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A Kingpin's Weakness
She was running from her past. He was building a future. Neither expected love to be part of the plan.
Stormi Knight, a 30-year-old professional runner, has always kept her heart on lockdown. Love was never in the cards, especially after growing up with a drug-addicted mother and witnessing firsthand the pain that came with trusting the wrong men. Her world revolved around one protecting her younger brother, Noah. From the age of 13, Stormi was his mother, his protector, his everything. But now Noah isn’t a little boy anymore and Jo, the woman who birthed them both, has claws deeper in him than Stormi ever imagined.
A 3 a.m. phone call changes everything. One flight back to the chaos she thought she escaped, and Stormi’s perfectly controlled life unravels.
Seth Greene the city’s youngest kingpin. He’s powerful, untouchable, and focused on securing a better life for his son, S3, and his mama. Women came and went, each one proving to be just another pretty face with greedy hands. Love wasn’t something Seth entertained; not after what his son’s mother put him through. But when Stormi crashes into his world, everything he thought he knew changes. Two broken souls, two guarded hearts, one explosive connection neither saw coming.
Can love bloom in a world that doesn’t believe in fairy tales? Or will the streets swallow their happiness before it ever has a chance to breathe?
Stormi Knight, a 30-year-old professional runner, has always kept her heart on lockdown. Love was never in the cards, especially after growing up with a drug-addicted mother and witnessing firsthand the pain that came with trusting the wrong men. Her world revolved around one protecting her younger brother, Noah. From the age of 13, Stormi was his mother, his protector, his everything. But now Noah isn’t a little boy anymore and Jo, the woman who birthed them both, has claws deeper in him than Stormi ever imagined.
A 3 a.m. phone call changes everything. One flight back to the chaos she thought she escaped, and Stormi’s perfectly controlled life unravels.
Seth Greene the city’s youngest kingpin. He’s powerful, untouchable, and focused on securing a better life for his son, S3, and his mama. Women came and went, each one proving to be just another pretty face with greedy hands. Love wasn’t something Seth entertained; not after what his son’s mother put him through. But when Stormi crashes into his world, everything he thought he knew changes. Two broken souls, two guarded hearts, one explosive connection neither saw coming.
Can love bloom in a world that doesn’t believe in fairy tales? Or will the streets swallow their happiness before it ever has a chance to breathe?
- GenresAfrican American
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
315 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 11, 2025
Ughhh
I know freaking well this book did not end like that! I went though Lai downfall…. Crieddd! Found out why Jolene was spiraling and was always considered the bad mom… BooHoo’d Then I went with Stromi on her love journey for it all to end with Dre, bitter ahh! How many need part two ASAP
I know freaking well this book did not end like that! I went though Lai downfall…. Crieddd! Found out why Jolene was spiraling and was always considered the bad mom… BooHoo’d Then I went with Stromi on her love journey for it all to end with Dre, bitter ahh! How many need part two ASAP
September 2, 2025
This was a time!!!!
From the very beginning BlackBerry captures you and takes you on a ride! Stormi going back home opened Pandora’s box and you will want to tune in! Looking forward to reading more from BlackBerry!
From the very beginning BlackBerry captures you and takes you on a ride! Stormi going back home opened Pandora’s box and you will want to tune in! Looking forward to reading more from BlackBerry!
September 4, 2025
Good Read w cliffhanger
The drama started from page one. Definitely worth the read. The character development in this book was great. To see Stormi and her mom’s relationship it was hard to read, but necessary to understand why she is the way she is. A lot of secrets are revealed and a lot of twist. Stormi’s brother is 17, naive and heard-headed and it drove me crazy, but I hope he finally wakes up in the next book. Worth the read, but now I have to wait for book 2 😖
The drama started from page one. Definitely worth the read. The character development in this book was great. To see Stormi and her mom’s relationship it was hard to read, but necessary to understand why she is the way she is. A lot of secrets are revealed and a lot of twist. Stormi’s brother is 17, naive and heard-headed and it drove me crazy, but I hope he finally wakes up in the next book. Worth the read, but now I have to wait for book 2 😖
Did not finish
September 6, 2025DNF @31%
I was fighting for my life, it’s not that the author is a bad writer because they aren’t the problem is the story is SLOW, the dialogue is childish. Jo is your standard urban fiction ain’t sh*t mama but Stormi still entertaining her holding long dry convos about nothing. Like what’s not clicking that ya mama tryna sell you off to the highest bidder. Ronnie slimy and I’m sure he the one who killed Seth’s dad. It’s TOO MUCH back and forth with no point like please why is this crackhead talking to us so much? Like I saw no reason for Stormi to interact with anyone but Noah & Seth. I tried to make it but the constant emphasis on the FMCS virginity and sexual activity was irritating.
I was fighting for my life, it’s not that the author is a bad writer because they aren’t the problem is the story is SLOW, the dialogue is childish. Jo is your standard urban fiction ain’t sh*t mama but Stormi still entertaining her holding long dry convos about nothing. Like what’s not clicking that ya mama tryna sell you off to the highest bidder. Ronnie slimy and I’m sure he the one who killed Seth’s dad. It’s TOO MUCH back and forth with no point like please why is this crackhead talking to us so much? Like I saw no reason for Stormi to interact with anyone but Noah & Seth. I tried to make it but the constant emphasis on the FMCS virginity and sexual activity was irritating.
September 3, 2025
Part 2
Omg Omg…. I KNOW you ain’t do us like this!! I thought my girl Stormi was out of the woods I cannot believe this .. Part 2 ASAP
Omg Omg…. I KNOW you ain’t do us like this!! I thought my girl Stormi was out of the woods I cannot believe this .. Part 2 ASAP
September 4, 2025
💖Loved everything about this 💖
This is how you drop a debut release 👏. I can't wait until part 2 drops to see how everything unfolds.
This is how you drop a debut release 👏. I can't wait until part 2 drops to see how everything unfolds.
September 19, 2025
must read
This book was good omg that cliffhanger thought was everything. Dre think he getting away but I know it’s up from here on him just like his punk as father. Noah was stupid how can you treat your sister like that now he going to be crying when he find out what happened to her. I don’t understand why she was at her mother house in the first place. She should have been home.I hope part two doesn’t take forever to come out.
This book was good omg that cliffhanger thought was everything. Dre think he getting away but I know it’s up from here on him just like his punk as father. Noah was stupid how can you treat your sister like that now he going to be crying when he find out what happened to her. I don’t understand why she was at her mother house in the first place. She should have been home.I hope part two doesn’t take forever to come out.
November 8, 2025
Clock This Kingpin's Weakness Tea!!
I was tuned in from page 1, but that last page had me screaming and in literal tears. Jealousy and envy is a real thing and its going to kill a lot of people. I could go into details (I normally do) but y'all just gotta read the damn book to find out the TEA!!!!
I was tuned in from page 1, but that last page had me screaming and in literal tears. Jealousy and envy is a real thing and its going to kill a lot of people. I could go into details (I normally do) but y'all just gotta read the damn book to find out the TEA!!!!
Read
January 17, 2026Fmc is a virgin and I’m just not in the mood for virgin troupes. I dnf
September 17, 2025
A Kingpin's Weakness
Shut up! I hate a damn cliffhanger. Ms. Black Berry, I'm going to need you to put pen to paper, and get this second book out.
Seth, Noah, not Stormi saw this coming. Seth and Stormi had an inkling but didn't know for sure. Whew Chile, y'all be killing me with these cliffhangers.
This book is so good. It's my first time reading this author, but she did the damn thing.
Yep, now I have to wait......grrrrr!
Shut up! I hate a damn cliffhanger. Ms. Black Berry, I'm going to need you to put pen to paper, and get this second book out.
Seth, Noah, not Stormi saw this coming. Seth and Stormi had an inkling but didn't know for sure. Whew Chile, y'all be killing me with these cliffhangers.
This book is so good. It's my first time reading this author, but she did the damn thing.
Yep, now I have to wait......grrrrr!
November 11, 2025
A Kingpin’s Weakness
OMG! Congratulations on your debut novel. Your character development was great! You drew me in. I am highly anticipating book 2.
OMG! Congratulations on your debut novel. Your character development was great! You drew me in. I am highly anticipating book 2.
September 14, 2025
What a cliffhanger! Im trying to understand what Noah is so angry about. He said something about being treated like a kid. My thing is he wanna be in the streets, yet his sister is in the kitchen bleeding out, unaware that Dre shot her!! He's so not ready for that, being how green he is and not even aware of the things going on around him, especially Dre!! I know Seth will get there in time to save his family! Noah has a lot of growing up to do! The enemy has been in his face all this time! Seth noticed!
September 15, 2025
MUST READ!!
Omg, this book made me laugh, made me cry, and all the emotions between. Stormi and Seth, both flawed, both with baggage and hopes. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed in a contemporary romance novel
Omg, this book made me laugh, made me cry, and all the emotions between. Stormi and Seth, both flawed, both with baggage and hopes. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed in a contemporary romance novel
September 11, 2025
Very good book
This book was so good!! I really dont even know where to start!! This author pulled me in from page 1 and didnt let go until the last page!! I cant wait to see how this concludes!! You know a book is good when the characters have you acting out!! Read the book you will not be disappointed!!
This book was so good!! I really dont even know where to start!! This author pulled me in from page 1 and didnt let go until the last page!! I cant wait to see how this concludes!! You know a book is good when the characters have you acting out!! Read the book you will not be disappointed!!
September 5, 2025
Beautiful/Intense
I want to write a review but my hands a shaking because I Need Part Two Nowwwwwwwwwwww. I am so upset right now be I need to know how this end and I Need Seth, Rich, and Southside to be on
Demon time……..Slow and painful.
The wedding was beautiful and I was in my feelings and the vows, Priceless.
The letter Jo wrote to Stomi in her therapy session was warm, beautiful and heartfelt. I was all emotional.
This book is healing and takes you on an emotional ride and I love it.
Now, now I need book two, please because I so ready for it.
I want to write a review but my hands a shaking because I Need Part Two Nowwwwwwwwwwww. I am so upset right now be I need to know how this end and I Need Seth, Rich, and Southside to be on
Demon time……..Slow and painful.
The wedding was beautiful and I was in my feelings and the vows, Priceless.
The letter Jo wrote to Stomi in her therapy session was warm, beautiful and heartfelt. I was all emotional.
This book is healing and takes you on an emotional ride and I love it.
Now, now I need book two, please because I so ready for it.
September 10, 2025
This book
Omg, I finished it in less than 24hrs. All I gotta say it better be a part two asap. The ending had me wanting more
Omg, I finished it in less than 24hrs. All I gotta say it better be a part two asap. The ending had me wanting more
September 8, 2025
CLIFFHANGER
Ugh...I got bamboozled and it ends on a cliffhanger we are waiting on book 2.
Still an amazing book and can't wait for the 2nd book.
Ugh...I got bamboozled and it ends on a cliffhanger we are waiting on book 2.
Still an amazing book and can't wait for the 2nd book.
September 9, 2025
Storming & Seth
I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next installment. I’m on edge for what’s to come. I enjoyed everything about this book.
I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next installment. I’m on edge for what’s to come. I enjoyed everything about this book.
September 10, 2025
I haven't seen to many kingpin name Seth. 😅😅 Blackberry pulled me in quick. This story is packed with suspense, family drama, and two characters whose messy, guarded hearts collide in the best way. Five stars, no question.
September 7, 2025
It's a good messy time.
I really enjoyed that this was more about the relationships. It would be nice if this did not have a happy ending in the next book.
I really enjoyed that this was more about the relationships. It would be nice if this did not have a happy ending in the next book.
September 6, 2025
Good read
One of the best reads this year. From start to finish this book has been full of excitement and adventure. Lots of pain and healing. I can't wait for next part
One of the best reads this year. From start to finish this book has been full of excitement and adventure. Lots of pain and healing. I can't wait for next part
September 6, 2025
Whew Chile……
All imma say is, I need book two immediately. Because why would you play with our feelings like that? Dre ain’t worth a damn and Noah so damn slow! 😡
All imma say is, I need book two immediately. Because why would you play with our feelings like that? Dre ain’t worth a damn and Noah so damn slow! 😡
March 16, 2026
Babyyyyy........Emotional Roller-coaster!!!!
📚 Book Review: A Kingpin’s Weakness
Baby… when I say this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, I mean it snatched my soul, shook it up, and left me sitting there staring at the wall for a minute.
A Kingpin’s Weakness isn’t just another hood love story. This one runs deeper than that. It’s raw, messy, painful, passionate, and painfully real in a way that hits you right in the chest. The kind of story where you don’t just read it—you feel it.
Stormi and Jo… whew. I can honestly say I have rarely connected with characters the way I connected with them. Their story felt layered with real-life emotions—the kind that come from love that’s complicated, loyalty that gets tested, and pain that doesn’t just disappear because you want it to.
There were moments in this book where it honestly felt like pieces of real life were unfolding on the page. The choices, the heartbreak, the bonds, the betrayals—it all carried weight. Nothing felt surface level. Every decision felt like it had consequences, and every twist pulled you deeper into the storm.
And let’s talk about the writing for a second… because the way the author built the tension, the drama, and the emotional pull was beautifully done. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, another twist comes swinging around the corner.
But that cliffhanger?
Now that right there was disrespectful in the best way possible. The kind that leaves you looking around like, “Wait… hold on… you can’t just end it like that.”
Now I’m sitting here waiting for Part 2 because I need to know:
What kind of chaos Seth is about to unleash.
What Dre is plotting next.
Whether Jo is going to break under the weight of this tragedy.
If Noah will finally grow up and stop acting like a giant man-child.
And most of all… what direction this whole family is about to be pulled into next.
Because after everything that just happened, one thing is clear:
Peace is not about to come easy for any of them.
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
🔥 Spice: 🔥🔥/5
If you want a story that gives you love, pain, loyalty, betrayal, and emotional depth all wrapped into one, this book will absolutely have you locked in.
And that ending?
Yeah… I’m going to need Part 2 immediately.
📚 Book Review: A Kingpin’s Weakness
Baby… when I say this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, I mean it snatched my soul, shook it up, and left me sitting there staring at the wall for a minute.
A Kingpin’s Weakness isn’t just another hood love story. This one runs deeper than that. It’s raw, messy, painful, passionate, and painfully real in a way that hits you right in the chest. The kind of story where you don’t just read it—you feel it.
Stormi and Jo… whew. I can honestly say I have rarely connected with characters the way I connected with them. Their story felt layered with real-life emotions—the kind that come from love that’s complicated, loyalty that gets tested, and pain that doesn’t just disappear because you want it to.
There were moments in this book where it honestly felt like pieces of real life were unfolding on the page. The choices, the heartbreak, the bonds, the betrayals—it all carried weight. Nothing felt surface level. Every decision felt like it had consequences, and every twist pulled you deeper into the storm.
And let’s talk about the writing for a second… because the way the author built the tension, the drama, and the emotional pull was beautifully done. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, another twist comes swinging around the corner.
But that cliffhanger?
Now that right there was disrespectful in the best way possible. The kind that leaves you looking around like, “Wait… hold on… you can’t just end it like that.”
Now I’m sitting here waiting for Part 2 because I need to know:
What kind of chaos Seth is about to unleash.
What Dre is plotting next.
Whether Jo is going to break under the weight of this tragedy.
If Noah will finally grow up and stop acting like a giant man-child.
And most of all… what direction this whole family is about to be pulled into next.
Because after everything that just happened, one thing is clear:
Peace is not about to come easy for any of them.
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
🔥 Spice: 🔥🔥/5
If you want a story that gives you love, pain, loyalty, betrayal, and emotional depth all wrapped into one, this book will absolutely have you locked in.
And that ending?
Yeah… I’m going to need Part 2 immediately.
November 17, 2025
This book started off really strong, even if it was overly descriptive and the prose is too flowery in parts. The author is clearly talented, the book is well edited, and I loved the writing and the characters. I was completely invested in seeing this through to the end. Then, it started dragging and I started skimming. As if that wasn't enough, Stormi started getting on my nerves and the storyline stopped making sense I swear sometimes authors make me believe I'm the one going crazy. Like, do you know what you wrote?? I had already been skimming and at 75% the manufactured drama made me finally throw in the towel. I didn't even care what Jo was about to reveal about her story and life. I was good. Also, I really didn't feel much about the character death.
I really want to read a book about King. Yumm.
I really want to read a book about King. Yumm.
October 2, 2025
Kimmi’s Reads
I just knew this book was going to smooth they had successfully got rid of Ronnie in the middle of the book so I knew it had to be a missing part to this… not only that I knew Stormi’s life was to good to be true she got her man he proposed they find out she was pregnant 🤰🏽 and it was a baby boy what Seth want it she even got the chance to walk down the isle no mishaps. So I knew when she said she was going to visit Noah something bad was going to happen but I real thought Noah was going to walk in and take Dre out but he didn’t bc he wants validation so bad… dang boy you were just fighting for your life that should of taught him a lesson but NOOOOOO he got worse.. ugh 😩
I just knew this book was going to smooth they had successfully got rid of Ronnie in the middle of the book so I knew it had to be a missing part to this… not only that I knew Stormi’s life was to good to be true she got her man he proposed they find out she was pregnant 🤰🏽 and it was a baby boy what Seth want it she even got the chance to walk down the isle no mishaps. So I knew when she said she was going to visit Noah something bad was going to happen but I real thought Noah was going to walk in and take Dre out but he didn’t bc he wants validation so bad… dang boy you were just fighting for your life that should of taught him a lesson but NOOOOOO he got worse.. ugh 😩
September 26, 2025
Stormi and Seth
The authors note is beautiful, as a women in her 30s you are never given a blueprint when it comes to love. A new to me author and baby I ate this book CLEAN TF UP! Listen the build up, the character development, the grit, grief, and love all wrapped up. I hate the way Noah is treating his sister and when book 2 comes I hope to see his character development as well. Jo man my heart went out to her and she literally survived the only way she knew how, but the way she started to show up for Stormi I loved that for them. Seth is MY MAN MY MAN MY MAN he said I want her and I gotta have her. I can’t wait to see the story unfold in book 2.
The authors note is beautiful, as a women in her 30s you are never given a blueprint when it comes to love. A new to me author and baby I ate this book CLEAN TF UP! Listen the build up, the character development, the grit, grief, and love all wrapped up. I hate the way Noah is treating his sister and when book 2 comes I hope to see his character development as well. Jo man my heart went out to her and she literally survived the only way she knew how, but the way she started to show up for Stormi I loved that for them. Seth is MY MAN MY MAN MY MAN he said I want her and I gotta have her. I can’t wait to see the story unfold in book 2.
December 21, 2025
Perfect slow burn
The story captures your attention from page one. The way that Stormi is written, has beautiful depth. Seth is a deep man that has intentionality about him and makes a great MMC.
This is a love story that you get to see bloom and become invested in. The vivid, passionate,worship that is the first spicy scene was immaculate.
I’m curious to see what part two holds.
The story captures your attention from page one. The way that Stormi is written, has beautiful depth. Seth is a deep man that has intentionality about him and makes a great MMC.
This is a love story that you get to see bloom and become invested in. The vivid, passionate,worship that is the first spicy scene was immaculate.
I’m curious to see what part two holds.
January 10, 2026
it was OK
The book was OK. I didn’t like Stormi. It took her until 80% of the book to get herself together and she kept going off even though her man was telling her something was off. She shouldn’t even be gone after those kids pregnant like that. Way way too many spelling errors. Something just didn’t click for me. It has a lot of potential though it could’ve just been one book. I feel like a lot of the book dragged.
The book was OK. I didn’t like Stormi. It took her until 80% of the book to get herself together and she kept going off even though her man was telling her something was off. She shouldn’t even be gone after those kids pregnant like that. Way way too many spelling errors. Something just didn’t click for me. It has a lot of potential though it could’ve just been one book. I feel like a lot of the book dragged.
March 24, 2026
Good
I liked this book, this is new to me author and I enjoyed this read.
Had different elements of life that I liked reading about even the heavier topics. Some parts I felt were drawn out but I understood how it had to be to fit into the plot of the story, a real roller-coaster ride of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Will quickly be reading book 2 cause the way this ended I need to know more!!
I liked this book, this is new to me author and I enjoyed this read.
Had different elements of life that I liked reading about even the heavier topics. Some parts I felt were drawn out but I understood how it had to be to fit into the plot of the story, a real roller-coaster ride of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Will quickly be reading book 2 cause the way this ended I need to know more!!
February 7, 2026
Must Read
This is a page turner. If you’re looking for a book with just enough love, sex, drama, and action then you found the right book. I knew Dre was going to do something crazy but that was insane and most importantly Noah keeps screaming grown man but you can’t see when someone is playing right in your face smh on to book two!!!
This is a page turner. If you’re looking for a book with just enough love, sex, drama, and action then you found the right book. I knew Dre was going to do something crazy but that was insane and most importantly Noah keeps screaming grown man but you can’t see when someone is playing right in your face smh on to book two!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews