
This was soo good. It was action packed with guns blazing and loyalties tested. This was a short read but I am fulfilled. Kane is that dude and the way he processes things is what makes him as strong and a force to be reckoned with.
Zane is definitely a hot head and needed Kane to level him out but he wasn’t nothing to play with either.
Serenity definitely loved this man and was a true ride or die. At some point you at gotta be ready to walk away from the craziness. She had Jr and didn’t want to have him involved with that life. I can understand that. Kane understood it too and he wanted his family. Serenity wasn’t playing with Kane and they balanced one another out.

I really enjoyed this installment. This had me guessing and I am glad Kane was able to get his HEA.
Profile Image for Chardonnay B.
69 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2023
⭐️MY REVIEW⭐️

RATE:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is part two of the series and it starts of right where it ended this book shows how Kane love ren unconditionally and would do any and everything for her and their son. After getting the situated with the big change he went to clean up his brother mess with Pablo which caused him to loose his best friend while taking down Pablo. After Zane killed Pablo Kane officially washed his hands and left the family business for the same of his family. Long story short this was the perfect ending to the first book I highly recommend this series
🫧FAVORITE QOUTE🫧
“Here I am, looking in the mirror. An open face, the pain erased. And now the sky is clearer. I can see the sun. Now that all, all is said and done.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,989 reviews106 followers
October 2, 2023
Kane and Zane

Double the trouble is a good name, or Dynamic Duo. I did not understand how a so-called powerful man could let someone come to his home and let another take your girl. I laughed so hard at that situation. I will admit, a few times I forgot which brother was speaking with the names so similar. And Serenity needed to take a seat somewhere. While her man is in the middle of a strategic battle, she kept up the 'I'm going to leave you BS'. I needed her to let her man take care of his entire family, not just her and their son. I get it, and I don't. Overall, this was a banger of a story. 4.5 stars..
Profile Image for Lisareadsromance.
628 reviews14 followers
October 14, 2023
Quick...action

I like this for the first story to read by his author it was really good. I like the fact that we had a love like no other in the beginning and they split because she wanted better for herself and he wanted her to have better as well. I like that the love never dissipated like it felt real it just didn't disappear overtime. I didn't the only thing that bothered me is the slang in the book sometimes it was a little repetitive and unnecessary but overall I really didn't enjoy it.
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,013 reviews
November 12, 2023
loves force

“They were two souls undoubtedly ready to embark on a journey they’d promised long ago to spend together. Both were ready to face any more obstacles that may have come their way. Because it had been proven their love was a force that would conquer any and everything…”

Wasn’t nothing and no one getting in the way of their love - not wild cocky and reckless little brothers, cartel, crime bosses, attempts on their lives, family disagreements, miles, time or distance.
They were destined for a couple of forevers in love.

Good read!
866 reviews5 followers
December 21, 2023
Kane and Ren

The reason I love them is because of the long lasting genuine love they share. Each of their past experiences molded them into what each other would need when the time came. He knew she needed a purpose due to her addiction and she knew he needed strength dealing with his line of work. If I am my brothers keeper was a person it would be Kane. The best was when he let him know I will always have your against the world but definitely correcting you in private. Oh one thing we don't know Zane's son name.
Profile Image for The Urban Fiction Librarian.
383 reviews42 followers
February 20, 2024
K A N E!!!!!!!! That’s all I’m going to say. Lies LOL but no for real Kane was a real n*gga and he played NO GAMES. The way that man came up with a plan that was not only flawless to a certain extent it was meticulous and I was like oh I see you sir. When that man said to Serenity he was going to end things with Pablo and get out, he meant it with his chest. Y’all the Santiago’s wasn’t the family to f*ck with and by the end of this story you see why. Great ending to a beautiful love story and journey. Thanks T!!!!!
115 reviews
February 20, 2024
If I’m Out The Game was a Person

K A N E!!!!!!!! That’s all I’m going to say. Lies LOL but no for real Kane was a real n*gga and he played NO GAMES. The way that man came up with a plan that was not only flawless to a certain extent it was meticulous and I was like oh I see you sir. When that man said to Serenity he was going to end things with Pablo and get out, he meant it with his chest. Y’all the Santiago’s wasn’t the family to f*ck with and by the end of this story you see why. Great ending to a beautiful love story and journey. Thanks T!!!!!
Profile Image for Darlene.
167 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2023
😍

Book 2 is a rollercoaster! With love at its core, the narrative explodes with street lit intensity as Kane is thrust into a deadly war, mainly due to his brother’s actions. Facing a formidable foe, the stakes rise, and the bloodshed is real. Yet amidst this chaos, the overpowering love between Kane and Serenity shines, providing hope in dark times. The culmination? A satisfying ending that left me smiling.
Profile Image for AsToldByTheNy.
212 reviews
March 25, 2024
Kane & Serenity.

I liked this duet—very hood but still cute. Kane knew what he had to do or ELSE. My girl was not playing with his ass.

JR was sure a cute kid in this book too .. making everyone smile. 😊

Glad Zane took over cuz that shxt is for the birds, we have a family now — lol time to settle down !
RIP to the real ones and the not so real ones.

Overall, a good read.
Rating: 4⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews

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