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Hold It Down: Like Sister and Brother
Every ending has a beginning, and every tumultuous relationship had it's start somewhere. Fairy tales are just figments of our imagination. Reality is harsh and unkind. Still somehow, there are roses the bust through the ground, beyond the concrete. Love can be found in the strangest, unorthodox places. This would be the best way to define Raven and Jahrein's situation.
Young and naïve Raven was when Jahrein entered her life. The fights, the jealousy, the hating transformed her from a girl to a woman. In the hood, getting with a certified hustler is deemed the come-up of a life time. But the ultimate question is: at what cost?
Join Raven on her journey of self-discovery, and the quest of true love. Ride side by side with her, as she does her best to hold her man down. Is she strong enough for the task? Or will holding Jahrein down become her ultimate downfall?
Young and naïve Raven was when Jahrein entered her life. The fights, the jealousy, the hating transformed her from a girl to a woman. In the hood, getting with a certified hustler is deemed the come-up of a life time. But the ultimate question is: at what cost?
Join Raven on her journey of self-discovery, and the quest of true love. Ride side by side with her, as she does her best to hold her man down. Is she strong enough for the task? Or will holding Jahrein down become her ultimate downfall?
- GenresAfrican American Romance
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2014
158 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 31, 2024
I didn’t like the characters but entertaining for sure
May 31, 2014
Okay this was a different from the street novels I've been reading. She was young when she started having babies, Jah made sure she was barefooted and pregant. She went throught a lot before she hit 21yrs old. Jah was crazy, jealous and would fight anybody. She too but there love was a hood love for real. I really like the book because she had her 1st baby at 14yrs old and we grew with her as she got older( may sound crazy but you have to read the book). Jah made sure that she was pregant 3wks after having a baby. It was crazy. She wild out on him, he did the same to her. I mean this book was crazy.
May 13, 2021
Not at all
This book was so stupid.
Like after cheating, physical abuse, and having an outside baby, Raven really had the nerve to say that they had an unbreakable bond ?
I literally could not relate to any character in this book, and idc what nobody say, how does 2 people be together and their children be together? Like this book was disgusting in a way and Raven just was not a bright girl at all. Idk what to say about this book.
This book was so stupid.
Like after cheating, physical abuse, and having an outside baby, Raven really had the nerve to say that they had an unbreakable bond ?
I literally could not relate to any character in this book, and idc what nobody say, how does 2 people be together and their children be together? Like this book was disgusting in a way and Raven just was not a bright girl at all. Idk what to say about this book.
May 2, 2014
Hold It Down
Wow. Jahrein was a womanizer, abuser, insecure, and a dog. Yet, I loved him for Raven. The love he had for her was so deep and scary. I don't know how Ms. Jackson did it , but she made Jahrein my hero. Kallil was a surprise and disappointment. I expected so much from him especially since he was older. Oh well. The relationship between Raven and Jahrein was so entertaining because no matter what their loyalty was to each other first, even when they were wrong. Their children were priceless. I really found this book to be one of the best I've read. I will definitely recommend this book.
Wow. Jahrein was a womanizer, abuser, insecure, and a dog. Yet, I loved him for Raven. The love he had for her was so deep and scary. I don't know how Ms. Jackson did it , but she made Jahrein my hero. Kallil was a surprise and disappointment. I expected so much from him especially since he was older. Oh well. The relationship between Raven and Jahrein was so entertaining because no matter what their loyalty was to each other first, even when they were wrong. Their children were priceless. I really found this book to be one of the best I've read. I will definitely recommend this book.
January 21, 2017
Very enjoyable read.
Jahrein and Raven really took me through some things. All of their drama pulled me right into the story. It reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. Two young lovers who went through it to be together. The only difference is their ending wasn't tragic. They were both young and dumb and had to figure out life for themselves along the way. Regardless of what they went through, somehow they made it work. It really took me there. Very enjoyable.
Jahrein and Raven really took me through some things. All of their drama pulled me right into the story. It reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. Two young lovers who went through it to be together. The only difference is their ending wasn't tragic. They were both young and dumb and had to figure out life for themselves along the way. Regardless of what they went through, somehow they made it work. It really took me there. Very enjoyable.
March 15, 2014
Great read
this book was very good....I fell in love with Jah crazy ass...smh! there were many fights, breakups and heartache with a bunch of drama to go with it....hood love at its finest!
this book was very good....I fell in love with Jah crazy ass...smh! there were many fights, breakups and heartache with a bunch of drama to go with it....hood love at its finest!
April 24, 2018
Not feeling it.
Raven had to be the dumbest broad on earth. I like the other books but this one was just a really long story about how dumb a little girl is.
Raven had to be the dumbest broad on earth. I like the other books but this one was just a really long story about how dumb a little girl is.
December 1, 2025
transparency- I read the author's website exclusive special edition.
Likely with additional content and maybe some editing updates.
Regardless, I believe the overall content and story remains the same.
This story was such an amazing, messy read.
One thing I say about this author is their ability to capture and show living...Hood realism
I love that about this author.
Whereas some decisions and choices may not be the ones I would make- i've seen people make the very decisions she writes about.
Every read from this author has been amazing for me so I would definitely recommend.
Check your triggers and remember we are following this children as they navigate life through adulthood...
Likely with additional content and maybe some editing updates.
Regardless, I believe the overall content and story remains the same.
This story was such an amazing, messy read.
One thing I say about this author is their ability to capture and show living...Hood realism
I love that about this author.
Whereas some decisions and choices may not be the ones I would make- i've seen people make the very decisions she writes about.
Every read from this author has been amazing for me so I would definitely recommend.
Check your triggers and remember we are following this children as they navigate life through adulthood...
August 17, 2025
I cannot do the cheating!!! He had a whole baby on her, constantly cheated, constantly had girls coming at her, and still they are together. I had so much anxiety reading this book. Raven is the best thing that’s happened to him but he still cheats. I don’t get it and I won’t. Also Raven being pregnant 6 timesssss. 🧐 geeezzzzzz.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
I liked it
This was a different read for me and I liked it alot. The author had a different story line and it kept my attention
This was a different read for me and I liked it alot. The author had a different story line and it kept my attention
September 20, 2014
Jahrein is the sh*t. This book tells a tale of love, abuse, cheating, selfishness, and what it means to be the ultimate player. Jahrein is a pedophile. Raven was only 13 years old when she moved in with Ray Ray and Red so him at 17 should have never touched her. He had a plan though (tie her down with babies from the gate). It worked in some ways, but Raven is headstrong so she would not roll over and play submissive to Jahrein. With all his cheating and street running he still knew where home was. Raven was just too young to deal with the situation she was placed in at the time. I believe that given a chance to grow she is gonna give Jahrein a run for his money. Ray Ray and Red should be in jail. You must read this book its good from the gate.
March 16, 2019
No greater love than first love
I have read this story about 6 times and can't believe I haven't reviewed my favorite couple. This hood love story is gutter,you will feel all the emotions of young Raven. Even though Jahrein was the exact replica of her daddy Ray, he truly loved her. From the first day he saw her he had an agenda and he followed it through. This book explains that no greater love than a first love. The experience and mistakes are all a first but the experience is everlasting some good and bad. The way he cheated on her was a product of his environment. Tyra was the worst and Shell was just grimy for no reason. Very good read that you will enjoy over and over again.
I have read this story about 6 times and can't believe I haven't reviewed my favorite couple. This hood love story is gutter,you will feel all the emotions of young Raven. Even though Jahrein was the exact replica of her daddy Ray, he truly loved her. From the first day he saw her he had an agenda and he followed it through. This book explains that no greater love than a first love. The experience and mistakes are all a first but the experience is everlasting some good and bad. The way he cheated on her was a product of his environment. Tyra was the worst and Shell was just grimy for no reason. Very good read that you will enjoy over and over again.
September 7, 2018
Great read
I gave it 4 stars cause I just see so many women stay with men who constantly cheat on them. I do feel feel like Jah love Raven. Sometimes as women u gotta know you worth more than that. Society I got women thinking all men cheat it's something they do, as long you number 1 you cool. That's all lies! It was a great read but I felt like Raven needed self love first. Grant it we all make mistakes but Jah was doing entirely too much and lied about everything. Raven wasn't a saint, but she was loyal to Jah behind.
I gave it 4 stars cause I just see so many women stay with men who constantly cheat on them. I do feel feel like Jah love Raven. Sometimes as women u gotta know you worth more than that. Society I got women thinking all men cheat it's something they do, as long you number 1 you cool. That's all lies! It was a great read but I felt like Raven needed self love first. Grant it we all make mistakes but Jah was doing entirely too much and lied about everything. Raven wasn't a saint, but she was loyal to Jah behind.
April 13, 2020
Poor Raven
All of the surface things didn't matter. When you got down to the root, she was abused most of her young life. I know Jahrien married her and all of that but he also had sex with her before she was legal, cheated the whole time, tampered with her birth control, and hit her quite often. I can't get with their love story, Jahrien was a self-centered monster who basically took away any choice Raven had for her own life.
All of the surface things didn't matter. When you got down to the root, she was abused most of her young life. I know Jahrien married her and all of that but he also had sex with her before she was legal, cheated the whole time, tampered with her birth control, and hit her quite often. I can't get with their love story, Jahrien was a self-centered monster who basically took away any choice Raven had for her own life.
May 6, 2017
Raven was a bad lil broad
It's a shame how ppl can b so jealous of a person. Tyra and Shell were some dumb a** b***hes who got what they deserved n the end. Now khalil on the other hand is a grown a** man going crazy over raven like that is pitiful...jah know he was petty for keeping that girl pregnant...lhh
It's a shame how ppl can b so jealous of a person. Tyra and Shell were some dumb a** b***hes who got what they deserved n the end. Now khalil on the other hand is a grown a** man going crazy over raven like that is pitiful...jah know he was petty for keeping that girl pregnant...lhh
August 26, 2015
Good Read !!!
This story had me in my feelings. I hated the way jahrein treated raven . There love story was crazy from the beginning. Even though Raven was young I admired her because she still made her way,she fell a couple of times but she got up and kept pushing. Good read
This story had me in my feelings. I hated the way jahrein treated raven . There love story was crazy from the beginning. Even though Raven was young I admired her because she still made her way,she fell a couple of times but she got up and kept pushing. Good read
March 31, 2016
Like everyone else the age thing was like wow but for some reason it didn't take me away from liking the book at all. It was a pretty good read.
All those kids through WHEW I was tired just reading about all them and shell... yeah peeped that lame from the beginning.
Lata folks
All those kids through WHEW I was tired just reading about all them and shell... yeah peeped that lame from the beginning.
Lata folks
February 24, 2014
Alright now
I enjoyed this book I am looking forward to seeing what else Ms Nicole comes up with good job ma'am
I enjoyed this book I am looking forward to seeing what else Ms Nicole comes up with good job ma'am
March 13, 2014
omg this is the first book i read by ms jackson let me tell u this book was the bomb .now bout to check out her other books .if ur looking for a gr8 read check her out
June 3, 2014
This Was My Second Read From This Author. I Would Pick Up Another By Her. This Story Was Fast-Paced, But The Characters Were Developed & Realistic... So Were The Situations . Thumbs Up Five Stars!
April 9, 2016
A page turner but...
After countless cheating , scandals , and pointless fussing when is it enough ??? It's time to have more substance beyond that
After countless cheating , scandals , and pointless fussing when is it enough ??? It's time to have more substance beyond that
June 28, 2018
I really was not a fan of Jah and felt like he didn't love Raven but instead just wanted to have her since others did while he still did whatever he wanted.
November 14, 2022
Hold on even when you think that love is gone
Raven did not seek help for her trauma. Had she pursued finding herself some of the disappointments would have vanished
Raven did not seek help for her trauma. Had she pursued finding herself some of the disappointments would have vanished
April 24, 2021
Umm
This book was something else the msg was real though and that’s what a lot of young girls go through in this world and it’s very sad to stay and put up with a mans mess all because he take care of you, smh raven had potential to be smart but jah had her gone and she had no role model what so ever smh all in all it was a real life book about all the women of the world who think they have to stay with a man and put up with his mess all because he take care of them
This book was something else the msg was real though and that’s what a lot of young girls go through in this world and it’s very sad to stay and put up with a mans mess all because he take care of you, smh raven had potential to be smart but jah had her gone and she had no role model what so ever smh all in all it was a real life book about all the women of the world who think they have to stay with a man and put up with his mess all because he take care of them
January 11, 2018
Lived up to the hype
This book was hyped up on the fb group bookies and to my surprise it was already a part of my long collection of books. I felt like the book lived up to the hype but it was just a little much to deal with Raven @ times, I was like girl are you for real??? I truly enjoyed and I’m glad Raven & Jah grew up & grew together in love.
This book was hyped up on the fb group bookies and to my surprise it was already a part of my long collection of books. I felt like the book lived up to the hype but it was just a little much to deal with Raven @ times, I was like girl are you for real??? I truly enjoyed and I’m glad Raven & Jah grew up & grew together in love.
May 20, 2021
Young love
A young love that ignited very quickly. Looked down upon and envied by many in their neighborhood. Yet and still they kept that love strong. There were many bumps along the road but in the end growth and distance eventually let them see the bigger picture. Jahrein and Raven forever!
A young love that ignited very quickly. Looked down upon and envied by many in their neighborhood. Yet and still they kept that love strong. There were many bumps along the road but in the end growth and distance eventually let them see the bigger picture. Jahrein and Raven forever!
July 18, 2021
Stressed
If stress was a person these 2 hold the title. I'm at a loss for words with the characters. Mom and Dad I can slap y'all but that won't help. I can't get made at Jah and Raven because growing up most of us back in the day date like this. This story just shined the light on how lost we were. Great read!!
If stress was a person these 2 hold the title. I'm at a loss for words with the characters. Mom and Dad I can slap y'all but that won't help. I can't get made at Jah and Raven because growing up most of us back in the day date like this. This story just shined the light on how lost we were. Great read!!
August 10, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Jah & Raven’s story was one for the books! They literally grew up together, even tho Jah was a few years older than Raven. Their love really stood the test of time. That first love hits different! But five kids & pregnant with your sixth baby before the age of twenty-one, is WILD! This book was another BOMB 10 outta 10 from this author!
Jah & Raven’s story was one for the books! They literally grew up together, even tho Jah was a few years older than Raven. Their love really stood the test of time. That first love hits different! But five kids & pregnant with your sixth baby before the age of twenty-one, is WILD! This book was another BOMB 10 outta 10 from this author!
July 25, 2025
I didn't like the characters. Raven would say one thing and do another. She was Jah's fool through the whole book. If you agree with that mentality "a man is going to be a man" then be my guest and read this book. You'll love the back and forth toxcity between these idiots.
oh, and there's a pedophile!
oh, and there's a pedophile!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews