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From A Baby To A Boss

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For Bayani "Bay-Bay" Castro, grief didn’t just come in waves—it was a relentless tsunami. Heartache shadowed her every step, impossible to outrun. In nail art, she discovered her passion; in her childhood best friend Breanna, she found a sister and a surrogate family. Yet, happiness remained elusive, and every bright spot in Bay-Bay's life seemed destined to fade—even her relationship with her boyfriend, Linwood.

Kyzer "Flare" Atwood grew up in the projects of New Orleans, but his house never felt like home. To his mother, he was more of a burden than a blessing. He found solace in Regina, his mother's former best friend, whose family embraced him as one of their own. Bo, Regina's son, became the big brother that Kyzer never had, teaching him life's lessons and how to navigate its challenges.

When tragedy struck, Kyzer and Bayani found themselves alone, struggling to make sense of life. Despite making enemies along the way, they forged an unbreakable bond, supporting each other through their darkest times. For Kyzer, he witnessed Bayani's remarkable transformation—from the baby everyone once saw her as, to the boss she'd always aspired to be.

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2024

386 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Chenell Parker

43 books621 followers

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5 stars
604 (75%)
4 stars
135 (16%)
3 stars
44 (5%)
2 stars
7 (<1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,113 followers
July 25, 2024
It’s been close to a year if not more since we’ve been blessed with Chenell’s pen game so to say I ran towards this release is an understatement. I have come to learn something about Chenell with this release that I don’t believe was as obvious to me with previous books and that’s the fact that she recycles storylines and their similarities. If you’ve read Diamond Johnson then you know what I mean. Both ladies are extremely talented authors but the stories are one and the same. I don’t particularly care to read a book where I can predict every single thing that has happens or will happen.

Bayani and Kyzer have been in each other’s lives since their teen years. They were bonded by Bayani’s brother Bo and he was the glue that held this trio together. Because of this close proximity they became friends and always looked out for each other. Their friendship eventually transformed into a relationship and there was tons of drama that followed.

The flow of the story started out good but there there were time jumps where we had to fill in the gaps. A lot of things were summarized that I wish we got to read on page specially Sleazy’s unaliving. The book had potential but was just too predictable for me.

If you’ve never read anything by Chenell I 100% believe that you’d enjoy this story (even though there are much better books in her catalog). For me because I’ve read a GOOD amount of books by her, this did not display any growth or anything new and exciting that I expected. For me, it was an ok read but nothing earth shattering. 3.5 ⭐️’s
Profile Image for crystal niche.
236 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2025
There are a few stories you’d need to read to get to this one.. but it all came full circle for me. Still one of my fav urban fiction authors.
Profile Image for Vanessa Mardre.
4 reviews
July 29, 2024
Just like the others

Not sure what’s going on with Miss Parker but she’s showing absolutely no growth as an author. This story played out just like the tons of others in her catalog: some hard knock backstory, perfect girl, sexy dude with a boatload of money, scorned exes, marriage, move into a mini mansion, babies and more babies. There’s too many unnecessary characters with their whole life stories intertwined. You gotta create a map just to keep up with who’s who. Sad to say but my time with Chenell’s new books have come to an end. It doesn’t change the love I have for her earlier work though. You’re My Little Secret, Her So Called Husband and The Best Part of Me will always show face in my library but everything else is done. Best wishes to the author and all who continue to read her new stuff. Looks like I outgrew her stories.
Profile Image for She Watkins.
94 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2024
Good read!

This was a good one! I really enjoyed seeing some of the old characters, baby Co-Co hasn't changed a bit 😂 mouth still as reckless as ever. Bay and Flares love story was cute.. But I must admit it felt a little rushed... I get that they knew each other for years but I still didn't quite feel the love between them and I felt slot of their beautiful moments were skipped over and just mentioned after it happened! I loved Flare, he was a smart business man and watching his growth and maturity was everything. Bayani annoyed me at times but mama got her stuff all the way together and I love that for her. Geisha, Kalia, Megan and Gia all got on every part of my nerves lol and although I'm glad Gia and Megan got their minds right at the end they were all birds who kept playing their selves and then blaming everyone but themselves!
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,481 reviews21 followers
August 4, 2024
LOVED IT

Welcome back, Ms Parker. This book was just what I needed for the summer. Very well written, great storyline and character development. I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the friendship Bo and Flare had. You don't find too many people that you connect with and will stand ten toes down like these two have. Flare was about his business and looked out for those who did the same for him. There were no second chances once you crossed him. I loved the bond Bayani and Flare had, and it was so good to see them take things to the next level. There were some haters along the way, but I'm glad they managed to stick together and build their future. Great read.
Profile Image for Lisa Dukes.
900 reviews16 followers
July 22, 2024
Awesome Book 🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

Chenell this book was sooooooo good from the beginning to the end. The beginning had me in my feelings for a minute because I didn’t see that coming. I love the relationship that Flare and Bayani had, he ready change his hot headed ways and got his grown man ways on. The way he loved Bay-Bay and protected her was so sweet. I love the way you add the characters from a previous series. Coco is still a fool and doesn’t care what he says. Bre was most definitely a true friend to Bayani and didn’t mind standing up to anyone with her. Bre was just what Xavier needed and I’m glad he didn’t let his bitter baby mama ruin it for him. I’m so glad that all the snake’s receive their karma. There is so much more I could say but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone else. All I can say is check this book out you will not be disappointed. Chenell keep up the awesome job ❤️
Profile Image for Valerie S.
180 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2024
5 Stars baby

This was too right. Flare & Bayani's story was definitely enthralling. Ms Parker did her thing with this one. So many parts of this book made me feel all the emotions I think she was aiming for and what I expect to experience when I'm reading. That's a sure way to keep me coming back. I don't particularly like when an important character to the main character has to die but it wasn't unexpected based on the blurb. It was a good start to the story and flowed well, thereafter. I also loved the cameos from previous books and although I don't remember all the characters since I read Ms. Parker's other books forever ago, I definitely remember Coco. He was a trip and the supporting characters were everything!I would re-read and recommend.
Happy reading! 📚
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,018 reviews40 followers
July 23, 2024
To Learn How To Trust Your Inner Thoughts!

Chenell , I believe everyone should delve into this group of friends/family lives. To see what happens when children don't get the love they need, can go either way. Thankfully, Flare and Bay Bay were able to grow into.some great adults. It really takes a village to raise a family, be it blood or not.
Thank you for showing what happen to followers instead of leaders. Thank you for showing black men that grow up with loyalty and respect even when they never got it. Thank you for showing all black girls don't have to be underhanded and jealous of others. Just a good read!!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for Dana Veronica.
250 reviews10 followers
July 28, 2024
Good one

Per usual Ms Parker is amaaaaazing!!She never disappoints! My only gripe with her is that I need more books they’re not coming fast enough! I’ve Read every single book.

I love how she incorporates the characters from previous books. Coco is a mess he needs always make a guest appearance.

I thought that it would be a happily ever after with Bay Bay’s dad.
I love how she evolved. Flare was a great guy it was just a little shady how he led Gia to believe he looked at her as a little sister.
Gia’s father was touched and she was even more crazy to let him run her at her big ole grown age.

Overall great book as usual!
Profile Image for thebookcritic_.
860 reviews25 followers
August 5, 2024
DNF

I don’t think I like the way this author writes. I’m not a fan of people referencing each other as fam, brother/sister then getting together. The author mentioned a lot of characters that didn’t bring anything to the story. Why do we care that the pizza delivery man is working part time while getting his degree? There were also too many details that didn’t add to the story. The reader doesn’t need to know it takes two minutes to drive from the entrance of his condo to his unit.

Although Gia was petty, her points were valid. If they were so different, he should’ve just broke up with her. He was just stringing her along.
Profile Image for Ladii Zig.
1,182 reviews24 followers
November 21, 2024
Boss Baby!!!

I must say I loved the way this storyline played out. I hate the fact that Bay-Bay brother Bo had to lose his life, but I can say that Flare was their every step of the way and didn't miss a beat. Baby, when I say Chole shocked me, that was an understatement, I wasn't expecting her to do what she did, but I would say it was needed. Geisha and Kalia were both horrible, and I surely didn't feel bad for what happened to Bully because he was a snake. I couldn't stand Wood because he was too soft for me, but he did surprised me when he did what he did. Overall, it was a great read.
4 reviews
July 26, 2024
I’ve been waiting on Chenell to hit me with another Favorite Book!!!

I love Love !!!!! Another hit in my book!!!! Flare was about his business as a child that his mother didn’t even want!!! He took his way of life and thinking from those who showed him love in the streets!!!! He always had love for Bay-Bay as a child and the love extended through life.This book is a Hit!!! I pray it doesn’t take her long to write her next book!!! Come on Chenell Parker please keep the books coming!!!!
917 reviews
July 30, 2024
Lord ham mercy some of these characters messy AH, and that includes the men also ROTFL 😅😂🤣.

Bay Bay and Flare experienced trauma of loved ones, but it affected Bay Bay so much and she was barely able to cope at one point.

Flare made some errors where I would have handled some situations differently, but he was a go getter and truly business savvy! He had an awesome mind for someone his age.

Follow this couple as they went through trauma, crazy family members, crazy exes that don’t know when to walk away, and see who got their HEA!
1,006 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2024
Been A Minute!

Chenell Parker, where have you been? I've missed you and these extraordinarily wonderful stories you write! "From A Baby To A Boss" is no exception! I have been reading non-stop from page one, and the only reason it took as long as it did to finish was that I fell asleep! Bayani Castro can't remember a time when she didn't know Kyzer "Flare" Atwood. He was her brother's best friend and had always been around. At the worst times of her life, she had always had Flare. Then tragically, she and Flare only had each other.
Profile Image for Sharene.
26 reviews
October 16, 2024
Quick read but can be predicted

I love Ms. Chenell books.. I think I’ve read probably 85% of her books (could be more) but some times these names be confusing the hell out of me which makes it hard for me to understand who’s story is what. Let’s have a Jordan and an April and the kids names don’t rhyme with the parents. I’m like Gia, Geshia, and Jaylnn then Haydlynn it just like who with who now?

But once I got past that, I enjoyed. I’m looking forward toto some future work from her with some switch up on the storylines.
Profile Image for Shawndra.
87 reviews34 followers
July 25, 2024
Classic Chenell & that’s not a bad thing lol. I usually hate books with multiple POVs but I’ll always read her work because she makes every character interesting enough for me to be nosy. I enjoyed Flare & Bayani’s friendship & relationship. I wish we got to know Bo more. He seemed like someone I would have loved. And my favorite thing about Chenell’s work? Them wimmenz are fertile as hell & it cracks me up every time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
767 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2024
Jealousy and envy will kill you

Bo and Flare was best friends and living life raising his sister Beyani, Bo had no choice but to get money. Being hated on he was killed and robbed for less than $200 dollars. Flare survived but was left to take care of Bo sister who he had a secret crush. I love this book because through all the obstacles Beyani and Flare was able to have a family and friends that loved them.
74 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2024
WELCOME BACK

First let me say how happy I was to see a new book out my this author,as an avid fan this made my day. I will admit Tino,Boston,Remo and his dang twin are my favorites but Flare just made the list. Love Love love love a move in silence go getter and Flare was just that. I hope they didn’t put Wood’s dogs down🤔 CoCo still a fool “placenta perm” almost took me😂
359 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2024
Great job

Flare was the man from the beginning till the end. I loved Bay-Bay she was down-to-earth. I love how Flare loved her. Bre was a very good friend. I hate how people were trying to come between them but they stood the test of time. Co-Co was still a hot mess. Flare and Bay-Bay deserved all the happiness that came their way.
31 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
it was a good read

If flare wanted bayani from the beginning he should’ve been real and just got with her instead of bringing other people in his shit and acting like what he was doing was innocent yelling she family🙄i get it it’s a book but that wasn’t real he couldn’t be shocked from the drama surrounding that😂
40 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2024
From a baby to a BOSSSS

I love it! Well worth the wait. Bay-Bay and Flare are the marriage goals for real. I don’t know how Wood thought Bully was any different from his brother. Chloe wasn’t as naive as he thought. Flare mom was wrong how she treated him but she was sorry in the end… Bosses
10 reviews
August 4, 2024
Welcome back

First, I want to say welcome back to one of my favorite authors! This series was so good. It had me hooked from page one. I hated what happened to Bay Bay’s brother but it didn’t overshadow the story! Flare was a real one!! He looked out for everyone he loved and Bay Bay literally got the best version of him. I loved the way the story flowed!
33 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2024
loved it!!!

This my first time reading this author and I was really enjoyed reading this book. I don’t do a lot of reviews but this was a good book and I can’t wait to read more by this author. I love everything about Bay and Flare. They did not let nothing get in their way of happiness.
4 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2024
Chenell did it again!!!

Chenell Parker has done it again!!! This book was fabulous just like all her others. I loved the story and the characters. I wasn’t too crazy about some of the names but I can overlook anything for a Chenell Parker story! lol!!!! Now I’m sad I finished it because I probably have to wait a year for another one.
Profile Image for Nikki B..
81 reviews
August 22, 2024
Pretty good story

This was a pretty good book. I loved revisiting characters from stories past. Bayani and Flare deserved the happiness they got. Their story followed Ms. Parker's blueprint, but the drama was juicy nonetheless. CoCo was hilarious and dropped one liners I will be using in my real life 😂 Overall, a good read.
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,659 reviews16 followers
August 23, 2024
Championed into bosses

This story is full of drama and action. Betrayal, jealousy, and greed are at the forefront and love is hovering around. Bayani and Flare went through some things that championed them into becoming bosses. Karma certainly made her appearance and wrecked havoc on her prey.
1,194 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2024
Loved It

Chenell, baby I'm thrilled that you're back! The storyline was so refreshing! I loved the concept! The relationships were so detailed and all I could do, is just keep turning the pages! Young people growing into mature adults is what you will get out of Baby to a boss! Finale was on point as well!
2,001 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2024
Boss baby

Omg this book was so good. Wood was a follow the leader type of guy. He wanted to be like Bully his supposed to be best friend. He was a coward to leave his girl like that while they were being rob. Talk about some messy women man those friends of Gia. I'm glad that she came to her senses and stop being so weak behind them.
Profile Image for Christine mccullar.
765 reviews5 followers
September 20, 2024
love love love

I absolutely loved this book. I loved Flare and Bayani’s together…they were so good together. Even with all the challenges Flare went through in life, I love the person he turned out to be. I love reading about the Andrews and how the kids grew up and and babies of their own.
2,064 reviews14 followers
September 25, 2024
Drama, drama, drama!

This book had been in my library and I finally got to read it. Bay Bay and Flare were around each other for a long time, but when she got older they began to look at each other romantically. I really liked them together. Bully was a slime ball and there were a lot of drama filled characters in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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