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Caught Up
Dixyn Greene has it all. She is a hustler’s wife, the mother of a beautiful daughter, and she owns a town house and a nice car—she’s living the life. But when the feds arrest her man, Dixyn’s whole world begins to crumble. Quickly things go from bad to worse—as the bills begin to mount, her ability to continue to maintain her lavish lifestyle is put to the test. Strapped for cash, her good intentions lead to bad decisions.
Enter Brian Winters, B-Dub, and her one saving grace, or so she initially believes. In Dixyn’s time of need, B-Dub turns out to be no more than an opportunist with his own agenda. Dixyn becomes indebted to him and is forced to do his bidding in order to survive. With B-Dub on her back, she submerges herself into the murky waters of street life and is soon entangled in a web of lust, betrayal, blackmail, and deceit. She ultimately discovers that there are no rules in the game. In the game, loyalty is limited. Trust will get you hurt and love will get you killed.
Enter Brian Winters, B-Dub, and her one saving grace, or so she initially believes. In Dixyn’s time of need, B-Dub turns out to be no more than an opportunist with his own agenda. Dixyn becomes indebted to him and is forced to do his bidding in order to survive. With B-Dub on her back, she submerges herself into the murky waters of street life and is soon entangled in a web of lust, betrayal, blackmail, and deceit. She ultimately discovers that there are no rules in the game. In the game, loyalty is limited. Trust will get you hurt and love will get you killed.
- GenresAudiobook
Audiobook
First published July 13, 2015
24 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Holmes
25 books261 followersShannon Holmes was born and raised in New York City’s most northern borough; the Bronx. Holmes’ entrance into the literary world was anything but ordinary. Armed only with a G.E.D. and the desire to change his life, Mr. Holmes crafted his first novel and signed his first literary contract from prison, while serving a five year sentence for various drug convictions. This was truly an amazing feat when you consider Mr. Holmes had never even written a short story in his life. He truly made the best of a bad situation.
He first achieved success with his first novel B-more Careful, which has gone on to sell a half a million copies to date. This may not sound like a lot of to the general public, but in the literary world Mr. Holmes is platinum. By producing such lofty sales numbers, Shannon was able to parlay the success of his first novel into a two book, six figure deal, with publishing giant Simon & Schuster.
Avoiding the sophomore jinx, Shannon Holmes crafted the critically acclaimed Bad Girlz, which sold fifty thousand copies in its first week. His next novel Never Go Home Again was hailed as best work... With this he achieved yet another milestone, he became the first author of the street genre to have his novel printed in hardcover. Since then Mr. Holmes has signed an even bigger deal publishing deal with St. Martin’s Press, it’s rumored to be in the high six figures, for two novels.
He first achieved success with his first novel B-more Careful, which has gone on to sell a half a million copies to date. This may not sound like a lot of to the general public, but in the literary world Mr. Holmes is platinum. By producing such lofty sales numbers, Shannon was able to parlay the success of his first novel into a two book, six figure deal, with publishing giant Simon & Schuster.
Avoiding the sophomore jinx, Shannon Holmes crafted the critically acclaimed Bad Girlz, which sold fifty thousand copies in its first week. His next novel Never Go Home Again was hailed as best work... With this he achieved yet another milestone, he became the first author of the street genre to have his novel printed in hardcover. Since then Mr. Holmes has signed an even bigger deal publishing deal with St. Martin’s Press, it’s rumored to be in the high six figures, for two novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 4, 2015
This book featured a very weak woman, Dixyn Greene, and her hustler boyfriend Bryce Winters. They lived what I would classify as a typical life where the hustler calls all the shots as he is making the money doing his illegal activities. Dixyn uses sex and her beauty to try to keep him in line.
Dixyn's life is turned upside down when the Bryce is arrested and sent to prison. Dixyn never had to pay the bills, and now she had to figure out how to maintain the lifestyle and keep a roof over her daughter's head. Dixyn's friend Kendra convinces Dixyn to "use what she got" to get what she wants.
In addition, Bryce's brother, Brian Winter shows up to offer aid. It becomes apparent that Brian's offer comes with strings attached. In her naivete, Dixyn makes one poor choice after another until she finds hers entangled in a deadly web. What is a girl to do, when all she wants is to pay her bill and take care of her daughter?
This one was NOT good. I am sorry, it was just a bad BET movie. I was never convinced that Dixyn was in love with Bryce. I didn't understand how Dixyn let Brian into their lives knowing he didn't have a good relationship with his brother Bryce. Dixyn obviously doesn't understand much about friendships because Kendra was not a real friend.
I think if I went in to this book expecting such a shallow character development and a fluffy book, I would have not been rolling my eyes the entire time. The one good thing I can say is the book was such a quick and easy read. This one wasn't about romance, it was a snap shot of life in the hood and a girl trying to get her feet under herself after the DEA pulled the rug out.
*Special thanks to LibraryThing for the book, which was given in exchange for an honest review.
Dixyn's life is turned upside down when the Bryce is arrested and sent to prison. Dixyn never had to pay the bills, and now she had to figure out how to maintain the lifestyle and keep a roof over her daughter's head. Dixyn's friend Kendra convinces Dixyn to "use what she got" to get what she wants.
In addition, Bryce's brother, Brian Winter shows up to offer aid. It becomes apparent that Brian's offer comes with strings attached. In her naivete, Dixyn makes one poor choice after another until she finds hers entangled in a deadly web. What is a girl to do, when all she wants is to pay her bill and take care of her daughter?
This one was NOT good. I am sorry, it was just a bad BET movie. I was never convinced that Dixyn was in love with Bryce. I didn't understand how Dixyn let Brian into their lives knowing he didn't have a good relationship with his brother Bryce. Dixyn obviously doesn't understand much about friendships because Kendra was not a real friend.
I think if I went in to this book expecting such a shallow character development and a fluffy book, I would have not been rolling my eyes the entire time. The one good thing I can say is the book was such a quick and easy read. This one wasn't about romance, it was a snap shot of life in the hood and a girl trying to get her feet under herself after the DEA pulled the rug out.
*Special thanks to LibraryThing for the book, which was given in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2015
**ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
If Caught Up was a movie, the acting would be terrible but I still wouldn’t be able to turn away. Caught Up is like a mixture of Master P’s legendary contribution to cinema, I’m Bout It with a splash of Player’s Club. And I mean that in the best possible way.
Bear with me…
So, Dixyn is engaged to an imprisoned drug dealer, Bryce Winters, who also happens to be the father of her child. Said child, resides indefinitely with Dixyn’s mother for reasons including but not limited to: Dixyn can no longer afford the luxury of cable or internet to keep the kid entertained. Mommy logic at its best.
Since Dixyn was living solely on Bryce’s trap money that was mostly garnished by the Feds, her friend, Kendra (amazing name given to amazing people like myself, but this Kendra wasn’t so great) suggests Dixyn become her colleague at the local strip club to keep her fancy townhouse out of foreclosure and stay afloat financially.
First day on the job, Dixyn catches someone’s attention she wasn’t expecting. Brian ‘BDub’ Winters, Bryce’s brother who she’d heard about but never met. BDub takes no time at all offering up his peen on a gold-plated platter that’s likely inscribed with, “Bros before hoes…SIKE.”
BDub photographed Dixyn’s nude exploits on stage and threatened to snitch about her new job to his incarcerated brother if she didn’t deliver a briefcase somewhere for him. Then he pretty much just continues to blackmail and manipulate her and due to what I deem as a lack of intelligence, she continues to allow it.
This book was an easy read, I read it within a few hours. I didn’t expect this story to have tons of substance. I went in expecting pure entertainment and that’s what I got. A lot of the dialogue was really repetitive and most the internal dialogue was surface level stuff. There was no delving deeper in any of these characters mindsets so I didn’t feel sympathetic toward anyone. Parts of the story felt kind of like winging it, like spur of the moment additions to the plot/back-story that the author decided to make. But regardless, it was entertaining and I was curious how it would end so I finished it.
Beware of lots of slang, profanity, and an almost rape scene that I found problematic but that’s a different topic for a different day.
Overall: 3.5/5
Hawtness: 2/5
If Caught Up was a movie, the acting would be terrible but I still wouldn’t be able to turn away. Caught Up is like a mixture of Master P’s legendary contribution to cinema, I’m Bout It with a splash of Player’s Club. And I mean that in the best possible way.
Bear with me…
So, Dixyn is engaged to an imprisoned drug dealer, Bryce Winters, who also happens to be the father of her child. Said child, resides indefinitely with Dixyn’s mother for reasons including but not limited to: Dixyn can no longer afford the luxury of cable or internet to keep the kid entertained. Mommy logic at its best.
Since Dixyn was living solely on Bryce’s trap money that was mostly garnished by the Feds, her friend, Kendra (amazing name given to amazing people like myself, but this Kendra wasn’t so great) suggests Dixyn become her colleague at the local strip club to keep her fancy townhouse out of foreclosure and stay afloat financially.
First day on the job, Dixyn catches someone’s attention she wasn’t expecting. Brian ‘BDub’ Winters, Bryce’s brother who she’d heard about but never met. BDub takes no time at all offering up his peen on a gold-plated platter that’s likely inscribed with, “Bros before hoes…SIKE.”
BDub photographed Dixyn’s nude exploits on stage and threatened to snitch about her new job to his incarcerated brother if she didn’t deliver a briefcase somewhere for him. Then he pretty much just continues to blackmail and manipulate her and due to what I deem as a lack of intelligence, she continues to allow it.
This book was an easy read, I read it within a few hours. I didn’t expect this story to have tons of substance. I went in expecting pure entertainment and that’s what I got. A lot of the dialogue was really repetitive and most the internal dialogue was surface level stuff. There was no delving deeper in any of these characters mindsets so I didn’t feel sympathetic toward anyone. Parts of the story felt kind of like winging it, like spur of the moment additions to the plot/back-story that the author decided to make. But regardless, it was entertaining and I was curious how it would end so I finished it.
Beware of lots of slang, profanity, and an almost rape scene that I found problematic but that’s a different topic for a different day.
Overall: 3.5/5
Hawtness: 2/5
February 9, 2016
Same old storyline...nothing new or intriguing about this read. Disappointing for me because Mr. Holmes is a vet. B-More Careful was my very 1st Urban Lit read.
February 24, 2018
Not a bad story. The flow was good in the beginning, but the story ended too abruptly. I believe there could have been more to this story.
September 12, 2016
As the World Spins ‘Round and ‘Round, Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now
Dixyn Greene is living the glamorous life by way of her hustling husband, Bryce. She is afforded the nicer things in life but there is a fear lingering in the back of her mind that trouble is around the corner. Trouble identifies itself with the initials F.B.I. The feds bring her world crashing down. What she once took for granted has been snatched from her in mere minutes and decisions have to be made. A line has been drawn in the sand and she has to decide who she will ride with.
A disillusioned Dixyn takes her baby girl to a safe place and tries to make heads or tails of her choices, because the bills are stacking up and friends have become a figment of her imagination. What happens when you have become accustomed to living the 'privileged life' and you now have pauper and hard knock life ringing your doorbell? Does this hustler's wife ride and die for her man or does she hop on the back of that white horse with the first knight in shining armor that presents her with a window in a windowless room? Will she lower her standards in a cold cruel world and find herself looking up at all the ones she once looked down at?
“Caught Up” proves to be the same old storyline...nothing new or intriguing about this read. The life of the hustler and his family. The aftermath of his fall. I was excited when I read the synopsis, but found myself disappointed with this read as a whole. The storyline was inconsistent and there were unfinished storylines. Shannon Holmes' “B-More Careful” was my very first urban lit read and I was hooked for real! So to read this, and know his ability, I was uber discouraged because I know that he has more in him. I hope that he puts more effort in his next literary venture because he has the fan base, his names causes people to move, but with projects like this...the tides can turn.
Reviewed by: Tazzy
Dixyn Greene is living the glamorous life by way of her hustling husband, Bryce. She is afforded the nicer things in life but there is a fear lingering in the back of her mind that trouble is around the corner. Trouble identifies itself with the initials F.B.I. The feds bring her world crashing down. What she once took for granted has been snatched from her in mere minutes and decisions have to be made. A line has been drawn in the sand and she has to decide who she will ride with.
A disillusioned Dixyn takes her baby girl to a safe place and tries to make heads or tails of her choices, because the bills are stacking up and friends have become a figment of her imagination. What happens when you have become accustomed to living the 'privileged life' and you now have pauper and hard knock life ringing your doorbell? Does this hustler's wife ride and die for her man or does she hop on the back of that white horse with the first knight in shining armor that presents her with a window in a windowless room? Will she lower her standards in a cold cruel world and find herself looking up at all the ones she once looked down at?
“Caught Up” proves to be the same old storyline...nothing new or intriguing about this read. The life of the hustler and his family. The aftermath of his fall. I was excited when I read the synopsis, but found myself disappointed with this read as a whole. The storyline was inconsistent and there were unfinished storylines. Shannon Holmes' “B-More Careful” was my very first urban lit read and I was hooked for real! So to read this, and know his ability, I was uber discouraged because I know that he has more in him. I hope that he puts more effort in his next literary venture because he has the fan base, his names causes people to move, but with projects like this...the tides can turn.
Reviewed by: Tazzy
June 25, 2015
This is my first book that I've read by Shannon Holmes. I read "Caught Up" in three hours.
The story is about a young woman by the name of Dixyn who is in love and lives with a hustler named Bryce. They both have a small daughter together. On the night he proposes to her, their house was raided by the DEA and he gets arrested. He goes to prison and Dixyn is left to pick up the pieces.
It was difficult for her to say the least, because she was accustomed to living a lavish lifestyle. But as the bills poured in, she quickly discovered she had to make some moves in order not to lose the house and car. She only had a high school diploma and no job training whatsoever.
Dixyn reaches out to her friend, Kendra who then exposes her into an unfamiliar world. A world where she makes some hard choices and compromises in order to keep afloat.
It is in this same world where she meets Bryce's brother, Brian Winters, who goes by B-Dub, where things go from bad to worst.
"Caught Up" is suspenseful, and the type of book where you don't want to put it down because you want to see what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
The story is about a young woman by the name of Dixyn who is in love and lives with a hustler named Bryce. They both have a small daughter together. On the night he proposes to her, their house was raided by the DEA and he gets arrested. He goes to prison and Dixyn is left to pick up the pieces.
It was difficult for her to say the least, because she was accustomed to living a lavish lifestyle. But as the bills poured in, she quickly discovered she had to make some moves in order not to lose the house and car. She only had a high school diploma and no job training whatsoever.
Dixyn reaches out to her friend, Kendra who then exposes her into an unfamiliar world. A world where she makes some hard choices and compromises in order to keep afloat.
It is in this same world where she meets Bryce's brother, Brian Winters, who goes by B-Dub, where things go from bad to worst.
"Caught Up" is suspenseful, and the type of book where you don't want to put it down because you want to see what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
September 18, 2015
I received this book through a firstreads giveaway.
The book is about Dixyn, a woman whose life was completely changed when her fiance was arrested. She then does anything she has to to support herself and build a life for her daughter.
I liked the growth of Dixyn's character. I would have liked to see more of it at the end - the end seemed a bit rushed.
I was not a fan of the language - not really my thing.
The book is about Dixyn, a woman whose life was completely changed when her fiance was arrested. She then does anything she has to to support herself and build a life for her daughter.
I liked the growth of Dixyn's character. I would have liked to see more of it at the end - the end seemed a bit rushed.
I was not a fan of the language - not really my thing.
January 31, 2016
I was a little disappointed in this read. While it held my attention I couldn't help feeling like it was something swirling from the movie Player's Club. There were so many direction the story went and at times was a bit predictable. This is my second book by this author. I like him so far but this one wasn't as moving. I'm am glad however that Dixon didn't fall for DW. That really would have disappointed me.
September 10, 2015
Just ok. Extremely predictable. The end was very rushed. While the author took the time to build the characters, he ended it too soon. Maybe this one should've bee a real live novel instead of a novella. I'm excited for BMore Careful 2 tho.
July 30, 2015
this book was jsut okay. it was just your typical hood book, murder, drugs, sex. I'm glad I got it from the library.
June 18, 2019
Just Imagine you have the man of your dreams. Y'all have your little family. You don't have to want for anything. You have a nice house, fancy car and all the luxuries. All you have to do is take care of your man, your child and the house. Then Bam..... Your man gets caught up and you have to do what you have to do.
To me this sounds like the story of so many women. They get caught up with someone who has intentions of taking care of them by doing the wrong things and they don't have a back up plan for when things get rough.
I enjoyed this book. It was so real. You will read about how you have it all and get caught up in shit that is hard to get out of. You have to do what you have to do to get back to the top.
You will enjoy this read. I listened to the audio book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
To me this sounds like the story of so many women. They get caught up with someone who has intentions of taking care of them by doing the wrong things and they don't have a back up plan for when things get rough.
I enjoyed this book. It was so real. You will read about how you have it all and get caught up in shit that is hard to get out of. You have to do what you have to do to get back to the top.
You will enjoy this read. I listened to the audio book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 8, 2022
This was a very well written book. I listened to this book on audible and I liked the storyline and Cary Hite who narrated the book. Dixyn had to go through so much when she was only trying to provide for her and her daughter. Dixyn's friend Kendra is another story. She was a damn mess and she started to only care about herself and her habit. That future brother in law of her Brian, B-Dub is a whole mess. He doesn't care about anyone but himself. I am glad he had coming to him in the end. I can't wait to read other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2022
I had never read a Shannon Holmes book. And to be honest, I’m not sure I will read another. It was predictable. There was never that “Ahhhh haaaa!” moment. But because I am familiar with the DC/Va areas the book talked about, I gave it a chance.
Overall I’m a huge Cari Hite fan; I thoroughly enjoy when he reads audio. However, the book was short and sweet. He made the weak story line bearable.
Overall I’m a huge Cari Hite fan; I thoroughly enjoy when he reads audio. However, the book was short and sweet. He made the weak story line bearable.
March 11, 2023
I really wanted to like this book but I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I also disliked the main character because of her constant poor choices. As a matter of fact, I dislike ALL of the characters. I will try another book by this author. This one just wasn’t it for me.
March 31, 2021
hood stuff in it. Never a dull moment.
January 15, 2022
My first book by this author. I will definitely read other titles.
October 12, 2022
Good book.
April 7, 2023
This book was a decent listen. Liked the fact that it wasn't drawn out drama with a sequel. Bit unrealistic that it turned out the way it did with Dyxon though.
August 21, 2023
I've read this kinda story a dozen times. It's done well but but nothing that makes it different.
April 20, 2025
I know you have to do what you have to do but this chick was full of poor life decisions. The book was a good short listen.
October 31, 2015
Pretty good book I felt like the main charater was moving ass backwards at times. I wish the book shed light more on her and her fiance relationship , her brother in law was a real wicked son of a bitch . . . Reading this book felt predictable at times but it really held my attention . . . I wish there were more sex involved not just bites and pieces !!! I was expecting more from this book because Bad Girlz was a GREAT READ. . . DINXY WAS A DUMB BROAD IF YOU ARE GOING TO DATE A DRUG DEALER THAN YOUR NUMBER 1 RULE SHOULD BE , ALWAYS STORE MONEY AWAY WEREN NO ONE CAN FIND IT . . AT TIMES I THOUGHT HER BEST FRIEND WAS PIMPING HER OUT :/ OR ATTEMPTING TO. . .I FEEL IF DINXY FIANCE WAS ONLY GOING TO BE MENTIONED IN BITS & PIECES THEN HE SHOULD HAVE JUST BEEN LEFT OUT OR DID NOT HAVE TO GO TO JAIL UNTIL THE ENDING OF THE BOOK. . . I never understood her sending her daughter away when she continued to struggle when she came back , she should have just went with her daughter in the first place and none of this shit would have happen. . . I THINK IF I WAS DINXY I WOULD HAVE JUST TOLD HER WICKED ASS BROTHER IN LAW TO SHOW MY FIANCE THE PICTURES. . . HIS ASS WAS A COLD PIECE OF WORK WHO GOT OFF BY PUTTING HIS OWN SISTER IN LAW IN DANGER #SMH !!!!!
August 25, 2015
I read "Caught Up" in three hours.
The story is about a young woman by the name of Dixyn who is in love and lives with a hustler named Bryce. They both have a small daughter together. On the night he proposes to her, their house was raided by the DEA and he gets arrested. He goes to prison and Dixyn is left to pick up the pieces.
It was difficult for her to say the least because she was accustomed to living a lavish lifestyle. But as the bills poured in, she quickly discovered she had to make some moves in order not to lose the house and car. She only had a high school diploma and no job training whatsoever.
Dixyn reaches out to her friend, Kendra who then exposes her into an unfamiliar world. The world where she makes some hard choices and compromises in order to keep afloat.
It is in this same world where she meets Bryce's brother, Brian Winters, who goes by B-Dub, where things go from bad to worst.
"Caught Up" is suspenseful, and the type of book where you don't want to put it down because you want to see what will happen next.
Reviewed By: Pilar Arsenec for Literary Jewels
Format: Paperback
The story is about a young woman by the name of Dixyn who is in love and lives with a hustler named Bryce. They both have a small daughter together. On the night he proposes to her, their house was raided by the DEA and he gets arrested. He goes to prison and Dixyn is left to pick up the pieces.
It was difficult for her to say the least because she was accustomed to living a lavish lifestyle. But as the bills poured in, she quickly discovered she had to make some moves in order not to lose the house and car. She only had a high school diploma and no job training whatsoever.
Dixyn reaches out to her friend, Kendra who then exposes her into an unfamiliar world. The world where she makes some hard choices and compromises in order to keep afloat.
It is in this same world where she meets Bryce's brother, Brian Winters, who goes by B-Dub, where things go from bad to worst.
"Caught Up" is suspenseful, and the type of book where you don't want to put it down because you want to see what will happen next.
Reviewed By: Pilar Arsenec for Literary Jewels
Format: Paperback
October 26, 2022
Decent book, I could have choke slammed Kendra. Good action and kept me on my toes. I like Shannon Holmes books.
February 2, 2014
Caught Up by Shannon Holmes and Angel Mechelle is a good book. This is a interesting story. Both authors did a good job. I enjoyed reading this book because it is well- written and well characters.
Like/Dislikes
I like the concept and vibe in this book. Dixyn is a provider and protect for her daughter. Kendra is a something else. B Dub is a cold hearted, selfish, jealous, crazy, sneaky and shady.
Recommend:
Shannon Holmes and Angel Mechelle take their time to writing for this book. Caught Up is a really good book. It's dealing with lot of drama.
Rating:
I choose the rating for this book and authors is 5 stars. I'm looking forward to read another book from both authors.
Good Job:
Sandra
Like/Dislikes
I like the concept and vibe in this book. Dixyn is a provider and protect for her daughter. Kendra is a something else. B Dub is a cold hearted, selfish, jealous, crazy, sneaky and shady.
Recommend:
Shannon Holmes and Angel Mechelle take their time to writing for this book. Caught Up is a really good book. It's dealing with lot of drama.
Rating:
I choose the rating for this book and authors is 5 stars. I'm looking forward to read another book from both authors.
Good Job:
Sandra
June 21, 2016
I am a huge fan of Shannon Holmes. However, I am not a huge fan of this book. I don't enjoy being able to predict correctly what's going to happen next. This book didn't throw me for a loop as I read it. It was a pretty predictable read. It is a short book but I just wish it had a little more bang.
August 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this story and kind of wish there was a sequel to it. I enjoyed the characters and it shows what a mother will do for her family. Dixyn was naive at times but she held her own. Great read, wish there was a part 2.
January 13, 2016
I like Shannon Holmes work. He's a really good author. This was definitely a pager turner. The poor child in this story was so naive but, she got it together in the end and learned how to stand on her own two feet.
February 2, 2017
This was a good book! I still love books by Shannon Holmes! Dixyn Greene had to learn how to survive after her fiance Bryce Winters got busted. She had to do some things for money that she never thought she would do but life had to go on for her and her daughter.
June 17, 2015
I thought it was a nice short read but could have been a little longer. I thought the ending could have been a little better. Should have been a part two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews