What do you think?
Rate this book
THE RISE AND FALL OF A CRIME GOD: PHANTOM AND ZARIA
Ruthless in every way possible, Darryl “Phantom” Reed is not the one to give second chances. He never allows an enemy or their families a chance to come back and seek revenge.... until he met Zaria.
Zaria is young and living the life. Spoiled to the core she didn’t take anyone’s feelings into consideration... she wanted it all and she didn’t care what someone had to do to get it for her... Her family did whatever to get her what she wanted and It cost them their lives...
Now indebted to Phantom, Zaria not only has to look at the man that killed her family every day, but also deal with the guilt of them being gone because of her..
With hatred in her heart, she refuses to allow herself to fall for the man that brought her so much heartache and vows to bring him down at any cost..
Phantom doesn’t deal with emotions but something about Zaria pulls him in. The more he fights his feelings for her the stronger they get. Zaria feels the same attraction, but how can she fall for the man who took everything from her? Will she continue with her plan and avenge her family and make Phantom’s kingdom fall or will Phantom break down her walls and charm his way into her heart?
Will Zaria succeed and avenge her family, or will Phantom break down her walls and charm his way into her heart?
Zaria is young and living the life. Spoiled to the core she didn’t take anyone’s feelings into consideration... she wanted it all and she didn’t care what someone had to do to get it for her... Her family did whatever to get her what she wanted and It cost them their lives...
Now indebted to Phantom, Zaria not only has to look at the man that killed her family every day, but also deal with the guilt of them being gone because of her..
With hatred in her heart, she refuses to allow herself to fall for the man that brought her so much heartache and vows to bring him down at any cost..
Phantom doesn’t deal with emotions but something about Zaria pulls him in. The more he fights his feelings for her the stronger they get. Zaria feels the same attraction, but how can she fall for the man who took everything from her? Will she continue with her plan and avenge her family and make Phantom’s kingdom fall or will Phantom break down her walls and charm his way into her heart?
Will Zaria succeed and avenge her family, or will Phantom break down her walls and charm his way into her heart?
- GenresUrban
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2020
781 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Latoya Nicole
111 books318 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 4, 2026
This book had my mouth wide open. Phantom and Zaria story is a roller coaster. Latoya book had me on edge because this book took off in chapter 1. Phantom took me on a wide ride. I had to jump into the next book because this book was wild.
November 7, 2017
Loved it
Omg i love me so phantom, even tho he is not all there in the head he is the new bae... im surprised at Zee For staying with him even after he did what he did! I cannot wait for part 2 cuz briggette needs to gooooo! Latoyas books always keeps me wanting more!
Omg i love me so phantom, even tho he is not all there in the head he is the new bae... im surprised at Zee For staying with him even after he did what he did! I cannot wait for part 2 cuz briggette needs to gooooo! Latoyas books always keeps me wanting more!
November 9, 2017
Really?
Really? So you just going to end it like that? Since you left me at the cliff, why don't you just push me off, and I will take manly Bridgette with me. I despise her. She has been nothing but trouble from the start. I will be glad when Phantom and Freedom see her for she really is. You would think that the butt whooping that Zee gave her would be enough. Laci needs to get it together and open her mouth before it's too late. I can't wait to see how everything plays out in part 2.
Really? So you just going to end it like that? Since you left me at the cliff, why don't you just push me off, and I will take manly Bridgette with me. I despise her. She has been nothing but trouble from the start. I will be glad when Phantom and Freedom see her for she really is. You would think that the butt whooping that Zee gave her would be enough. Laci needs to get it together and open her mouth before it's too late. I can't wait to see how everything plays out in part 2.
November 7, 2017
OMG that ending!!
This book was soooo good. I’m in love with Phantom’s rude self. He met his match with Zaria. Freedom is a great friend to Phantom. I’m not sure what to think of Laci at this point. This book was good from page 1 and never let up. That ending was crazy!! I was mad it ended, I wanted to keep reading. I can’t wait for part 2!!
This book was soooo good. I’m in love with Phantom’s rude self. He met his match with Zaria. Freedom is a great friend to Phantom. I’m not sure what to think of Laci at this point. This book was good from page 1 and never let up. That ending was crazy!! I was mad it ended, I wanted to keep reading. I can’t wait for part 2!!
November 26, 2017
Just Crazy
This the craziest story I've ever come across. You go from killing a family to falling in love with the devil. One that recites a bible verse before each murder. The main male character is crazy yes but deep down he has some mommy issues. After one night of terrorizing he come across something that becomes real to him. However there is always that snake in the basement. A big ugly one might I add. Phantom's trust levels are already shot to hell, but seeing 2 people you love in that state, could only mean death.
This the craziest story I've ever come across. You go from killing a family to falling in love with the devil. One that recites a bible verse before each murder. The main male character is crazy yes but deep down he has some mommy issues. After one night of terrorizing he come across something that becomes real to him. However there is always that snake in the basement. A big ugly one might I add. Phantom's trust levels are already shot to hell, but seeing 2 people you love in that state, could only mean death.
November 8, 2017
😳
Yooo , that ending is not right !! Phantom is so broken , and his parents were messed up . I really wish he has cameras in freedoms room and he doesn’t do something crazy 🤦🏾♀️... anyways , where’s Nov 16? Cause I need part 2
Yooo , that ending is not right !! Phantom is so broken , and his parents were messed up . I really wish he has cameras in freedoms room and he doesn’t do something crazy 🤦🏾♀️... anyways , where’s Nov 16? Cause I need part 2
November 12, 2017
The rise and fall of a Crime god:Phantom and Zaria story
This story was good I can’t wait for part 2. This was my first read. By Latoya Nicole definitely won’t be. my last...Phamtom is all. The way metal but I love it
This story was good I can’t wait for part 2. This was my first read. By Latoya Nicole definitely won’t be. my last...Phamtom is all. The way metal but I love it
November 8, 2017
Amazing 😉
This book was different but I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. It left me wanting more. Amazing job.
This book was different but I enjoyed it from beginning to the end. It left me wanting more. Amazing job.
February 22, 2018
The Rise and Fall of a Crime God
This was a good read. The characters are developed and the storyline held my attention from beginning to end. Can’t wait to see what happens in part 2.
This was a good read. The characters are developed and the storyline held my attention from beginning to end. Can’t wait to see what happens in part 2.
November 14, 2017
SOOO GOOD!!! YEs!!
March 3, 2018
Great Read
That was good. Phantom is really crazy. It takes a special kind of person to deal with him. I can't wait for book 2.
That was good. Phantom is really crazy. It takes a special kind of person to deal with him. I can't wait for book 2.
April 20, 2021
I'm loving this book 🥰🥰🥰🥰
OMG this book is so good this whole series it's fabulous. Phantom and Zaria's story is crazy. Freedom I don't know how he does it he's really is a best friend. This book ends on a cliffhanger.
OMG this book is so good this whole series it's fabulous. Phantom and Zaria's story is crazy. Freedom I don't know how he does it he's really is a best friend. This book ends on a cliffhanger.
April 8, 2019
Phantom was indeed a psychopath, and it took a special kind of woman and friend to be with him. I didn't like how he was so territorial over Zaria, but I understood why. Phantom didn't seem to understand that Zaria gave her all to him, after Phantom devastated her twice already, but she still loved him through it all. You could tell that he loved her, but he was still so guarded, and being with Zaria, she deserved his all as well, not just half.
Bridgette irked my nerves, and I hated the control she had over Laci. Laci seemed like she had been through a lot, but she wasn't completely honest with Zaria, Freedom, Phantom, or herself. The only person Laci was going to hurt was herself in the end. Freedom really loved and cared for her, but I knew for a fact that if Phantom or Freedom felt that she was dishonest, or disloyal, she was going to die. Why deny yourself of being in love?
Yes, this was a short novel, but it was packed with a mean punch. Latoya your pen game is on point, and I was on the end of my seat with this one. I'm not surprised, because every novel I've read from you, has been everything. Let me stop all this talking and jump into part 2. I hope that Zaria and Freedom can talk some sense into Freedom, before he goes on a rampage.
Bridgette irked my nerves, and I hated the control she had over Laci. Laci seemed like she had been through a lot, but she wasn't completely honest with Zaria, Freedom, Phantom, or herself. The only person Laci was going to hurt was herself in the end. Freedom really loved and cared for her, but I knew for a fact that if Phantom or Freedom felt that she was dishonest, or disloyal, she was going to die. Why deny yourself of being in love?
Yes, this was a short novel, but it was packed with a mean punch. Latoya your pen game is on point, and I was on the end of my seat with this one. I'm not surprised, because every novel I've read from you, has been everything. Let me stop all this talking and jump into part 2. I hope that Zaria and Freedom can talk some sense into Freedom, before he goes on a rampage.
February 14, 2018
Well damnnnnnnn....
This book had me captivated n couldn't move till the end. Phantom is a hot ass mess man smh... Who knew that Zee would end up wit Phantom crazy ass. Them two together is something else man Omg... Freedom ain't slow either n I can't believe that he fell for Laci. I really wished that she told Freedom the truth about the whole situation wit her n Bridget. Now no one knows where them kids at except Bridget smh. I thought Phantom was going to kill Laci but she lucky he spared her life. Great job mama! This was fire right here! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This book had me captivated n couldn't move till the end. Phantom is a hot ass mess man smh... Who knew that Zee would end up wit Phantom crazy ass. Them two together is something else man Omg... Freedom ain't slow either n I can't believe that he fell for Laci. I really wished that she told Freedom the truth about the whole situation wit her n Bridget. Now no one knows where them kids at except Bridget smh. I thought Phantom was going to kill Laci but she lucky he spared her life. Great job mama! This was fire right here! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 15, 2018
Impressed
For some reason the title didn’t really seem catchy to me but the cover was dope I’m so glad I decided to read this anyway because Phantom is that ninja! He is still so mysterious and knowing his background you can’t help but want to hold him and rock him and tell him everything will be all right I love Zaria and how she stands her ground she is just perfect for him. Laci needs to get it together or her, Telly, big manly face and her kids gonna be together in the after life and Freedom’s gonna be crushed
For some reason the title didn’t really seem catchy to me but the cover was dope I’m so glad I decided to read this anyway because Phantom is that ninja! He is still so mysterious and knowing his background you can’t help but want to hold him and rock him and tell him everything will be all right I love Zaria and how she stands her ground she is just perfect for him. Laci needs to get it together or her, Telly, big manly face and her kids gonna be together in the after life and Freedom’s gonna be crushed
November 9, 2017
Badababadaaa I'm loving it!
That was in my McDonald's voice too (lol). OMG Phantom is crazy as all outdoors. That trick Bridgette gots ta go asap!!! Laci better quit playing on they emotions tho before she gets killed. I love Zaria!!! Crazy chick! Can't wait for part 2! A one day read babes! Keep up the great work! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!! I knew you weren't gonna let me down with bringing Gangsta and them Hoovers back!!
That was in my McDonald's voice too (lol). OMG Phantom is crazy as all outdoors. That trick Bridgette gots ta go asap!!! Laci better quit playing on they emotions tho before she gets killed. I love Zaria!!! Crazy chick! Can't wait for part 2! A one day read babes! Keep up the great work! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!! I knew you weren't gonna let me down with bringing Gangsta and them Hoovers back!!
November 12, 2017
Can't wait for part 2 on the 16th
This book had me hooked on the prologue. Phantom is no joke and I will never look at Psalm 23 the same again without thinking about Phantom. I love me some Freedom. He ain't got no sense and will have you laughing through the whole book. My favorite line in the book is you can't be ugly and bossy, b**** pick a struggle. I hollered when he said that. And when shot Bridgette nipple off, the only thing I could think about was Kevin Hart lol. The ending will have you feeling for more. Can't wait for part 2...
This book had me hooked on the prologue. Phantom is no joke and I will never look at Psalm 23 the same again without thinking about Phantom. I love me some Freedom. He ain't got no sense and will have you laughing through the whole book. My favorite line in the book is you can't be ugly and bossy, b**** pick a struggle. I hollered when he said that. And when shot Bridgette nipple off, the only thing I could think about was Kevin Hart lol. The ending will have you feeling for more. Can't wait for part 2...
November 10, 2017
Good storyline, but too many errors
The storyline was interesting and this was the only saving grace. The plot made me want to continue to read it. It was hard, but I will consider reading part 2. Hey, call me a glutton for punishment.
There were too many grammatical errors. The formatting of the quotations was completely frustrating. It was hard to follow who was talking and when.
The storyline was interesting and this was the only saving grace. The plot made me want to continue to read it. It was hard, but I will consider reading part 2. Hey, call me a glutton for punishment.
There were too many grammatical errors. The formatting of the quotations was completely frustrating. It was hard to follow who was talking and when.
November 12, 2017
This has to be a dream
Let me just say that Latoya Nicole is easily becoming one of my favorite authors. The way she weaved this story is nothing short of amazing. From the opening to the jaw dropping end,this was indeed a page turner. Please tell me that the end was a dream. I mean it was crazy how phantom got with zee but wow, i don't think she would have done that to him. Is it the 16th yet
Let me just say that Latoya Nicole is easily becoming one of my favorite authors. The way she weaved this story is nothing short of amazing. From the opening to the jaw dropping end,this was indeed a page turner. Please tell me that the end was a dream. I mean it was crazy how phantom got with zee but wow, i don't think she would have done that to him. Is it the 16th yet
November 13, 2017
Loved this book
Man I’m at a loss for words with this book Phantom is bat shit crazy for real but I love him Zee is so good for him tho I can’t believe she let Bridgette set her up like that I hope Phantom doesn’t kill they ass I loved it can’t wait until the 16 for pt2 I’m losing my mind on how it just ended Latoya you be on some good bullshit and very petty with these books keep up the good job 😍😍
Man I’m at a loss for words with this book Phantom is bat shit crazy for real but I love him Zee is so good for him tho I can’t believe she let Bridgette set her up like that I hope Phantom doesn’t kill they ass I loved it can’t wait until the 16 for pt2 I’m losing my mind on how it just ended Latoya you be on some good bullshit and very petty with these books keep up the good job 😍😍
November 19, 2017
Omg!!!!
This has been the craziest dude I have ever read about. Phantom is all the way of his rocker. I think Zee is good for him but that trifling heifer Bridgette is about to ruin everything. I really wish Laci would keep it real with Freedom so he could help her. She is so scary that she is not even thinking clearly. The ending had me shook I can't wait to see what happens in part 2.
This has been the craziest dude I have ever read about. Phantom is all the way of his rocker. I think Zee is good for him but that trifling heifer Bridgette is about to ruin everything. I really wish Laci would keep it real with Freedom so he could help her. She is so scary that she is not even thinking clearly. The ending had me shook I can't wait to see what happens in part 2.
November 25, 2017
TRAFOACG: Phantom and Zaria’s story
This was my first read from this author and it won’t be my last. This story started off reckless as hell and ended the same way. Bridgette manly ass is messy and bitter af. Laci needs to open her mouth and tell the truth before she gets herself and her kids killed. Zaria and Freedom def got caught up in some sh*t. I hope he don’t go off for real. Few errors but not to take away from the story. On to part 2!
This was my first read from this author and it won’t be my last. This story started off reckless as hell and ended the same way. Bridgette manly ass is messy and bitter af. Laci needs to open her mouth and tell the truth before she gets herself and her kids killed. Zaria and Freedom def got caught up in some sh*t. I hope he don’t go off for real. Few errors but not to take away from the story. On to part 2!
December 16, 2017
Phantom!!
What can I Say? This was my first book by Latoya, but it will NOT be the last. The pace, suspense, and drama had me hooked! I just love when a author allow the characters to flow freely. This book was good. Phantom was certified crazy but I feel like there's so much more to him. I like Freedom & Zee but Laci and Bridgette has to go! The ending left me on edge and now I'm impatiently awaiting part 2. Kudos!!!
What can I Say? This was my first book by Latoya, but it will NOT be the last. The pace, suspense, and drama had me hooked! I just love when a author allow the characters to flow freely. This book was good. Phantom was certified crazy but I feel like there's so much more to him. I like Freedom & Zee but Laci and Bridgette has to go! The ending left me on edge and now I'm impatiently awaiting part 2. Kudos!!!
January 1, 2018
You won't Put It Down
This is BAD! From the beginning,,Phantom and Zaria are a power couple.
Freedom is awesome as the backup, but Lack is a weak link. Only one thing that didn't sit with me... since there were monitors upstairs to cover the house, why weren't there monitors in the girls bedrooms.? Bridget wouldn't have been able to get away with so much. Can't wait to read part two.
No Sweat
This is BAD! From the beginning,,Phantom and Zaria are a power couple.
Freedom is awesome as the backup, but Lack is a weak link. Only one thing that didn't sit with me... since there were monitors upstairs to cover the house, why weren't there monitors in the girls bedrooms.? Bridget wouldn't have been able to get away with so much. Can't wait to read part two.
No Sweat
January 5, 2018
Just crazy!!!
Phantom and Freedom is two crazy people but add Zaria and Laci and they just over the top. Disloyal people always gets what is coming to them. I only feel bad for Laci because of her kids and she was just trying to do what's best for them. I didn't think Zaria would also be crazy but she fit right in. I love the fact that LaToya Nicole always gives us a funny character. Freedom is definitely a clown and would fit in great with Blaze!!!
Phantom and Freedom is two crazy people but add Zaria and Laci and they just over the top. Disloyal people always gets what is coming to them. I only feel bad for Laci because of her kids and she was just trying to do what's best for them. I didn't think Zaria would also be crazy but she fit right in. I love the fact that LaToya Nicole always gives us a funny character. Freedom is definitely a clown and would fit in great with Blaze!!!
April 30, 2023
Honey my nerves are shot …..
There is so much going on but I know all the pieces will come together. Brigette just ugly and jealous. That will always be a downfall. I love how loyal Freedom is to Phantom. Laci is on a dummy mission and need to gris a backbone. Zee is just as crazy as Phantom but they definitely belong together. Now, we just Phantom to see this is not what it looks like
There is so much going on but I know all the pieces will come together. Brigette just ugly and jealous. That will always be a downfall. I love how loyal Freedom is to Phantom. Laci is on a dummy mission and need to gris a backbone. Zee is just as crazy as Phantom but they definitely belong together. Now, we just Phantom to see this is not what it looks like
September 26, 2025
For I walk through the valley
Thus book is so good, Mrs Nicole has stolen my attention with her books. Phantom and Z is a match made in devilment. Understand Z isn’t a pushover like Lacy and her anger matches Phantom. Now Freedom I’m kind of skeptical about because he doesn’t take crap and is as deadly as the God his friend. They kill, live and own the streets together but will the new or old woman in their home be the down fall because Bridgette is on a war path.
Thus book is so good, Mrs Nicole has stolen my attention with her books. Phantom and Z is a match made in devilment. Understand Z isn’t a pushover like Lacy and her anger matches Phantom. Now Freedom I’m kind of skeptical about because he doesn’t take crap and is as deadly as the God his friend. They kill, live and own the streets together but will the new or old woman in their home be the down fall because Bridgette is on a war path.
November 8, 2017
SCREAMING
you know what be glad we can't cus, I'm a need phantom to stop with these death scriptures and I ain't even go lie I wasn't even mad when he took his momma out. Bridgette got to go not now but yesterday. I was so glad when one of her nips got nipped and why won't LACI just be honest with them
you know what be glad we can't cus, I'm a need phantom to stop with these death scriptures and I ain't even go lie I wasn't even mad when he took his momma out. Bridgette got to go not now but yesterday. I was so glad when one of her nips got nipped and why won't LACI just be honest with them
November 8, 2017
Five star Banger
Yasss.. I definitely recommend reading this book. That Phantom wasn't no joke. Zaria and Freedom was his calmness. I hope he gives them time to explain before he kills them. That Bridgette is messy. She should have learn to stay in her lane by now I can't wait for part two
Yasss.. I definitely recommend reading this book. That Phantom wasn't no joke. Zaria and Freedom was his calmness. I hope he gives them time to explain before he kills them. That Bridgette is messy. She should have learn to stay in her lane by now I can't wait for part two
November 8, 2017
Page turner
The book starts off with the bullshit, and every page after is a must read. Phantom is a man child, and it appears he has finally found someone for him, God help her if she tries to leave. Poor Laci, I hope she can come to her senses before its to late. Bridgette needed to die like yesterday. Patiently waiting on book 2!!!
The book starts off with the bullshit, and every page after is a must read. Phantom is a man child, and it appears he has finally found someone for him, God help her if she tries to leave. Poor Laci, I hope she can come to her senses before its to late. Bridgette needed to die like yesterday. Patiently waiting on book 2!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews