Zane: Real Gangsters Never Die

by Talena Tillman

The Santiago family makes a triumphant return, with Zane Santiago at the helm. What happens when a new war emerges during his reign over the underworld? While tradition dictates that true gangsters move in silence, Zane’s bold and unapologetic approach sets him apart. Brace yourself for a gripping, action-packed tale in this captivating spin-off from “ A Gangster’s Love Story.”

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talena, girl…… I know you don’t make us wait long, but sis, the way my heart is pumpin’ right now! I swear you be trying to take us out! 😤 I knew Zane was a wild card, but damn! So, Grandpa Abel is responsible for creating this reckless creature that is Zane huh?

I enjoyed getting to know Aliya a bit better, but still want to know what is so special about her that had Zane risking it all for her. Whatever it is Zane is not playing about his woman and is serious as hell about holding her down.

Who the hell had the balls to harm the Santiago family? When everything went down, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. 💔 Those actions are just going to give Zane more ammunition to turn on his evil, unhinged behavior, and bring Kane out of retirement. What's up with these OG women that have been hiding in the shadows that hold all the power? Imma need more on that please!

The spot is hot in Miami now with Zane making his presence known, but the adversaries are locked and loaded. Or so they think…. Hmmm. That last sentence that Laura uttered…. What did she say? He’s his what? 👀 Aww… hell naw! How that happen? Ughhhh….. I have no choice but to wait on the conclusion, but I ain’t happy about it. 🤬

[Erin Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st half of the book was a teeny bit slow. Around 60% it picked up & by the end we are left on a cliffhanger. I will say I wasn’t really interested in Zane’s story. Kane was one of my fav book baes in 2023 lol loved his books! But the way this book ended left me more than enough interested to continue on to book #2.

[Demetrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

INITIAL READ 8/20/24

I rated it 4 ⭐️

REREAD 2/21/25

I changed my rating to 4.5⭐️. That ending was 🤯

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cliffhanger story.

[Arnell Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for part 2 of Zane’s story.

[TrueBookJunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychotic, reckless, and yet so very, very sexy 😝 Zane has been a problem since we first met him in Kane’s book, but having him as the main character and not playing in the background was so much more than I thought it would be. I really loved that he went through so much behind Aliya, and they are still standing strong! He was the perfect mix of sweet and crazy!
Talena really has me considering my sanity more and more with each of her releases because Zane was unhinged for real, but I found myself validating all of his recklessness 😂 I was there when Aliya couldn’t be, and I’m holding down my spot well (if I do say so myself). I’m usually not big on sharing, but nah, I need help with this one because this young fellow is something special… literally!
I know more is coming because there are questions that need answers. I know book 2 is going to be a wild ride because whenever past and present clash, there's always bound to be some chaos.

[Black Girls Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

My head is spinning. I wasn’t ready for the chain of events that took place. Talena Tillman knows she can write the hell out of some action. These scenes are like something out of a movie. Zane was truly on one this entire book and I was here for it! This man was insane, but I ate that shit up. I’ll be honest I wasn’t expecting to love him and Aliya as much as I did! Damn I loved this duo so much though. I could feel their love oozing off the pages. The ending left me speechless because WHAT & HOW?! I’m no good. So good 10 out of 10.

[NwabiReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes!

Miss Talena has done it again! This was such a good time! Zane was interesting from Kane's book when he was sneaking with the OPPs with! This just took it to the next level!!! This book had drama, great plot and so much intrigue! Zane is a boss man and his unhinged is the best! He still has great chemistry with his girl and his character has developed so much! This was a good book, also that plot twist? I did not see it coming at all!!!

[Chan Redd · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰 Zane Is A Menace 🥰

From Big Bae Kane to No Nonsense Menace Zane, the city is about to be in an uproar!! Zane takes no mess and after the action and plot twists, u learn real gangsters are forever!! Men love their mamas, and Ma Laura has opened pandoras box. How is Zane going to deal with this secret? What will Kane think? Somebody gotta answer to wat happened wit Zion! Welcome to the gansta life 😬

[Verlana Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Will It All End?
Talena Tillman, such a great read. Unexpected, and Zane has put on his big boy pants . He has shown he can handle things . Laura dropped a big bomb. Let's see how this new revelation is received.
When I tell you this family is really trying to be at peace. I can't wait to see what happens next 🤗 🤗🤗🤗

[Vasaunti Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the take over that was of Zane’s and head of the family. This was by no means the love story we followed with Kane. Zane is unhinged a wild card.

Yet again at war this story gives you more back story and there are two political twist that will have you on ready for book two. Leaving you on a cliff hanger I need part two like yesterday.

[Carlos Dancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wooww

It took a while for me to remember the storyline because I read the previous readings months ago. This was definitely a page Turner. Zane is definitely a hot head. A lot of bloodshed but I was here for it. That shocking reveal at the end caught me off guard. Those family secrets will get you each time. Can’t wait for the next episode.

[_dulcekk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes our past actions resurface

“Sometimes even the strongest need to take a step back and recover”. Zane stood on business, like he said, he coming for the entire blood line! Now Miss Laura, why have you been keeping that secret a secret… I didn’t see it coming. This was an enjoyable read and I am READY for Book 2!

[Krissy’s Korner · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!

Talena will do it for me everytime!!!!!

This is such a fun action pack story filled with so much drama! Although this isn’t a romance story the sweet element we see with him and Aliaya was soo cute to see! Zane is definitely the get them back in blood kinda of guys! I know Book 2 is about to be just as crazyyy

[ToniReads_1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning the pages

Omg what an action fast-paced read that will have you swiping your
fingers on your Kindles. I literally blew through this book wanting to know what was going to happen next.

[Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers · Rating 5 out of 5]

😱😱😱 IKYL!

Babbbyyyy she did it again!! In one sitting, I swallowed Zane... I mean dis book whole! 🤧🤧😩 Her pen is soooo fiyah... but my patience can't handle it! 😩 Dat ending!! I have been waiting to get dis read on lil brotha & sis did not disappoint! 💯

[Shonda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yalll!!!!

That last sentence.....WOW!!!
I loved the whole shootem up bang bang!! Zane and his wildness is the best he feared nobody!!! I loved how Alita has his back!! I most definitely cant wait for the next one!! Now let me go slow my heartbeat back down!!

[Rickelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane 🔥🔥🔥

One thing about and two things for sure Zane going to stand on all business . He say what means and means what he said. Laura got some explaining to day and honestly she should have let Zane finished what he started !!! Can not wait for part two.

[Simply_YoYo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed 🍿🎬I wished this was a movie.
The love Aliya & Zane have is so beautiful, she’s his peace, and he’s her protector. Zane is a wild boy and I luv him🥰😍🥷
What Mama Laura,. WHAT!
Ms Talena this cliffhangers gonna take me out ma’am 😫😳😯

[TRACY W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting!

Zane is definitely a hot head, but his love runs deep. This was good, but that ending had me sit straight up! Now, where did this brother come from? Did Pops know about him? These questions need to be answered in the next book.

[Patrice Latimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane coming in hot

Zane came out swinging. It took me a minute to go back and remember what happened with the brother but when I did I knew I was going to be in for a ride with Zane. The twist at the end has me wanting to wait for this review but it was worth the read

[Shahtia Gay-hairston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane

What a plot twist! Aliya and Zane are adorable together. The family gangster drama is never ending it seems. The love is solid.

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance

Never leave any stone unturned or room to allow anyone to place a name to use for future purposes. Leaving the door open will bring unnecessary chaos.

[Erica David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I wonder how this came about. Is he her son, or is he the father's son? What I do know is that, that prison mother is going to get hers. I think their grandmother is going to do it. She is going to get in that prison and be the angel of death.

[Shareka Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay Talena

Zane's story was written so well I felt like I was watching a movie. This book was beyond amazing and I can't wait for part two.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now why would you leave me hanging like that?! Zane is my favorite brother of the 2. He do not play about his family!!

[Christine Patillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Zane is him. He's true to his word and a man of power and confidence. I love that there were some romance as well as war in this book. But that last page, what?

[Svetlana · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IS THAT ENDING

Loved the book make I have to be creeping and constantly checking for the next one to come out ( wipes brow )

[Autumn Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it, it’s a short cliff hanger but I definitely want to read part 2 of Zane’s story.

[Joy Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing short story that keeps you flipping the pages. It does end with a doozy of a cliffhanger.