Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Holding His Heart: The Street King of Houston

Rate this book
Love and war, both were deadly things when opposites attracted.
Nova Taylor, the King of Houston and keeper of the streets in his own right, finds that there is only one thing besides the streets that can take hold of his a temptress. One night of bliss leads him to a woman that, unbeknownst to him, has a high status of her own.
The alluring Zen O'Shea has taken the world and its men by storm. A man-eater at best, her bullheaded demeanor has kept her from finding true romance. But a chance encounter with Nova shakes up her one night only policy as he fights to be the one man that changes her style.
Pushing the possibility to be his one and only far from her mind and out of Nova's grasp, Zen does what she always has when lovers came run. However, when an enemy forces them to come together and blood is dripping on both of their hands, will love be the antidote or will war be the only resolution for it all?

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2016

57 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

A. Marie Johnson

15 books165 followers
A. Marie Johnson is a polished romance writer who prides herself on creating black love without restrictions. It is through her romance novels that "bad boy" personas get to redeem themselves through the power of love. Growing up an Omaha, Nebraska native, she best describes herself as a small city girl with a big heart and an old soul. It is her greatest joy to invite you on her journey as she utilizes words to create reasonable with a dash of fairytale love stories.
A. Marie currently has two professional book signings under her belt. Her biography picture was captured during B. Love Publications Winter Wonderland in 2019.
Want to be the first to know about everything A. Marie?
Subscribe to her mailing list:
http://bit.ly/subscribeamarie
Find her on Facebook:
http://bit.ly/facebookamarie
Join her Reading Group:
https://bit.ly/xoxoamarie

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
51 (70%)
4 stars
15 (20%)
3 stars
4 (5%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Whit.
3,668 reviews52 followers
August 15, 2024
"Original Gangsta" romance is not my usual genre to explore. But, HOLDING HIS HEART grabbed me by the collar and wouldn't let go!!!!!

Underneath all of the violence, murders, betrayal, and quest for power, Nova and Zen really wanted to build an empire together. Unfortunately, life, as well as way too many deaths, kept getting in the way!

At the end, there were just too many unresolved questions, but it seems some publishing conflicts have blocked book # 2.
Profile Image for Tricia.
47 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2018
This is my first read for this author cause I normally stay away from this genre however, this book was a page turned for sure Zen and Nova pulled me right in.
The ending was not who or what I expecting so that makes book two all that more anticipated, looking forward to seeing what happens for everyone involved especially Nora😉
1,905 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2016
Excellent cliffhanger

This book was so good from beginning to end every page drama action intense suspense couples well match eagerly awaiting two well written story enjoyed reading it!
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews68 followers
November 13, 2018
This was a very good read. Good characters & content. Nova & Zen were really 2 of a kind when it came to their movements. It was only right they joined forces. Although Zen tried to resist love, Nova had no problem changing her mind. It was surprising to find out who was trying to destroy them. Storyline kept me reading & I'm hoping part 2 will be released soon
Profile Image for Michelle  Davis.
310 reviews21 followers
August 28, 2016
Ms. A Marie Johnson has proven that her talent cannot be attributed to being a mistake, a one-hit wonder, or a flash in the pan. She came out the gate with this novel determined to tell a dynamic story and needless to say she accomplished this goal well beyond any and all of expectations. The book is centered around two equally strong characters, Nova and Zen and their chemistry was scorching HOT!!! I absolutely loved Nova's patience and the fact that he knew what he wanted and painstakingly took the necessary steps to ensure that he got it. One of the more refreshing things about this story is the strength of character that was displayed in Zen. She was able to hold her own in a sea of alpha-males without compromising or sacrificing her intelligence, morals, or hard-earned respect. The sense of loyalty that was instilled in the team by Zen's predecessor was really quite astonishing to witness. It almost made me think that A. Marie was channeling Madam Stephanie St. Clair from the famed Harlem Renaissance when she fashioned her female heroine, Zen. She easily displayed both her powerful & ruthless side and her vulnerable and soft side in equal measures. The cast was rounded out with the addition of Mink, Bliss, and Knox just to name a few. Each character had their own set of quirks and nuances that helped to pull the story completely together into a tale that kept me riveted from beginning to end. Then if that wasn't enough Ms. A Marie really tried it with that ending. I was biting my nails and my eyes were about to pop out of my head with some of the startling revelations. I won't spoil it for the rest of the readers just know that you will be left with your mouth hanging agape when you reach the last page. Now on to the writer, Ms. A Marie Johnson. I don't often give out flowery compliments or overzealous recommendations on specific authors or books written. I pride myself on being a reviewer who attempts (at least in my opinion) to provide honest, clear, and fair feedback. With that being said, Ms. A. Marie Johnson is one of those writers who will be around for many years to come. Her pen game is fatally lethal and she is able to create characters and scenes that belie her age and attribute a sage wisdom that is normally only found in people twice her age. The way she so effortlessly turns a phrase, invokes a specific emotion, or elicits a huge guffaw of laughter warms my heart and erases any cynicism that may have developed in my mind for the urban/street literature genre. It is because of writers of Ms. A Marie's caliber that I proudly hold my head up and forge forward to continuously support a genre that many mock, belittle, and mistakenly overlook as irrelevant. It is because of this writers ability to always provide me with a guaranteed escape, the ability to transport me to another place, occupation, and outlook that I will ALWAYS, ALWAYS support and read her books. Being such a new ingenue in the writing game many will be hard-pressed to follow in her footsteps and yet she has left such an illuminating light in her wake that how can the future writers help but to follow her lead and hopefully gain 1/10 of her ability as time goes on!!! So KUDOS Ms. A. Marie Johnson!!!! You prove over and over you are right where you belong and as long as you continue to grow and excel in this literary game you will be here long after many others decide to call it quits!!!
Profile Image for Two Ts.
310 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2016
Surprise!

This is my first read for this author. It started off a little slow, but eventually became more interesting. I wasn't expecting the cliffhanger at the end. The next installment should be interesting.
Profile Image for V. Verne.
51 reviews11 followers
September 7, 2018
Wow! When I say I couldn't put this book down, I mean it. The twists and turns, the love between two imperfect strangers, the character build up, and ups and downs thrown throughout kept me so wrapped up. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was hit with something that told me I surely did not. This was my first read from this author, but certainly won't be the last. Anxiously awaiting part two!
Profile Image for Fatima.
230 reviews14 followers
August 27, 2016
3.5 Stars

The story started off slow, and it really didn't pick up until halfway through the book. Once the story picked up it got interesting and I was surprised at the end. Nova and Zen makes a cute couple and Mink adds some spunk to the story. There were some minor formatting issues and typos. Will read more from this author as her previous works have not disappointed.
Profile Image for shawanda Woods.
1,567 reviews34 followers
September 3, 2016
Great read.

Man I knew that Knox wasn't a snake. So sad for him. Nova and Zen have a great relationship they are building. Nova is that dude for sure. A new book bae. I can see Mink and Deim are going to get together in book 2. I would love to know the deal with Zens mother. This book is good with just enough hood suspense drama and all. Don't wait to long for part 2.
Profile Image for Kara .
12 reviews
October 15, 2016
AMAZING!!!

This is a 5 star book. I couldn't put it down and when I did I couldn't stop thinking about this book. NOVA!!!! Lord Jesus! I felt like I was his lady. I was getting in to deep with him and I'm a married woman lol. I love the story line and the ending omg! I would have never thought. I highly recommend this book to anyone that's looking for a great read.
Profile Image for Akilam.
302 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2016
Amazetastic!!!! The flow, the detail, the editing, the love and the quotes. Like seriously, Nova is my new love interest fa now. I liked their edginess, especially Zen. Even her name was sexy.
Great read!!!

The shockers.... man you play too much!!!
Profile Image for Shawn Hawkins.
1,583 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2016
Please tell me there's a part 2

I liked how Ren and Nova hooked up, I was a little skeptical at first, I thought that Knox was behind the insanity. All in all this was a great read, I just hope that Ren and Nova can get it together and join forces to take down her mother.
Profile Image for BEAUTIFUL MEEKA.
521 reviews
August 31, 2016
Alright Nah A.Marie

You have done it again. I was s by worried I know what your bringing and this right has proven you have done it again. Sheesh that connection Nova and Zen was amazing. I need part 2 like today. Great job Again.
Profile Image for Mia Morgan.
1,144 reviews32 followers
September 1, 2016
Well

I'm glad this book was introduced to me. It was the bomb. I mean it was a page TURNER. I knew Bliss was go be part of the family, frfr. Bring on part two. Oh wait, it is September.
Profile Image for Bianca Bianca.
Author 67 books425 followers
August 31, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was good! I was sad about Knox. But I'm anxious to know what's going to happen in part two...
Profile Image for Deedee Henson.
696 reviews38 followers
September 21, 2016
This book had a few errors including formatting but it wasn't nothing over the top that it took away from my reading. This was a good read and you could tell that the author has grown into her own.
Profile Image for Janelia.
1,541 reviews19 followers
September 30, 2016
so incredibel i was deep in this book before i knew it was over. I so recommend you to purchase this book very good read
Profile Image for Tanielle.
Author 0 books38 followers
November 29, 2018
Couldn’t really get into to this one. The characters just seemed off and the story dragged to the point you just wanted it to be over. Not sure how they’re running an empire and getting caught slipping every turn of the way but that just added to wanting the read to be over. I doubt I’d read the next one but if I can’t find something else I’ll probably give it a read.
Profile Image for A. Jones.
Author 4 books29 followers
November 25, 2017
Loved it!

I loved this book! Can’t wait for the sequel to see how things are going to play out between mother and daughter!
Profile Image for J..
Author 16 books103 followers
July 28, 2018
Okay read

Okaayyy so the book had a good story line, but I felt like everything was rushed at certain points of the book.
Profile Image for Ericka Houston.
5 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2018
Great read

Kept me on my toes. Had some great plot twists, & was sexy and engaging. I can't wait for part two
Profile Image for LaChonne Murray.
182 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2019
Loved it

A great read from beginning to the very end. Love the characters an alpha male connects with an alpha female. Such raw emotion that many females identify with
Profile Image for Nini.
69 reviews
August 29, 2019
OMG I can not wait untill the 2nd book. I normally can not get into the books about drugs & killing, but think kept pulling me in with every page. I loved it!!!
263 reviews11 followers
June 16, 2021
The story is a five which is why I will not rate it as 1 star as there will not be a book2.


Hi Ann! I am no longer signed with the publishing company that published "Holding His Heart"- I'm so glad you enjoyed it but unfortunately, there may not be a sequel to this book. Thank you for reading and I hope you find something else in my catalog that you'll love. Best wishes!

A. Marie Johnson
Profile Image for Itatshia.
266 reviews9 followers
September 2, 2016
Great read

Girl when I tell you this was a page turner I mean it. All the twists and secrets revealed. I love Nova and Zen together. What's Nora issue tho? Poor Zen can't be great I guess. I hope part 2 done! Great job ma'am.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.