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PENALTIES & PROMISES
Coming from a less fortunate family, Tylee has always felt like an outsider from everyone except Jarett. Her best friend since the sand box, Tylee and Jay were inseparable. Their bond was so strong that someone or something was always trying to interfere. From jealous girlfriends of Jay’s to Tylee wanting a relationship of her own, no one ever expected them to be the cause of their own demise. One fatal incident caused them to cross a line they swore they never would. With their friendship hanging by a thread, a drastic move may cause them to lose each other forever.
Jarett “Pilot” Kingery always counted on Tylee to be his moral compass. Losing the one person who kept him grounded, he quickly takes on the bad boy persona. Not caring about anything but football, Pilot quickly turned into someone that nobody recognized. On the brink of losing it all, Pilot finds himself returning to the only person that could help guide him back on the right path. But with secrets and betrayals of her own, this may be the end of not only what could have been, but a bond no one thought could be broken.
Love is hard enough, but it’s even harder when the one you love turns out to be the one to hurt you the worse. Will these two friends be able to salvage what was once the greatest love ever, or is their friendship too broken to repair?
Jarett “Pilot” Kingery always counted on Tylee to be his moral compass. Losing the one person who kept him grounded, he quickly takes on the bad boy persona. Not caring about anything but football, Pilot quickly turned into someone that nobody recognized. On the brink of losing it all, Pilot finds himself returning to the only person that could help guide him back on the right path. But with secrets and betrayals of her own, this may be the end of not only what could have been, but a bond no one thought could be broken.
Love is hard enough, but it’s even harder when the one you love turns out to be the one to hurt you the worse. Will these two friends be able to salvage what was once the greatest love ever, or is their friendship too broken to repair?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2025
151 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Latoya Nicole
115 books322 followersLatoya Nicole is an Urban Fiction author. She is currently published and signed to Mz. Lady P presents. She has always had the gift of writing and loved to do so. But she had to put her dream on hold in order to care for her autistic child. Now the 35 year old mother of 1, is ready for the world to share with her as she spins tales of romance, drama, lies and deceit. Born and raised on the mean streets of Chicago, she has witnessed first hand how cold the streets can be. Step into the lives of her characters as they walk you through life as they know it in the windy city.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 26, 2025
I enjoyed this ❤️🏈
Tylee & Jay’s relationship reminded me of Q & Monica from Love & Basketball!
Tylee & Jay’s relationship reminded me of Q & Monica from Love & Basketball!
November 11, 2025
Great book and if you like football you’ll enjoy the story.. Definitely recommend especially if you like a messy relationship in a book.. Really good football season read
October 10, 2025
The way the FMC got on my nerves this entire book should be illegal. I was so over her by the middle of the book. Her insecurities and lack of communication was exhausting. The way he continued to play games with her with different females should be studied as well. Glad they got their toxic HEA finally!
January 4, 2026
Straight Games
This book was basically about two people creating their own problems and then staying mad about them on repeat. They knew from the jump they were never going to leave each other alone, yet they kept dragging other people into the mess anyway. That alone made it exhausting to read.
Munch really got on my nerves. She was in a so-called relationship while actively sleeping with Jay and emotionally entertaining him at the same time. Her excuse for not officially claiming Jay was that she didn’t want to hurt him “just in case.” Meanwhile, she had no problem hurting her actual boyfriend by cheating on him. That logic made absolutely no sense.
The outside characters didn’t matter at all. They were clearly thrown in just to manufacture drama, not because they added anything meaningful to the story. Nothing felt organic. Every conflict felt forced, like the author needed tension but didn’t know how to build it naturally.
On top of that, the amount of sex completely overshadowed any potential plot. It stopped feeling like part of the story and started feeling like filler. Munch came across as someone who wanted to live her hoe phase while still holding onto Jay, and the back-and-forth just made her character frustrating instead of compelling.
The story lacked direction, the characters’ choices didn’t make sense, and the drama felt fake. It was repetitive, forced, and not enjoyable at all.
This book was basically about two people creating their own problems and then staying mad about them on repeat. They knew from the jump they were never going to leave each other alone, yet they kept dragging other people into the mess anyway. That alone made it exhausting to read.
Munch really got on my nerves. She was in a so-called relationship while actively sleeping with Jay and emotionally entertaining him at the same time. Her excuse for not officially claiming Jay was that she didn’t want to hurt him “just in case.” Meanwhile, she had no problem hurting her actual boyfriend by cheating on him. That logic made absolutely no sense.
The outside characters didn’t matter at all. They were clearly thrown in just to manufacture drama, not because they added anything meaningful to the story. Nothing felt organic. Every conflict felt forced, like the author needed tension but didn’t know how to build it naturally.
On top of that, the amount of sex completely overshadowed any potential plot. It stopped feeling like part of the story and started feeling like filler. Munch came across as someone who wanted to live her hoe phase while still holding onto Jay, and the back-and-forth just made her character frustrating instead of compelling.
The story lacked direction, the characters’ choices didn’t make sense, and the drama felt fake. It was repetitive, forced, and not enjoyable at all.
September 26, 2025
Scored 🥰!!!!
We all know that saying “Hurt People Hurt People”! There are also cases where your childhood friend becomes your best friend and as you get older they can become your person🥰. Even though your best friend may be your person does mean it’s meant to be! Let’s chat!
Can I start off by saying I can relate some to this story 🥰 and say I love me some Tylee. Her energy and vibe I love the most. Oh can forget she doesn’t sugarcoat anything🫣. She was that GIRL and didn’t even know it. Though she said she didn’t look at Jay like anything other than her best friend, I honestly thought otherwise. Their relationship was beautiful 🥰! Once that line gets crossed or blurred there’s no going back. Honestly didn’t think they tot everything through cause babe the shenanigans started. Let not underestimate my girl. She had them hands and will use if forced🫣! Now did I agree with some of her choices-not at all, but we know that some actions will get a reaction.
Jay was that 🥷🏽 and he knew it. If he didn’t them girls did. He played the part but he knew his heart🥹. Though he played like he didn’t but once them lines were crossed and blurred all that changed. Being a typical male he didn’t know how to handle them feeling and by them actions, your girl - Munch (Tylee) had to humble him some. Listen the way she handled that had me in tears laughing 🤣. He learned to stop playing with her. With still learning and growing it was an emotional roller coaster. Like most men, he didn’t know how to handle them emotion. Then the way his momma checked him 🤏🏾🤏🏾!
A heart knows what it wants and that’s exactly what happened in this read. Besides being friends since babes their hearts knew what it wanted. With all of the trials and tribulations lessons were learned I didn’t truly know where it would all end. This odd only my 2nd book read by author but I was NOT disappointed at all. I plan to read by her.
We all know that saying “Hurt People Hurt People”! There are also cases where your childhood friend becomes your best friend and as you get older they can become your person🥰. Even though your best friend may be your person does mean it’s meant to be! Let’s chat!
Can I start off by saying I can relate some to this story 🥰 and say I love me some Tylee. Her energy and vibe I love the most. Oh can forget she doesn’t sugarcoat anything🫣. She was that GIRL and didn’t even know it. Though she said she didn’t look at Jay like anything other than her best friend, I honestly thought otherwise. Their relationship was beautiful 🥰! Once that line gets crossed or blurred there’s no going back. Honestly didn’t think they tot everything through cause babe the shenanigans started. Let not underestimate my girl. She had them hands and will use if forced🫣! Now did I agree with some of her choices-not at all, but we know that some actions will get a reaction.
Jay was that 🥷🏽 and he knew it. If he didn’t them girls did. He played the part but he knew his heart🥹. Though he played like he didn’t but once them lines were crossed and blurred all that changed. Being a typical male he didn’t know how to handle them feeling and by them actions, your girl - Munch (Tylee) had to humble him some. Listen the way she handled that had me in tears laughing 🤣. He learned to stop playing with her. With still learning and growing it was an emotional roller coaster. Like most men, he didn’t know how to handle them emotion. Then the way his momma checked him 🤏🏾🤏🏾!
A heart knows what it wants and that’s exactly what happened in this read. Besides being friends since babes their hearts knew what it wanted. With all of the trials and tribulations lessons were learned I didn’t truly know where it would all end. This odd only my 2nd book read by author but I was NOT disappointed at all. I plan to read by her.
September 28, 2025
As always, Latoya Nicole brought the laughs and the drama. I absolutely loved Tylee and Jay. Their progression from friends to lovers was destined from the beginning. Their friendship was so strong, but their love was stronger. Their love was so strong, but they had to go through it to get it right. The drama and the mess that these two went through had me on a rollercoaster. Just when I thought they would get it right, somebody would hurt the other. When I tell you they were hurting each other, they were hitting each other where it really hurt. But as always with toxic love, they always found their way back to each other. They were truly soul mates, but whewww, they were drama filled and messy before they got it together. Read this book. It will give you laughter, drama, and mess.
September 25, 2025
Relationship: Ups & Downs
This book truly takes you through the motions of a couple who are destined to be together forever but go through a few things.
Tylee & Jay are best friends since high school. They cross the line & the long distance, star-crossed live affair begins. They are in denial that they are indeed dead over heels for each other, but their mothers know the deal.
Can these two survive other relationships, jobs & toxic traits to have something real? Read the book to find out. I promise you will not regret it.
This book truly takes you through the motions of a couple who are destined to be together forever but go through a few things.
Tylee & Jay are best friends since high school. They cross the line & the long distance, star-crossed live affair begins. They are in denial that they are indeed dead over heels for each other, but their mothers know the deal.
Can these two survive other relationships, jobs & toxic traits to have something real? Read the book to find out. I promise you will not regret it.
October 3, 2025
Listen… my girl Latoya did her big one with this one! This book may have been a departure from her usual style, but babyyyyy she slid into this lane like she owned it.
Tylee and Jay’s story had me hooked from the first page. From teenage years to grown folks’ business, we got to see every bump, bruise, and breakthrough on their journey. They started out as best friends, always there for each other, no lines crossed ...until life happened. And when a traumatic moment pulled them closer, that line got crossed real quick. What followed? Pure drama, heartache, passion, and growth.
Latoya gave us her signature messiness (because let’s be real, what’s a good book without a little chaos?), but she also layered it with healing, love, and hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. Tylee and Jay were chaotic, extra, and stubborn but they were made for each other. Their bond was undeniable, even when they didn’t have the words to say it out loud.
I had a good ole time with this book, and honestly? I expected nothing less. Latoya always comes through. Whether it's drama, love, or laugh-out-loud moments she delivers every single time.
Tylee and Jay’s story had me hooked from the first page. From teenage years to grown folks’ business, we got to see every bump, bruise, and breakthrough on their journey. They started out as best friends, always there for each other, no lines crossed ...until life happened. And when a traumatic moment pulled them closer, that line got crossed real quick. What followed? Pure drama, heartache, passion, and growth.
Latoya gave us her signature messiness (because let’s be real, what’s a good book without a little chaos?), but she also layered it with healing, love, and hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. Tylee and Jay were chaotic, extra, and stubborn but they were made for each other. Their bond was undeniable, even when they didn’t have the words to say it out loud.
I had a good ole time with this book, and honestly? I expected nothing less. Latoya always comes through. Whether it's drama, love, or laugh-out-loud moments she delivers every single time.
October 4, 2025
Friends to Lovers
Tylee and Jay were best friends from the cradle as their mothers were best friends! In high school Jay "Pilot" was a beast in football a true ladies man! Secretly it appears he is attracted to Tylee and she's attracted to him! He takes her virginity since this was her desire and through a series of unfortunate events they drift apart but time and distance could not keep them apart. In the end they found their way back to one another and they got their HEA! Great read for sure!!
Tylee and Jay were best friends from the cradle as their mothers were best friends! In high school Jay "Pilot" was a beast in football a true ladies man! Secretly it appears he is attracted to Tylee and she's attracted to him! He takes her virginity since this was her desire and through a series of unfortunate events they drift apart but time and distance could not keep them apart. In the end they found their way back to one another and they got their HEA! Great read for sure!!
November 14, 2025
Relationship Merry Go Round But I Didn't Ever Want The Spin To End
This one was different than other Latoya Nicole books I have read. For many reasons but the foremost being it was a sports romance! 🏈 I persevered through Munch and Jay's young love story. This book had me laughing one minute and then mad as hell the next. Just like a lot of couples who are together from super young they go and grow through a lot. I was here for every bit of the drama and entertainment. High blood pressure and all. 🤣😅 A Latoya Nicole book never misses for me! 🤌🏼💞
This one was different than other Latoya Nicole books I have read. For many reasons but the foremost being it was a sports romance! 🏈 I persevered through Munch and Jay's young love story. This book had me laughing one minute and then mad as hell the next. Just like a lot of couples who are together from super young they go and grow through a lot. I was here for every bit of the drama and entertainment. High blood pressure and all. 🤣😅 A Latoya Nicole book never misses for me! 🤌🏼💞
November 24, 2025
My review is from the perspective of Jay and Munch being teenagers and young adults who made immature decisions and many mistakes. Jay and Munch had known each other their whole life and were so close to each other. In essence they treated each other as though they were in a relationship without the title, kissing, and séx until they did share á night together. Both of them intentionally did things to hurt each other but in the end they got it together.
December 29, 2025
These two were a hot mess and toxic af. Jay and Tylee got on my nerves I just couldn’t believe the ish they were doing… they both lacked communication skills and accountability to each other. I mean it’s good read and should not be taken serious. I know a Tubi script when I read one and yes I would watch this as a movie. It’s messy, hilarious and toxic, my gawd!!! Lmao this book was more of a comedic relief cause wtf was going on.
January 1, 2026
whew 😅
This was a lot! Jay was a garden tool and there is no way in hell I would marry him, give him a baby, let alone give me his seeds. No way 🤣🤣🤣🤣 They both were childish and played around the entire book. Maria was a dog in every sense of the word and it really be ya closest friends to do you dirt like that. Mia was trash and Taylee did beat her tail enough in this book. This is my type of carrying on so I liked it!
This was a lot! Jay was a garden tool and there is no way in hell I would marry him, give him a baby, let alone give me his seeds. No way 🤣🤣🤣🤣 They both were childish and played around the entire book. Maria was a dog in every sense of the word and it really be ya closest friends to do you dirt like that. Mia was trash and Taylee did beat her tail enough in this book. This is my type of carrying on so I liked it!
January 21, 2026
Toxic love
These two worked my last nerves. I loved the friendship between them but when they crossed that line it opened up a whole new world of toxicity chiiii. The back and forth and constantly hurting each other was too much but the love remained the same and I don’t see how bc a mf got one time to cross me but whatever it worked for them, they find their way back to each other and got their HEA 🫶🏾
These two worked my last nerves. I loved the friendship between them but when they crossed that line it opened up a whole new world of toxicity chiiii. The back and forth and constantly hurting each other was too much but the love remained the same and I don’t see how bc a mf got one time to cross me but whatever it worked for them, they find their way back to each other and got their HEA 🫶🏾
September 26, 2025
see naw
She didn’t even have to do me like that! This book was a roller coaster! Talk about tit for tat! She a runner! He the type you go low he go to hell! But they can’t leave each other alone. God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt! Just blow on it! No words! This book stressed me out but was so worth it! Outstanding
She didn’t even have to do me like that! This book was a roller coaster! Talk about tit for tat! She a runner! He the type you go low he go to hell! But they can’t leave each other alone. God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt! Just blow on it! No words! This book stressed me out but was so worth it! Outstanding
September 27, 2025
I’m about to start smoking 🚬
Whew you had my nerves stressed out I wanted 🫶🏽 (chooooke) Munch and Pilot. One thing tho I would loved to have read about oh girl getting ☠️☠️ like as a shadow moment. But still as usual you made me love the lead MC. but Phantom aka “God” is still my husband) Latoya “I love you and wanna have seggs one minute laugh the second and smoke a square the next ” Williams great read 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🥰🥰🥰
Whew you had my nerves stressed out I wanted 🫶🏽 (chooooke) Munch and Pilot. One thing tho I would loved to have read about oh girl getting ☠️☠️ like as a shadow moment. But still as usual you made me love the lead MC. but Phantom aka “God” is still my husband) Latoya “I love you and wanna have seggs one minute laugh the second and smoke a square the next ” Williams great read 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🥰🥰🥰
September 26, 2025
Oooooowwweee!
I read this book so fast because it was so messsy! I loved how Jay and Tylee’s story unfolded. Besties to lovers?! Absolutely a favorite trope. This story had so many twists and turns, it kept me on edge but I knew they were going to get their happy ending! Latoya did her thing as always - 10/10 no notes!
I read this book so fast because it was so messsy! I loved how Jay and Tylee’s story unfolded. Besties to lovers?! Absolutely a favorite trope. This story had so many twists and turns, it kept me on edge but I knew they were going to get their happy ending! Latoya did her thing as always - 10/10 no notes!
September 26, 2025
Good read
A good sports romance with laughter, drama, suspense, toxicity, and wisdom. Tylee and Jay friendship kept them grounded in this toxic situation. That is what helped them through all the ups and downs. I loved how the mothers were no nonsense and set them straight when they needed and held both accountable.
A good sports romance with laughter, drama, suspense, toxicity, and wisdom. Tylee and Jay friendship kept them grounded in this toxic situation. That is what helped them through all the ups and downs. I loved how the mothers were no nonsense and set them straight when they needed and held both accountable.
September 26, 2025
I’m not sure if this “love story” was toxic or just confusing young folks trying to play adult. 🤷🏾♀️ It had its moments, but overall it was just okay for me. Honestly, it felt more like erotica in places than an actual urban romance, which threw me off.
It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t fully give me what I look for in a romance.
(3/5)
It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t fully give me what I look for in a romance.
(3/5)
September 30, 2025
Toxic AF!
Pilot and Tylee were two people who did not need to be together. Their relationship was so darn toxic, but I loved them together. Those who get it get it, lol. They hurt each other intentionally. He was dead wrong for doing what he did with her opt and friend.
The plot was plotting. If you like drama, then this book is for you.
Pilot and Tylee were two people who did not need to be together. Their relationship was so darn toxic, but I loved them together. Those who get it get it, lol. They hurt each other intentionally. He was dead wrong for doing what he did with her opt and friend.
The plot was plotting. If you like drama, then this book is for you.
September 30, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m not a big fan of the sports romance genre, however this book was really good! Even though this book was about a whole different sport, this book gave me all the feels of the movie Love & Basketball. Tyler & Jay, definitely gave strong Monica & Quincey vibes! This book was a bomb 10 outta 10!
I’m not a big fan of the sports romance genre, however this book was really good! Even though this book was about a whole different sport, this book gave me all the feels of the movie Love & Basketball. Tyler & Jay, definitely gave strong Monica & Quincey vibes! This book was a bomb 10 outta 10!
October 6, 2025
Munch and Jay are a mess
What a whirlwind love story. They started out as best friends and turned lovers. It was such a toxic relationship between the two though. They kept coming back to each other. Hurt each, leave and come back. Glad they finally grew up, had a baby girl and got engaged. Sad to see what happened to Mia though.
What a whirlwind love story. They started out as best friends and turned lovers. It was such a toxic relationship between the two though. They kept coming back to each other. Hurt each, leave and come back. Glad they finally grew up, had a baby girl and got engaged. Sad to see what happened to Mia though.
September 25, 2025
Penalties & Promises
Toya! OMG! This storyline is good. Mia got the hell on my nerves. The back and forth with Tylee and Jay was realistic as fuck. I’m glad Tylee got her get back. Great job!
Toya! OMG! This storyline is good. Mia got the hell on my nerves. The back and forth with Tylee and Jay was realistic as fuck. I’m glad Tylee got her get back. Great job!
September 25, 2025
loved it
I loved this book so much I didn’t want it to end! It has comedy, spice, drama and true love getting second and third chances. Everyone got what they deserved in the end. This was an amazing story
I loved this book so much I didn’t want it to end! It has comedy, spice, drama and true love getting second and third chances. Everyone got what they deserved in the end. This was an amazing story
September 27, 2025
Growth
I love the growth they had in the story and that neither one of them was perfect. I felt like they actions matched where they was at in their maturity level. It was funny and a very good read.
I love the growth they had in the story and that neither one of them was perfect. I felt like they actions matched where they was at in their maturity level. It was funny and a very good read.
September 27, 2025
Omgggg
I couldn't put this book down, this was some toxic drama from the beginning to the end. I didn't want it to end at all. Only Latoya can keep me sitting in one spot until I finish with her book. Fire read
I couldn't put this book down, this was some toxic drama from the beginning to the end. I didn't want it to end at all. Only Latoya can keep me sitting in one spot until I finish with her book. Fire read
October 5, 2025
love this
This was different type of story but I absolutely loved it. There were still parts that had me laughing out loud like only you could. And thank you for letting this be a standalone.
This was different type of story but I absolutely loved it. There were still parts that had me laughing out loud like only you could. And thank you for letting this be a standalone.
October 7, 2025
toxic and good
This story was so good and toxic, Tylee was getting on my nerves with her hot a$$. Jay had that lil cat sprung and she didn’t know what to do. They needed to grow up and really figure out what they wanted.
This story was so good and toxic, Tylee was getting on my nerves with her hot a$$. Jay had that lil cat sprung and she didn’t know what to do. They needed to grow up and really figure out what they wanted.
October 9, 2025
Man I loved this one!!!!
Man, I absolutely loved this couple. Jay was scandalous with those other women, but he couldn't do Munch like he did them. I knew they would make it because they loved each other from the beginning!!!!
Man, I absolutely loved this couple. Jay was scandalous with those other women, but he couldn't do Munch like he did them. I knew they would make it because they loved each other from the beginning!!!!
October 14, 2025
Loved it
Loved this coming out age love story. This book was beautifully written and kept you engaged through all the quarters. Jay was so real and funny.... but he loved him some Tailee. This is a must read.
Loved this coming out age love story. This book was beautifully written and kept you engaged through all the quarters. Jay was so real and funny.... but he loved him some Tailee. This is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews