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The Heart of a West Side Mob Boss: An Urban Forbidden Love Story
Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. On the gritty streets of Baltimore, love isn’t just dangerous—it’s deadly. Can Kyson and Easton survive the firestorm they’ve ignited? Easton Blue’s life shatters when a tragic accident claims her young son, leaving her drowning in grief and barely connected to the people around her. Her marriage to Zalo, already strained, begins to crack as she withdraws from him and everything she once held dear. In her pain, Easton urges Zalo to find comfort elsewhere, which only leads to more chaos when his new lover becomes possessive and openly antagonizes Easton, determined to push her out of Zalo’s life.
In the midst of this turmoil, Easton meets Kyson McCarter, the fearless and volatile head of the infamous Baltimore Money Mob. From their first encounter, Kyson’s intensity shakes Easton to her core. When he saves her during a violent incident at his club, sparks fly, though Easton resists his magnetic pull. For Kyson, what starts as a dangerous thrill quickly turns serious as he becomes captivated by her wounded heart. He vows to make her his, willing to challenge anyone—including Zalo—to claim her love.
Caught between the wreckage of her past and the tempting chaos of Kyson’s world, Easton faces a choice that will change her life forever. The Heart of a West Side Mob Boss is a gripping urban romance about healing, loyalty, and the risk of opening your heart to the unknown.
Perfect for fans of urban romance, forbidden love, and high-stakes drama. Read now for free with Kindle Unlimited or grab your copy today!
In the midst of this turmoil, Easton meets Kyson McCarter, the fearless and volatile head of the infamous Baltimore Money Mob. From their first encounter, Kyson’s intensity shakes Easton to her core. When he saves her during a violent incident at his club, sparks fly, though Easton resists his magnetic pull. For Kyson, what starts as a dangerous thrill quickly turns serious as he becomes captivated by her wounded heart. He vows to make her his, willing to challenge anyone—including Zalo—to claim her love.
Caught between the wreckage of her past and the tempting chaos of Kyson’s world, Easton faces a choice that will change her life forever. The Heart of a West Side Mob Boss is a gripping urban romance about healing, loyalty, and the risk of opening your heart to the unknown.
Perfect for fans of urban romance, forbidden love, and high-stakes drama. Read now for free with Kindle Unlimited or grab your copy today!
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
About the author
Shontaiye Moore
33 books102 followersShontaiye Moore is a women's fiction and romance author from Salisbury, Maryland, located on the Eastern Shore. Her work explores the complexities of love, the strength of rebellious women, and the everyday struggles that shape us—all with a voice that is both authentic and emotionally resonant.
She holds a B.S. in Business and now writes full-time, dedicating her days to crafting stories that connect and inspire. When she's not writing, Shontaiye enjoys discovering new sources of inspiration, reading, and spending quality time with her daughter, Tatyana—affectionately known as Toots.
Connect with her on social media to follow her journey and upcoming projects.
For all PR please contact pr@prettygirlsdoread.com
She holds a B.S. in Business and now writes full-time, dedicating her days to crafting stories that connect and inspire. When she's not writing, Shontaiye enjoys discovering new sources of inspiration, reading, and spending quality time with her daughter, Tatyana—affectionately known as Toots.
Connect with her on social media to follow her journey and upcoming projects.
For all PR please contact pr@prettygirlsdoread.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 14, 2026
The math wasn’t mathing here at all, the drama was all very forced and manufactured none of it believable or sensible. Kyson wasn’t no boss, how he handled the Benny thing, how he was dancing around the changes that needed to be made cus Benny brought negative attention to the operation. The Lonnie situation all of it was dumb, he lacked critical thinking and forethought. He has a child with a hoochiemama, instead of heading down to the courts he busting up in the house he pays for and losing his cool. Talked big about his dad and he’s not much better additionally he has some strange beliefs about women and that’s off putting.Then Zalo got the drop on him and miss girl like WHERE IS THE BOSS GET HIM ON THE LINE Author you said it’s a WESTSIDE MOB BOSS?? Is Boss on vacation lmao is he at a meeting with the plug cus he was not in that back seat with Easton 🗣🗣🗣
I also don’t even know why Egypts POV was included at all. The author didn’t handle her situation well at all, we meet her and she’s a get money girl about a bag(read as GOLD DIGGER). Ends up being the victim of IPV/Domestic violence at the hand of her former/current lick. She’s pregnant and has already decided to send that baby up to god. Benny ends up feeling the flames of hell and she’s at the clinic mad/sad and distraught with her ire directed at Kobra. Like huh, miss author she hated that man so why is she in her feelings about anything. Some more forced drama sorry it didn’t add up, like we the reader had no indications of conflicted feelings or anything so again this is not heading in a direction that’s worth another book or page.
Now on to the KFC deep fried Popeyes two piece combo that was our FMC. Sorry from the very first appearance to the VERY LAST Easton gave nothing but tweets, squawks and aggressive caws. She is the definition of a bird, like she loses her son (in a way that’s not fully described or revealed all the way to a good couple chapters) but sis is battling grief and depression. As a reader you want to feel for her and you kinda do until she talks. Shes neglecting her living child and taking some of her hostility on that baby( she admits she’s wrong but keep doing it).
She’s beefing with her husband cus she gave him a pass to do whatever until she got her mind right. Now am I mad at Zalo for taking it further than it should’ve gone SURE but girl you opened the door and now you mad he got guest in your marriage house BFFR. Zalo is def a dog lmao very much bow wow but the solution is divorce. Instead we get multiple chapters where each secret revealed about him is worse than the other yet miss girl still talking about “my HUSBAND” like girl you might be his wife but that demon isn’t your husband. Its revealed he has a hand problem, jealous, he can’t control his side piece he got hidden kids that his family helped hide and he got the nerve to be mad when he’s the reason the marriage is open the way it is but yeah “her husband”
The book definitely gets juicy but it just felt like a copy and paste storyline where all the alleged adults know what to do but go and do the exact opposite. Everybody got baggage that can easily be removed and they don’t tie up the loose ends so now we have a story of forced drama because folks not on point like they should be. It’s basically a love triangle on steroids with a splash of poverty. Like only character who was likable was Wave. I can’t say I’m super interested in the parts to come. I’d also like to add there was some editing issues and incorrect words in places that made no sense. Let me add that I love fiction and appreciate the elements that make it but I need authors to still make the reader feel like the story is flowing and making sense. Like the situations are unfolding in a way that feels organic. This story lacked that every situation felt unnecessary or over the top because the solution is simple lmao and RIGHT THERE in the readers face so it feels like a waste of time.
I also don’t even know why Egypts POV was included at all. The author didn’t handle her situation well at all, we meet her and she’s a get money girl about a bag(read as GOLD DIGGER). Ends up being the victim of IPV/Domestic violence at the hand of her former/current lick. She’s pregnant and has already decided to send that baby up to god. Benny ends up feeling the flames of hell and she’s at the clinic mad/sad and distraught with her ire directed at Kobra. Like huh, miss author she hated that man so why is she in her feelings about anything. Some more forced drama sorry it didn’t add up, like we the reader had no indications of conflicted feelings or anything so again this is not heading in a direction that’s worth another book or page.
Now on to the KFC deep fried Popeyes two piece combo that was our FMC. Sorry from the very first appearance to the VERY LAST Easton gave nothing but tweets, squawks and aggressive caws. She is the definition of a bird, like she loses her son (in a way that’s not fully described or revealed all the way to a good couple chapters) but sis is battling grief and depression. As a reader you want to feel for her and you kinda do until she talks. Shes neglecting her living child and taking some of her hostility on that baby( she admits she’s wrong but keep doing it).
She’s beefing with her husband cus she gave him a pass to do whatever until she got her mind right. Now am I mad at Zalo for taking it further than it should’ve gone SURE but girl you opened the door and now you mad he got guest in your marriage house BFFR. Zalo is def a dog lmao very much bow wow but the solution is divorce. Instead we get multiple chapters where each secret revealed about him is worse than the other yet miss girl still talking about “my HUSBAND” like girl you might be his wife but that demon isn’t your husband. Its revealed he has a hand problem, jealous, he can’t control his side piece he got hidden kids that his family helped hide and he got the nerve to be mad when he’s the reason the marriage is open the way it is but yeah “her husband”
The book definitely gets juicy but it just felt like a copy and paste storyline where all the alleged adults know what to do but go and do the exact opposite. Everybody got baggage that can easily be removed and they don’t tie up the loose ends so now we have a story of forced drama because folks not on point like they should be. It’s basically a love triangle on steroids with a splash of poverty. Like only character who was likable was Wave. I can’t say I’m super interested in the parts to come. I’d also like to add there was some editing issues and incorrect words in places that made no sense. Let me add that I love fiction and appreciate the elements that make it but I need authors to still make the reader feel like the story is flowing and making sense. Like the situations are unfolding in a way that feels organic. This story lacked that every situation felt unnecessary or over the top because the solution is simple lmao and RIGHT THERE in the readers face so it feels like a waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2026
This was my second time reading this one, and somehow it still managed to hit me in the feels. The grief in this story really got to me. Watching a mother try to pick up the pieces after losing her child, while knowing she’s nowhere near ready to move forward, was heartbreaking. Grief doesn’t just disappear because life keeps going, and I think that part of her journey came across really well.
I also loved seeing her friend and family rally around her. They could see she was struggling and weren’t about to just sit back and let her completely lose herself. Sometimes having people who refuse to give up on you is everything, and I appreciated that she had that kind of support.
Now let me get to the husband because BABY… 😩😂
He really had me wanting to reach through the pages. How are you going to cheat, have TWO children outside of your marriage, not be there emotionally for your wife when she is grieving the loss of her child, and then still expect her to be faithful to you?! The math was not mathing for me! 😂
What really irritated me was the entitlement. He felt like he could do whatever he wanted, but somehow the rules were different for her. And then he pulls up with his people after catching her entertaining somebody else? Oh, the AUDACITY! Sir, after everything you've been doing, you really thought you had the right to be mad? That part definitely had me talking to my Kindle.
Despite all the frustration, I enjoyed the story. I thought it flowed well, and there was enough emotion, relationship drama, and messy situations to keep me invested. The characters definitely made me feel something, whether I was rooting for them or wanting to shake some sense into them.
And that ending? Yeah… I'm grabbing the next book. 😂 I already know who I'm rooting for, and it definitely isn't the husband. Now I need to see how all of this plays out because I cannot leave it there!
A good second read for me, and I'm ready for the next round of drama.
I also loved seeing her friend and family rally around her. They could see she was struggling and weren’t about to just sit back and let her completely lose herself. Sometimes having people who refuse to give up on you is everything, and I appreciated that she had that kind of support.
Now let me get to the husband because BABY… 😩😂
He really had me wanting to reach through the pages. How are you going to cheat, have TWO children outside of your marriage, not be there emotionally for your wife when she is grieving the loss of her child, and then still expect her to be faithful to you?! The math was not mathing for me! 😂
What really irritated me was the entitlement. He felt like he could do whatever he wanted, but somehow the rules were different for her. And then he pulls up with his people after catching her entertaining somebody else? Oh, the AUDACITY! Sir, after everything you've been doing, you really thought you had the right to be mad? That part definitely had me talking to my Kindle.
Despite all the frustration, I enjoyed the story. I thought it flowed well, and there was enough emotion, relationship drama, and messy situations to keep me invested. The characters definitely made me feel something, whether I was rooting for them or wanting to shake some sense into them.
And that ending? Yeah… I'm grabbing the next book. 😂 I already know who I'm rooting for, and it definitely isn't the husband. Now I need to see how all of this plays out because I cannot leave it there!
A good second read for me, and I'm ready for the next round of drama.
December 10, 2024
Loved it!
It was such a great book! I loved it from the very beginning until that crazy ending. I love me some Kyson, and I'm rooting for him and Easton! Zalo is trashhhh! I didn't like the name mix-up with Kyllie and Zoe! I can't wait to see what goes down in book 2!
It was such a great book! I loved it from the very beginning until that crazy ending. I love me some Kyson, and I'm rooting for him and Easton! Zalo is trashhhh! I didn't like the name mix-up with Kyllie and Zoe! I can't wait to see what goes down in book 2!
March 25, 2026
Zalo vs Kyson…Who will win Easton?
Drama and more drama. Okay, now that that’s out they way, let’s talk about Zalo for a minute. So Zalo is Easton’s husband who has multiple sidechicks and apparently side babies as well. Zalo is a prime example of you don’t know what good you got at home. Zalo can dish it out, but apparently he can’t take it. At the end of the book Zalo caught Easton and Kyson in the act. He got what he deserved in the end because he was never supportive of his wife Easton while she lost herself because she lost her son. Zalo thought it was easier for him to go out and have sex with multiple women and he called that being supportive.
Now let’s talk about Kyson. Kyson was a man that knew what he wanted and he went for it. Kyson saw something in Easton that he didn’t see in all his other chicks that he delt with. Kyson like Easton because she didnt give into him and fall at his feet. Easton gave Kyson a run for his money and she was just as quick to give him heck as he was. Basically she match his attitude and fire. Kyson was slowly becoming Easton’s safe place. I think he was the reason why Easton was coming out of her slumber. I hope he gets Easton in the end.
Easton…Whew child!! let me talk to you for a minute. Sit down and I’m going to hold your chin up when I tell you this, but you need to leave Zalo in the dust in book 2. Zalo does not deserve you and he is a loser. He can cheat and be with other women, but he can’t take that another man has taken interest in you (literally and physically). I pray that you make it and move on with Kayson. Kayson is your way out of your slum and he can be the reason you smile and start to enjoy your life. Baby, let that man go, file for divorce, get your daughter and move on and be happy. Love ya girl, Keep ya head up.
Drama and more drama. Okay, now that that’s out they way, let’s talk about Zalo for a minute. So Zalo is Easton’s husband who has multiple sidechicks and apparently side babies as well. Zalo is a prime example of you don’t know what good you got at home. Zalo can dish it out, but apparently he can’t take it. At the end of the book Zalo caught Easton and Kyson in the act. He got what he deserved in the end because he was never supportive of his wife Easton while she lost herself because she lost her son. Zalo thought it was easier for him to go out and have sex with multiple women and he called that being supportive.
Now let’s talk about Kyson. Kyson was a man that knew what he wanted and he went for it. Kyson saw something in Easton that he didn’t see in all his other chicks that he delt with. Kyson like Easton because she didnt give into him and fall at his feet. Easton gave Kyson a run for his money and she was just as quick to give him heck as he was. Basically she match his attitude and fire. Kyson was slowly becoming Easton’s safe place. I think he was the reason why Easton was coming out of her slumber. I hope he gets Easton in the end.
Easton…Whew child!! let me talk to you for a minute. Sit down and I’m going to hold your chin up when I tell you this, but you need to leave Zalo in the dust in book 2. Zalo does not deserve you and he is a loser. He can cheat and be with other women, but he can’t take that another man has taken interest in you (literally and physically). I pray that you make it and move on with Kayson. Kayson is your way out of your slum and he can be the reason you smile and start to enjoy your life. Baby, let that man go, file for divorce, get your daughter and move on and be happy. Love ya girl, Keep ya head up.
April 2, 2026
Great New Read
My first book by this new to me author and I’m going right into book two. A homegrown talent who did her thing. Easton is going through too much in her relationship with Zola and I can’t understand why she stays. Knowing his lifestyle that he does not hide but tells you, you can’t do the same. Well maybe you were just talk about doing you, but along comes Kyson. Strong, paid and mean as hell and your first encounter was not pleasant at all but after the second encounter, he’s coming for you. When I say drama filled, it is. Flows great. You route for some while wanting to lay hands on others. When Kyson came to Sandtown, unannounced, I knew what was up and while warming up wink, wink, in the car, I knew Zola would appear. Hopefully book 2 has some good news for me. Great job Ms. Moore!!
My first book by this new to me author and I’m going right into book two. A homegrown talent who did her thing. Easton is going through too much in her relationship with Zola and I can’t understand why she stays. Knowing his lifestyle that he does not hide but tells you, you can’t do the same. Well maybe you were just talk about doing you, but along comes Kyson. Strong, paid and mean as hell and your first encounter was not pleasant at all but after the second encounter, he’s coming for you. When I say drama filled, it is. Flows great. You route for some while wanting to lay hands on others. When Kyson came to Sandtown, unannounced, I knew what was up and while warming up wink, wink, in the car, I knew Zola would appear. Hopefully book 2 has some good news for me. Great job Ms. Moore!!
March 28, 2026
Unfortunately I couldn’t get past the part of him beating up his BM BF or whoever the dude was. It felt (idk how to describe it) like the MMC was trying to prove he was bad. You love your daughter so much and u do this while she’s in the house? I already don’t like the wife (i don’t remember her name). The worse thing for me to read is a mother that treats her child like a problem. I understand that she lost her son but that is no excuse for treating your living child like she asked to be born and how is a bother to you. I DNF this, didn’t really get past the first 2 chapters. The characters don’t bring you in and make you want to know their fictional lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
This book was all over the place. I feel like the book was rushed and there were some parts of the story that were left out. My biggest complaint is that I wish we would have gotten at least a small flashback of what happened with the passing of her son. As well as, the story had too many unnecessary points of views that could have been left out. The ending wasn't bad and that was the only part that I enjoyed because of the cliffhanger.
May 7, 2025
I gave this a 2 star because it had a cliffhanger.
July 5, 2025
🔥🔥🔥
This was a really good book! I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next cause I know it’s gone be a sticky situation fr
This was a really good book! I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next cause I know it’s gone be a sticky situation fr
March 15, 2026
Right of the rip, couldn’t stand Zalo. lol. I was upset with Easton too, for going along with the foolishness. however! Big E didn’t play no games and made moves when shit really hit the fan. Kyson, whew! I wanted to box his ears lol but he turned it around. He was so persistent with Easton and I love that for her. Onto book twooooo.
December 23, 2025
Yes Shontaiye
Easton was a young woman just trying to make it. At the tender age of 14 she fell pregnant by an older guy she was dealing with. The guy did the dip and she was left to take care of her son by herself with the help of the lil family she had left. With a mom that had a drinking problem not too much could be done bc she needed taking care of as well. Her sister Wave has been a great deal of help as always along with her friends Miracle, Tyra and some others. She meets Gonzalo Alvarez and things are good with them and she happy that’s until she suffers an unimaginable loss and it takes a toll on her and their marriage. Easton falls into a depression that not only leaves her neglecting her daughter but Gonzalo. Easton meets a great guy by the name of Kyson who is everything Zalo isn’t and more. Egypt was slowly pissing me off more and more with her antics smh. What happens if Zalo catches Easton in the act and what are the consequences? You did your thing boo
Easton was a young woman just trying to make it. At the tender age of 14 she fell pregnant by an older guy she was dealing with. The guy did the dip and she was left to take care of her son by herself with the help of the lil family she had left. With a mom that had a drinking problem not too much could be done bc she needed taking care of as well. Her sister Wave has been a great deal of help as always along with her friends Miracle, Tyra and some others. She meets Gonzalo Alvarez and things are good with them and she happy that’s until she suffers an unimaginable loss and it takes a toll on her and their marriage. Easton falls into a depression that not only leaves her neglecting her daughter but Gonzalo. Easton meets a great guy by the name of Kyson who is everything Zalo isn’t and more. Egypt was slowly pissing me off more and more with her antics smh. What happens if Zalo catches Easton in the act and what are the consequences? You did your thing boo
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews