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Backslide
An Urban Romance. Dana hasn’t spoken to her mysterious neighbor in over a year. That was around the time Kole stepped away from “the Organization,” vowing to never take another life. A tragic accident changes everything. In order to protect Dana, Kole must revive his old lifestyle. And despite her attempts to resist, she finds herself falling for him all over again.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2017
51 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Keith Thomas Walker
65 books209 followersKeith Thomas Walker, known as the Master of Romantic Suspense and Urban Fiction, is the author of more than a dozen novels, including Fixin’ Tyrone, Dripping Chocolate and The Realest Ever. Keith enjoys reading, poetry and music of all genres. Originally from Fort Worth, Keith is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. Visit him at www.keithwalkerbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 7, 2017
I don't like books where the "hero" is an anti-hero. Where he's a crime boss, a murderer, or the head of a dope-dealing biker gang. Though The Godfather movies are among my favorites of all time, I was always kind of philosophical when the members of the Corleone Crime Family got theirs. I mean, hell, that's the gig when you're a criminal. So, I was skeptical about this book, by one of my favorite male authors, about a man who has a very dark past being cast as the romantic hero.
But I'll be damned if Keith Thomas Walker didn't pull this off. In 'Backslide', Kole comes to the rescue of Dana and her son Tariq when their lives are endangered by Tariq's unwitting involvement in a gang-related matter. Kole and Dana have a history which makes it a no-brainer that he would step in, but to protect them, Kole must rely on some of his, er, extra-legal skills and connections. And it ain't always pretty. But this author managed to walk the fine line between creating a believable character with a dark side, and one who is not so thoroughly reformed that it's impossible to believe he was ever the bad guy he purports to have been. I liked that Kole was morally ambivalent at times, and when called upon, could easily access the traits that made him the man he once was.
In fact, I was kind of horrified to find Kole really, really sexy, and to wonder whether a man like that could transform me into some 'ride-or-die' chick (a concept I generally find ridiculously self-sacrificing, anti-female, and just kind of stupid). I give this book five stars because KTW managed to make me transplant myself into the female protagonist's shoes, and to create a complicated, imperfect male protagonist who, though he has a despicable past, was anything but. And finally, because the writing was, as always smooth and unpretentious--neither trying too hard nor too little.
For me, this writer always delivers, so my enjoyment of the book should have been no surprise. Highly recommended for fans of AA romantic suspense, or urban lit.
But I'll be damned if Keith Thomas Walker didn't pull this off. In 'Backslide', Kole comes to the rescue of Dana and her son Tariq when their lives are endangered by Tariq's unwitting involvement in a gang-related matter. Kole and Dana have a history which makes it a no-brainer that he would step in, but to protect them, Kole must rely on some of his, er, extra-legal skills and connections. And it ain't always pretty. But this author managed to walk the fine line between creating a believable character with a dark side, and one who is not so thoroughly reformed that it's impossible to believe he was ever the bad guy he purports to have been. I liked that Kole was morally ambivalent at times, and when called upon, could easily access the traits that made him the man he once was.
In fact, I was kind of horrified to find Kole really, really sexy, and to wonder whether a man like that could transform me into some 'ride-or-die' chick (a concept I generally find ridiculously self-sacrificing, anti-female, and just kind of stupid). I give this book five stars because KTW managed to make me transplant myself into the female protagonist's shoes, and to create a complicated, imperfect male protagonist who, though he has a despicable past, was anything but. And finally, because the writing was, as always smooth and unpretentious--neither trying too hard nor too little.
For me, this writer always delivers, so my enjoyment of the book should have been no surprise. Highly recommended for fans of AA romantic suspense, or urban lit.
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March 12, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/12/2018)!💝
January 12, 2018
This book's story line was really good. I really enjoyed the the action in this story. Some parts of this story was a bit much for me. I really liked Dana's character. My heart broke 💔 for Dana. I really liked Kole's character. This story had me guessing until the end. I love ❤ KTW books 📚 I can't wait to read BACKSLIDE 2.
June 29, 2017
APB Perspective Review :
I enjoyed this book, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat to finish it, it has everything love, action and yes sex! I was not disappointed as I finished the last page. Kole is a Alpha male with a heart for Dana , he tries his best to stay away from her ,but there came a time when she needed the kind of protection only he could give her ,and that's when things get interesting. Kole has a past that he tries his best to keep from Dana ,a past that he tried to protect her from ; when she finds out what is truly in his past will she be able to handle it, is he someone who could a good role model for her son? I do feel this couple has more to tell us , and I will waiting to see if the author writes a second book.
I enjoyed this book, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat to finish it, it has everything love, action and yes sex! I was not disappointed as I finished the last page. Kole is a Alpha male with a heart for Dana , he tries his best to stay away from her ,but there came a time when she needed the kind of protection only he could give her ,and that's when things get interesting. Kole has a past that he tries his best to keep from Dana ,a past that he tried to protect her from ; when she finds out what is truly in his past will she be able to handle it, is he someone who could a good role model for her son? I do feel this couple has more to tell us , and I will waiting to see if the author writes a second book.
August 17, 2017
I am generally not a fan of contemporary urban violence riddled literature, however this story had me from the first page. Keith Thomas Walker developed the heart and soul of each character major and minor. The action felt more like suspense (with a little humor dropped in to round out the rough edges) than violence. This was clearly the story of a man in love and I appreciated his realistically written struggle.
While Fixing Tyrone remains by favorite Keith Thomas Walker book, Backslide has taken the second favorite spot for sure.
While Fixing Tyrone remains by favorite Keith Thomas Walker book, Backslide has taken the second favorite spot for sure.
July 6, 2017
Great 4.5 Star Read
In this unlikely urban romance, Kole (a mysterious retired "professional organizer") finds himself fighting to resist the draw of his former life. When Dana and her son find themselves targeted by the same type of people she left Chicago to avoid, Kole's resolve begins to crumble. He offers her what she needs and ends up getting what he never realized he needed as well. Excellent entertaining read!
In this unlikely urban romance, Kole (a mysterious retired "professional organizer") finds himself fighting to resist the draw of his former life. When Dana and her son find themselves targeted by the same type of people she left Chicago to avoid, Kole's resolve begins to crumble. He offers her what she needs and ends up getting what he never realized he needed as well. Excellent entertaining read!
July 7, 2017
In this unlikely urban romance, Kole (a mysterious retired "professional organizer") finds himself fighting to resist the draw of his former life. When Dana and her son find themselves targeted by the same type of people she left Chicago to avoid, Kole's resolve begins to crumble. He offers her what she needs and ends up getting what he never realized he needed as well. Excellent entertaining read!
July 15, 2017
Another Good Read
Keith Thomas Walker is a sure bet for a nicely told story. Backslide was worth the read. The story started slow, but ended up being a nice read. A mother will do whatever is necessary to save her only son. A man will do the same to protect the woman he loves....
Keith Thomas Walker is a sure bet for a nicely told story. Backslide was worth the read. The story started slow, but ended up being a nice read. A mother will do whatever is necessary to save her only son. A man will do the same to protect the woman he loves....
November 18, 2017
I've never been a fan of urban romance, but the romance part is what saved the book for me and allowed me to continue reading it.
August 5, 2017
I am not a fan of gang related stories but this one was quite enjoyable. Many perspectives and life purpose shared that left me feeling the emotions of survival. Great read for young adults.
August 6, 2017
Great story
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I am curious to see what becomes of Dana and Kole. Great read!
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I am curious to see what becomes of Dana and Kole. Great read!
September 18, 2017
Great read
This was my first book by this author. It was a great read with a great storyline. I hope there I'd more to read about Dana and Mole.
This was my first book by this author. It was a great read with a great storyline. I hope there I'd more to read about Dana and Mole.
December 26, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!!!!
This is my first read from this author and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were great and I enjoyed both the storyline and the flow of the story. Tariq and Brendon are teen friends that had a car accident and their actions put their lives on line. A price must be paid. A life for a life. I absolutely loved Tariq's mom Dana and I hated that Brendon didn't have the same loving and supporting family. However, Kole was the man. I love the role he took in the boys lives. He was not a man that was good with expressing his feelings but he talked the talk and walked the walk. He actions and determination showed what he was willing to do and go through for those he cared about. I enjoyed Kole and Moon's friendship, Moon had me laughing more than once while reading his parts in this story. I was surprised with the turn of event with Brian but it eventually led to one of the best decisions Dana could have made at that time. The ending was one that didn't necessarily give readers a HEA but it did give it's readers a HFN ending. I enjoyed this story a lot and look forward to reading more books from this author.
This is my first read from this author and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were great and I enjoyed both the storyline and the flow of the story. Tariq and Brendon are teen friends that had a car accident and their actions put their lives on line. A price must be paid. A life for a life. I absolutely loved Tariq's mom Dana and I hated that Brendon didn't have the same loving and supporting family. However, Kole was the man. I love the role he took in the boys lives. He was not a man that was good with expressing his feelings but he talked the talk and walked the walk. He actions and determination showed what he was willing to do and go through for those he cared about. I enjoyed Kole and Moon's friendship, Moon had me laughing more than once while reading his parts in this story. I was surprised with the turn of event with Brian but it eventually led to one of the best decisions Dana could have made at that time. The ending was one that didn't necessarily give readers a HEA but it did give it's readers a HFN ending. I enjoyed this story a lot and look forward to reading more books from this author.
July 6, 2017
Thrilling
I knew I was going to love this story when I found out on the first page that the heroine shares the same profession as myself: radiology technologist. Dana's son is placed in a dangerous situation when he ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time in the crosshairs of a gang. The police are unable to protect them the way they need to and her mysterious neighbor Kole steps in.
I loved the way Dana stepped up and protected her son at all costs. I also loved how Kole did whatever he had to to protect them both. This book was exciting and held my attention. I read it every chance I could and finished in one day because I wanted to know what would happen next.
I knew I was going to love this story when I found out on the first page that the heroine shares the same profession as myself: radiology technologist. Dana's son is placed in a dangerous situation when he ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time in the crosshairs of a gang. The police are unable to protect them the way they need to and her mysterious neighbor Kole steps in.
I loved the way Dana stepped up and protected her son at all costs. I also loved how Kole did whatever he had to to protect them both. This book was exciting and held my attention. I read it every chance I could and finished in one day because I wanted to know what would happen next.
March 25, 2018
Great blend
Jackson Memorial was the first book I read by this author and it was funny, light and full of today’s mishaps we witness daily. This book however, kept me caught from page one. The story itself tells how life can change on a dime and we are all responsible for our reactions, not just our actions. The story also had an interesting take on gangs and gangsters especially with the OG’s and the soldiers. Even though it contained violence, the wars were like a controlled explosion. Kole, Moon, Ice and even Brass were men at the end of the day, not cold blooded killers to the end! Keith I truly liked this read and look forward to going through your collection!!
Jackson Memorial was the first book I read by this author and it was funny, light and full of today’s mishaps we witness daily. This book however, kept me caught from page one. The story itself tells how life can change on a dime and we are all responsible for our reactions, not just our actions. The story also had an interesting take on gangs and gangsters especially with the OG’s and the soldiers. Even though it contained violence, the wars were like a controlled explosion. Kole, Moon, Ice and even Brass were men at the end of the day, not cold blooded killers to the end! Keith I truly liked this read and look forward to going through your collection!!
July 4, 2017
A Different Look at Overbrook Meadows
Keith Thomas Walker has done it again! I enjoyed this story that featured Dana and Kole. This time, we get a different look at the familiar setting of Overbrook Meadows. It’s the hood and the problems that are common to it: Drugs, guns, OG’s, gangs and revenge. This was a realistic look, and kudos to the author for presenting a consistent, believable story without the usual HEA, but one that stayed true to the storyline. I highly recommend it!
Keith Thomas Walker has done it again! I enjoyed this story that featured Dana and Kole. This time, we get a different look at the familiar setting of Overbrook Meadows. It’s the hood and the problems that are common to it: Drugs, guns, OG’s, gangs and revenge. This was a realistic look, and kudos to the author for presenting a consistent, believable story without the usual HEA, but one that stayed true to the storyline. I highly recommend it!
January 13, 2019
After reading a few short stories by this author, I decided to read a full novel. This was a well written story as the characters & situation were introduced. The storyline was detailed and had me feeling as if I were present as the scenes unfolded. Dana and her son Tariq had no idea of the trouble that would enter their lives after an accident. Kole was an unforgettable character as his mere presence spoke volumes. This story had a nice ending & I'm looking forward to reading Backslide 2. Good read
June 28, 2017
Sliding back to you
Awesome read! The things we do for the people we love...even if we can't admit it. Dan's son and his best friend were in the wrong place at the wrong time. When there was no place else to turn, her neighbor Kole, with whom she has a history, offers a helping hand. 1-click and see what happens when Kole is forced out of "retirement" and Dana and her son have to rely on Kole.
Awesome read! The things we do for the people we love...even if we can't admit it. Dan's son and his best friend were in the wrong place at the wrong time. When there was no place else to turn, her neighbor Kole, with whom she has a history, offers a helping hand. 1-click and see what happens when Kole is forced out of "retirement" and Dana and her son have to rely on Kole.
August 13, 2017
Really great read
This is my first time reading a book by Keith Thomas Walker and I really enjoyed it. Kole was truly all man. He had no problem stepping up and helping Dana out. Tariq's situation was an unfortunate one. This story truly reads like something that happened for real. That ending to the whole situation was my favorite part. How they settled things was old school, something that I wish would happen in real life, it could save a lot of lives
This is my first time reading a book by Keith Thomas Walker and I really enjoyed it. Kole was truly all man. He had no problem stepping up and helping Dana out. Tariq's situation was an unfortunate one. This story truly reads like something that happened for real. That ending to the whole situation was my favorite part. How they settled things was old school, something that I wish would happen in real life, it could save a lot of lives
July 16, 2017
Retired
Can you ever really leave the Thug life? Are you ever really free? Are you free to love finally? The journey Kole takes going legit is harder than living the life. Having feelings for someone in trouble only exacerbates things. Can he get everything he wants?
#cillasbookmaniacs
Can you ever really leave the Thug life? Are you ever really free? Are you free to love finally? The journey Kole takes going legit is harder than living the life. Having feelings for someone in trouble only exacerbates things. Can he get everything he wants?
#cillasbookmaniacs
July 8, 2017
Wow
Wow, just wow. The underworld is foreign to me. Mr. Walker made it live and in color. What a man will do for the woman he loves. What a woman will do for the son she loves and the man she loves. Great read.
Wow, just wow. The underworld is foreign to me. Mr. Walker made it live and in color. What a man will do for the woman he loves. What a woman will do for the son she loves and the man she loves. Great read.
July 9, 2017
Intriguingly Explosive...
I definitely enjoyed this explosive collaboration of Dana and Kole's. Wow... The flow of this story was amazing from beginning to end. Hopefully Keith will decide that there is more that needs to come from this intriguing couple.
T
I definitely enjoyed this explosive collaboration of Dana and Kole's. Wow... The flow of this story was amazing from beginning to end. Hopefully Keith will decide that there is more that needs to come from this intriguing couple.
T
July 21, 2017
Backslide
I don't usually read gang related stories. Kole had retired from the street life until the unfortunate accident involving his neighbor. Dana is a hard-working, compassionate, single Mom. This story didn't disappoint! I'm a fan of Keith Thomas Walker!
I don't usually read gang related stories. Kole had retired from the street life until the unfortunate accident involving his neighbor. Dana is a hard-working, compassionate, single Mom. This story didn't disappoint! I'm a fan of Keith Thomas Walker!
January 20, 2018
Well
This was a good read. I wasn't expecting this story. I love a little bit of thug romance. And some good action. The way Kole was described, whew, fans face. He is all that. Good read.
This was a good read. I wasn't expecting this story. I love a little bit of thug romance. And some good action. The way Kole was described, whew, fans face. He is all that. Good read.
February 14, 2018
Over Coming Fear
Fear of the unknown drove both Dana and Kole for different reasons. This story was a bit of romance, mystery, and denial. Another riveting story by Keith Thomas Walker.
Fear of the unknown drove both Dana and Kole for different reasons. This story was a bit of romance, mystery, and denial. Another riveting story by Keith Thomas Walker.
March 28, 2018
Good book
This was my 1st time reading this author. I really enjoyed the book. Kept my attention and I enjoyed the characters. I like that Tariq was not really a follower and was trying to be a good influence for his friend. Love the mystery of Kole.
This was my 1st time reading this author. I really enjoyed the book. Kept my attention and I enjoyed the characters. I like that Tariq was not really a follower and was trying to be a good influence for his friend. Love the mystery of Kole.
May 13, 2018
Good book
You are A amazing author . I loved everything , the story line, the characters and I’m so happy they can be together even if it take him so time to open it i think they will be extremely happy
You are A amazing author . I loved everything , the story line, the characters and I’m so happy they can be together even if it take him so time to open it i think they will be extremely happy
September 5, 2020
Lawd have mercy, this author has done it again! Keith Thomas Walker knows how to spin a tale and I thoroughly enjoyed Kole and Dana's story. Mr. Walker, THANK YOU SIR! You NEVER disappoint! Off to find my next KTW treasure.
June 17, 2022
Baby. That Keith Thomas Walker is a great urban literature writer. He will take you the streets an have you reading realistically the story of Dana an Kole. This was the truth, fast paced, page turner. Crime, violence and suspense. Take your time reading this an absorb it all.
July 21, 2017
Excellent!
This is my first KTW read! The suspense...the steamy love scenes...the brutal honesty. This was an awesome story. I will definitely be reading more KTW books!
This is my first KTW read! The suspense...the steamy love scenes...the brutal honesty. This was an awesome story. I will definitely be reading more KTW books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews