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The Lonely Pole

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THE FIRST PART OF A TWO-PART SERIES. THE LONELY POLE - A TWO PART MEGA NOVEL BY TAKERRA ALLEN!

We’ve all got dreams… How far are you willing to go for yours?

Baby, Nyema, Portia, and Rocsi couldn’t have any less in common than what meets the eye.

But under dire circumstances and through different walks of life, they all end up in the same place.

Dreamz, a seedy strip joint in the backstreets of Dirty Jerz, conceals some of the darkest secrets and holds captive the souls of many pretty girls lost.

In a day and age where the strip life is glamourized and celebrated, take a walk with four women who will tell the tale a bit differently.

Lost loves, broken hearts, dreams deferred, all in the name of the almighty dollar and it’s only a pop, twerk, and grind away.

But how far is too far, and when do you know you’ve gotten there? And even more important, how can you find your way back?

At the sad realization that the pole has no mercy, these women must come to grips with their reality.

The pole is cold, the pole is greedy, the pole is wicked, the pole is deceiving, the pole… is lonely.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2014

300 people are currently reading
391 people want to read

About the author

Takerra Allen

25 books756 followers
Takerra Allen was born in Jersey City, NJ and resides in Somerset, NJ. In addition to being an author, the 25 year old is the CEO of an all female Entertainment Company entitled Heaven Inc., and the half sister to the late renowned Tupac Shakur (sharing the same biological father, former Black Panther, William Garland).
Takerra and her business partner of Heaven Inc., have launched Angelic Script Publishing to give new edgy writers a chance to demonstrate their talent and to give readers and lovers of Contemporary Fiction, new and exciting books to fall in love with. Writing continues to be Takerra's first love however, and her work has been appraised by many veteran African-American writers.
Her first novel, Thicker Than Water, has become an underground success making it's way into mainstream recognition. Look forward to more works and projects from Takerra!

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5 stars
395 (65%)
4 stars
146 (24%)
3 stars
50 (8%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
July 8, 2024
Baby's dream was to be a professional ballet dancer. We start this story with her auditioning to get into Julliard and she blows the audition out of the water with her biggest fan in the crowd cheering her on (her mom). Baby's mother Pebbles worked hard to assist Baby with chasing her dreams but just as Baby is getting acclimated to life at Julliard, disaster strikes. Life changes for Baby in the blink of an eye.
With the stress of tuition on her back, Baby decides to take a job at Dreamz strip club.. you know - just until she gets the money she needs for Julliard. That fast money, though. It has a way of sucking you in, dragging you deeper into that life.
During one of her first visits to Dreamz, Baby runs into THE Trip Fontane. Baby's 19-year-old heart fell almost immediately for the 28-year-old bad boy. Trip feels something for Baby too BUT he does NOT date strippers. It's just not his thing (although his sister..nvm).
Anyway, when Trip's character was first introduced, I liked him. As we got deeper into the story - idk. His night in Miami with Baby made me look at him sideways...
The side characters in this story don't disappoint. They all have a story on how they ended up at Dreamz - some chasing quick money, some without a choice.

This is VERY early work from TA so I know I can't complain too much but I wished there were breaks in between the scenes so I'd know we've moved on.
Profile Image for Shan.
199 reviews42 followers
April 30, 2014
Takerra Allen has written a story that is so filled with descriptive details, colorful well developed characters and a storyline that will make you argue that this story is not fictional.

The Lonely Pole centers around three women who were in desperate situations where they felt they had no choice but to take on professions they thought they would never be doing. Athena, who is nicknamed Baby is smart intelligent and a ballet dancer but after her mother is killed she is forced to deal with a reality she thought she never would be in. Nyema is a single mother who is living with the love of her life but after he confesses something that breaks her heart into pieces her. Her and her kids lives will forever change. Then there's Portia, the beautiful green eyed diva who has always been spoiled with the finer things by her husband but after a motorcycle accident she must make a decision that will afford her to maintain the lifestyle she is use to.

This story was sooooo good. So good that I tried reading it slow and taking breaks so I wouldn't finish it too fast. The sex scenes will make you inhale and exhale so deeply you'll feel like you're right there watching. This story is by far one of my favorites and Takerra is now one of my favorite authors!!!

Can't wait to read the sequel!
Profile Image for Juiceereads.
121 reviews8 followers
September 7, 2017
Ummm I guess it was okay.

This book just didn't read like a Takerra Allen book to me. The drama was virtually non existent causing the story to progress slowly. This isn't one of my favorite books by the author, but I WILL read part two just to find out what happened with the characters; especially Trip & Baby.
Profile Image for Chantal N.
82 reviews
April 10, 2025
Certainly not my fave TA but held my attention for sure. Interested to see how it ends
Profile Image for Melise.
519 reviews61 followers
August 1, 2025
The growth in TA’s pen is phenomenal, I had to keep reminding my myself that this book is 9 years old cus some of the language and content was very 1990s Urban fiction coded and not even on some woke sh*t just on some how FMCs were portrayed during that time. Didn’t hate this story by any means but this was not a reflection of who the author is today and what they are capable of
Profile Image for Tamela.
Author 1 book9 followers
September 1, 2014
Rated R for you betta be ready...

Athena, 'Baby' Everest is a young lady with dreams glistening like star clusters lighting the blackest sky. Born to dance, and dance she does with her mother being the grandest cheerleader until she blindly crashes into an 18 wheeler called real life. Baby finds herself thrust from the warmest security blanket of her mother's bosom that promises love, happiness and health to finding herself orphaned and left in the middle of a gunfight with only a licking stick. Theodore 'Trip' Fontaine has a family and they are thick as thieves, literally and figuratively. He lives life on the edge with no obligations, he wants no complications, just simple with no attachments. Until he notices the lithe stripper that commandeers that lonely pole and her dance routine seems to make the pole sing....now Trip finds he may have a problem.

The Lonely Pole is a tale of transformation, strength, judgment, mockery, fear and love. You ain't even ready for the schematic sextricity amidst the schemistry all up and around this joint. Takerra's latest project is a simple tale of a young lady's life changing devastation turned to victory as she masters a lonely stripper pole, a room of perverted men, a chance to fund her dream all the while loving on a man that has the tendency to condemn her for her lifestyle. The supporting characters had quite a bit going on as well, but the lack of emotion displayed within the scenes is my main complaint. Life, love, lust, friendship, jealousy and evil mix and match the characters within this read. It was a bit slow for me and seemed to be a bit on the juvenile side, but I have to consider the age of the main character. I enjoyed this read, it wasn't my favorite TA production, but I still heard the strength in her voice in this storyline. Dare to be different and for that I applaud you! Kudo's! 3.88
Profile Image for Jennifer Clark.
343 reviews11 followers
June 25, 2020
Like Save the last dance and playa club.

You have variety of females with all type of experiences and situations. You either have experienced one of their situation or you know someone that has experienced it. Female just want to be loved and they are looking for it in the wrong place.
I hope Rosci leave Sheek.
I hope Athena stays in school and quit being a stripper.
I hope Nyema realize her worth and don't go back to her kid's father.
Portia oh Portia.. I dont know!🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️
Profile Image for Sha Latoy.
33 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2014
Another great read from one of my favorite authors. I have to admit my favorite character was Portia (lol) I would like to read more about her story in part 2. And what's going to happen between her and Haz. I like Trip, but then again I think it's more to his story . Ty and Rocsi need to get it together. I enjoyed every character in this story and each character has there own issues and backstory. Great read can't wait until April 30th.
Profile Image for Deedee Henson.
696 reviews38 followers
February 3, 2016
Excellent Read!! Reminds me of The Women of Brewster Place. Loved it
Profile Image for Taryn Johnson.
662 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Reading about the lives of the four women felt like watching a TV show. This was full of drama, realness, and emotion. Each character brought something different to the story, and I found myself invested in all of them. It was a fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Charm &#x1f33b;.
255 reviews42 followers
August 7, 2025
Ehhhh.. Not my favorite storyline. Interesting enough for me to keep reading to part 2, but a lot of naivety and uninterested in the MMC.
Profile Image for Deloris.
973 reviews42 followers
June 23, 2016
This book is so good I couldn't put it downAPB Perspective Review:

When you discovered an author so talented you want to read their entire library.

Takerra Allen has got it right when you read stree-lit there should be a lesson learned, the people should come to the conclusion that time time can not be a long term goal and the women though not perfect should show depth and character. We should understand how they got to the place where the made the decision to do what they are doing, even though most people would think they are making the wrong decision. Baby's story does all of that, I understood why she chose to strip , I understood how she fell for the trap of the easy money. I understood how she went to her low point which pissed me off, but I understood. What I like most is that she did not stay down , she grew up. The two books in this series have all of the things you would expect from street-lit a sexy man Trap for Baby and Haz for Portia, . The is crime and revenge yes there is but this book is also about friendship and love . This book is good and I could not put it down until I read both books in the series.
Profile Image for Lakimbac .
478 reviews
January 23, 2018
Captivating!

This book deserves more than five stars. I love to read a book that has a message. One that will inspire me to be better in some aspect of life. Believe me when I say this book captured my attention immediately..
I started and couldn’t put it down. I called in to work because I knew I would be thinking about it all day. It amazes me how quickly we pass judgement on others without ever walking a day in there shoes. There were so many lessons that can be learned from reading Athena’s story. I just hate that she has lost herself to the fast money.
Nyema is so naive it’s killing me. Bay is a complete fboy. Portia wasn’t honest with Haz due to the fear of being judged. And Rosci... can we just kill Sheek in part 3?
Profile Image for Carla.
512 reviews205 followers
April 18, 2014
Let me start this review by saying that I have read every Takerra Allen book and trust me when I say she never disappoints! This time is no different. "The Lonely Pole" tells the story of Baby, a young girl who wants nothing more than to follow her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When tragedy strikes,she is forced to make one of the hardest decisions of her life.
"The Lonely Pole" was a great read from beginning to end! I loved the characters. The story moved at a great pace and left me wanting more! I can't wait until April 30th for part 2. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Gina.
674 reviews18 followers
May 10, 2015
Good Read !!!

This wasn't my favorite of Takerra Allen work but it was good read . Baby at times was a little naive for me . I have to say that some parts of this read had me at the edge of my seat . I think Trip is my new book boo .Off to read part 2
Profile Image for Kat.
229 reviews17 followers
December 29, 2015
This book was really slow but I am 64% into the second book and it is much better.
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,663 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2025
Living to Make It

My heart broke for Baby!!…19 years old out here in this world trying to figure it out!!…Unfortunately, Grandma Ana her unresolved issues with her own daughter is the very reason so many children’s relationships are nonexistent!!!…
I was hoping Rayshon was going to be Baby’s person, but I understand that she needed a genuine friendship from him!!!…
Portia was a whole hot mess out here in these streets!!!…Crazy how the very place she earned her money, devalued the next woman because she worked there too!!!…To think you are better than the next person trying to pay their bills because you came up with the reason is pure delusional!!!…
Chyna did not come to play and she was hoping for a “TRIP”, but all she got was the opportunity to use her lips!!!…
I hope Baby does not find her self locked in a situation with Sheek, because he has no respect for no one and he is definitely challenged mentally!!!…
Rocsi was groomed and she is feeling like she is stuck because Sheek continues to threaten her, even though he has a wife and kids to boot!!!..
I wanna know what goes through Nyema mind because she allowed her clown baby daddy to do all kinds of foolishness to her and their children!!!…
I’m hoping there is a lot of self discovery in the next book because these ladies are for sure on a roller coaster ride that seems to be never ending!!!…
Trip is the man out here in these streets with a judgmental mind when he is not squeaky clean at all!!!…
Profile Image for Shonta.
1,186 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2018
Excellent!!

Wow!!! This book was so good!
You cannot go wrong with a Takerra Allen book!!! This book was well written and a page turner!! I don't even know where to begin. I really like Baby she's my favorite character and Trip is my second favorite. She did what she had to do to maintain. I like Trip, but I don't like how his "relationship" is with Baby....but I understand where he's coming from with every man looking at his woman. Portia's nose is stuck up in the air so high, she's probably gonna get a rude awakening in dealing with Mr. Heavyweight. Ny is so stuck on Bay's sorry azz and he's wrong for stringing her along....hopefully in book two she'll be smarter. Rosci needs to run as far away from Sheek as possible before he kills her. Sheen is a lunatic and I'm sure him and Trip about to have some problems over Baby. On to book two!!!
Profile Image for TellsOfABibliophile.
555 reviews16 followers
July 10, 2025
💃🏾🪩🩰💦🍆🍾

Oh man, did I love this. From the beginning, I was sucked in.

Even the side characters had a story to tell. I was genuinely interested in it all.

Having the same occupation and working in the same establishment, one thing I noticed amongst all the ladies that they have in common is that they all just want to be loved. Looking in the wrong places and not knowing their worth.

I can’t figure out out how the conclusion is going to be. I’m literally drawing blank.

This was sooo good. Ngl, I didn’t expect myself to love this book that much. The only downside I have is that at times the story would jump to a different scene without a notice. This is Takerra’s older work, so I’m giving her grace. But please read. That small hiccup does not take away from the story.
Profile Image for Diane Rembert.
1,293 reviews42 followers
May 3, 2020
Athena has practiced all her life, in order to go to The Juliard School, for dance. A tragedy forces her to enter the stop club, in order to finance it. There she meets Nyema, Portia, and Rosci...each with a different story to tell. It is also there, where she meets Trip.

Trip Fontane frequents Dreamz in order to protect his sister. His life becomes topsy turvy when he meets Baby. His struggle is totally releasing his heart to the her.

Part 1 of a two part series completely reminded me why I love @bytakerraallen’s gift for words. I not only felt like an accomplished dancer, but a young woman fighting an internal battle with love. This 💎💎💎💎💎 was recommended by @authortstyles, and I am forever thankful.
Profile Image for Precious Coppadge.
366 reviews
January 8, 2026
first book club choice.....

BAY needs his ass bed. TYLA too, NY really is playing herself. Like girl you know freaking better.

Athena is also pissing me the fuck off as well, like TRIP is not the fuck it. Legit playing in your face.
I totally understand that these girls are young, but WTF.

The drama was good though. I was speechless a few times . On to part TWO

Portia, was A little aggy. Her brother and her placing her at another standard and she was doing exactly what the others girls were doing is really crazy.

Rosci Just as crazy too. Like leave them no good as niggas alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
230 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2023
Reviewing both books in one because they don’t really separate and 2 couldn’t be read in isolation.

It’s a good story following four girls and their reasons for working in a strip club. It’s a good read but also depressing, every time someone’s happy you’re just waiting for things to fall apart. I was on edge through both books waiting for the inevitable from Sheek that made the two books a difficult read.

A round about HAE.

The layout of the writing is hard to get used. With no separation the timeline jumps and left me confused for a few sentences every so often trying to figure out what changed.
Profile Image for Lani.
138 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2025
I was sucked in from the beginning maybe as a former dancer I felt for Baby so much. I couldn’t imagine going through that just to do what you love, but when it’s your passion you will do anything to make it happen. I love the side characters, everyone had a story just like the real world. I went into this not knowing there was a Part 2 and after that ending I fear i’m goin to start Part 2 NOW! I need to know what happens next.
Profile Image for OhhSlimmm.
506 reviews32 followers
April 13, 2020
Pole dancer

Oh wow I’m so late to the Trip effect and I want all the trips!! I loved Baby character so much. Her dream to succeed is something I admire so much. Portia is a big hater lol and I hope Nyema and Rocsi get their act right and drop them fools they seem to can’t let go. Overall this was a great book and can’t wait to start part 2.
Profile Image for Lisette.
617 reviews43 followers
April 1, 2023
Can't believe I'm just now reading this

I am a serious Takerra Allen fan. I'm obsessed with every book I"be read by her. In anticipation of her upcoming release, I'm going through the title s I've yet to read.
This book was so raw and gritty. I love it. I can feel so many emotions and anticipation.
Profile Image for Samona.
206 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2017
The truth!

The truth about strip clubs and why some choose that route. This book was recommended by a fellow reader and I had to try it. I'm glad I did. I'm still in shock by some of the scenes but really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Rashida Keda.
41 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2018
Omg this is by far my favorite book this year so far
Takeera NEVER seem to let me down. Her hands are truly gifted. All I can say is Mr. Trip Fontane. Where have I been? I highly recommend this to all. Takeera you rock. Keep’em coming on to part two
Profile Image for Neka.
301 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2018
Good read!

This was a good read. I hope Baby can keep her head on straight before she loses sight of what’s really important. Portia is way too judgmental. She’s doing the same thing as everyone else smh. I hope Nyema doesn’t fall for Bay’s bs.
Profile Image for Imoni.
163 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2019
Trip is trippin

This books gives me old school vibes . I’m so mad I never had the chance to read this. I’ve read a few books from this author and it was bomb so I knew I had to double back to the old ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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