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THE RISE AND FALL OF A CRIME GOD 2: PHANTOM AND ZARIA'S STORY
When the infamous Phantom spared Zaria’s life, everyone felt she should be grateful for her second chance. But no matter how hard she tried, it seemed like nothing she did would keep her from her fate. Knowing she should have died that night with her family, everything seemed to have come full circle as she stares down the barrel of Phantom’s gun....
Freedom has dedicated his life trying to keep Phantom on track. Being his conscience was hard, but convincing him of his loyalty was worse. With one wrong move, Zaria and Freedom’s chances of living is left dangling in the wind....
Phantom being a complicated man with a dark past, worked hard at leaving it all behind. One fatal night brought It back and his world came crashing down. Trying to pick up the pieces, he may have fallen too deep. With the clock ticking, does he climb out the trenches or does everything come crashing down? Phantom is at the point of no return and everything seems like one bad dream. Can he rise again or is this the end?
Freedom has dedicated his life trying to keep Phantom on track. Being his conscience was hard, but convincing him of his loyalty was worse. With one wrong move, Zaria and Freedom’s chances of living is left dangling in the wind....
Phantom being a complicated man with a dark past, worked hard at leaving it all behind. One fatal night brought It back and his world came crashing down. Trying to pick up the pieces, he may have fallen too deep. With the clock ticking, does he climb out the trenches or does everything come crashing down? Phantom is at the point of no return and everything seems like one bad dream. Can he rise again or is this the end?
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2020
685 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Latoya Nicole
115 books319 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 178 reviews
November 26, 2017
Crazy
The further I read into their story the Loonery this fool became which led me to believe the author crazy too. Like buddy and Jesus are the same. But what was even more spooky was how he felt ok laying with those bodies. This whole story was insane to the max. Freedom was actually a crap friend because he never did anything about th craziness. Then the part that made my mouth drop. I didn't think it would go any further and wasn't prepared for how it play it. Phantom is definitely batty, and was in the right place.
The further I read into their story the Loonery this fool became which led me to believe the author crazy too. Like buddy and Jesus are the same. But what was even more spooky was how he felt ok laying with those bodies. This whole story was insane to the max. Freedom was actually a crap friend because he never did anything about th craziness. Then the part that made my mouth drop. I didn't think it would go any further and wasn't prepared for how it play it. Phantom is definitely batty, and was in the right place.
November 18, 2017
Are you serious...
This book got me bipolar as you know what...It started off just as good as the first one. Bare with me I am trying to do this without my feelings about the ending lol...Phantom should've listen to his but feelings...Laci had me wanting to jump inside the book and slap her for being so stupid and gullible. Why would you trust somebody that using your butt. I wouldn't have trusted nothing she was saying. Farah behind was stupid as well..she was just there. The ending before the ending lol when you read it you'll know what I'm talking about was crazy. He was a beast for real and died like a beast lol...now on to the real ending...LaToya Nicole you trying to give me a heart attack. How in the hellabit you come up with the ending like that. Girl you got mad skills...This crazy mf created that who!e damn story in his head....I had to read it again to make sure that's what I read. This dude here and Zaria shouldn't have went there with looney toons...This is a great series....if you haven't read it then what are you waiting for...grab your copies today
This book got me bipolar as you know what...It started off just as good as the first one. Bare with me I am trying to do this without my feelings about the ending lol...Phantom should've listen to his but feelings...Laci had me wanting to jump inside the book and slap her for being so stupid and gullible. Why would you trust somebody that using your butt. I wouldn't have trusted nothing she was saying. Farah behind was stupid as well..she was just there. The ending before the ending lol when you read it you'll know what I'm talking about was crazy. He was a beast for real and died like a beast lol...now on to the real ending...LaToya Nicole you trying to give me a heart attack. How in the hellabit you come up with the ending like that. Girl you got mad skills...This crazy mf created that who!e damn story in his head....I had to read it again to make sure that's what I read. This dude here and Zaria shouldn't have went there with looney toons...This is a great series....if you haven't read it then what are you waiting for...grab your copies today
December 30, 2017
Book was fire!!!!!
Zaria said it best “ Phantom needed a Physic ward,Therapist, and a cup of jello”. Turns out that’s all he ever had minus the cup of jello . I found me a new author pen game on fleet!!!!!!
Zaria said it best “ Phantom needed a Physic ward,Therapist, and a cup of jello”. Turns out that’s all he ever had minus the cup of jello . I found me a new author pen game on fleet!!!!!!
March 18, 2019
Whew!!!!
This book right here was absolute bomb from beginning to end a sure page Turner i was lost in this book so lost i started to repeat the 23 psalms like i needed my air to breathe im now gonna read the follow up and i know its about to be lit good job Latoya
This book right here was absolute bomb from beginning to end a sure page Turner i was lost in this book so lost i started to repeat the 23 psalms like i needed my air to breathe im now gonna read the follow up and i know its about to be lit good job Latoya
January 5, 2026
3.5 This book took me on a wild ride. I jump right into this book and this book had me on the edge of my seat. The ending had my mouth wide open. This plot twist really had me saying what did I read for real.
November 28, 2017
Well damn.....
January 7, 2018
IKYL
Wait one GD minute, Honey this book done had me all in my feelings!!! Baby when I tell you Phantom and Zaria was out there living their best life and it was all in his imagination!! Lord this was such a great and page turning read. I don’t think I will ever hear the 23rd Psalms without raising my arms....
Wait one GD minute, Honey this book done had me all in my feelings!!! Baby when I tell you Phantom and Zaria was out there living their best life and it was all in his imagination!! Lord this was such a great and page turning read. I don’t think I will ever hear the 23rd Psalms without raising my arms....
November 17, 2017
The Rise and Fall of A Crime God 2
Latonya u got me all mess up how u switch up on me and the u end it like this omg can’t tell the story. But ppl it’s worth the money wow
Latonya u got me all mess up how u switch up on me and the u end it like this omg can’t tell the story. But ppl it’s worth the money wow
October 17, 2022
Girl Whet?!
Like... Like I read the reviews so I knew it was coming, but. There. Was. No. Ending. 😶
Now I really wanted to give 3 stars, but that wouldn't be fair considering I read both books straight through. Even knowing about the dream/fantasy part, I thought I was prepared. I wasn't. Something told me to read the last couple of pages first. I didn't.
So here I am sitting here feeling bamboozled and lead astray. I actually like the author's writing in a Pulp Fiction kind of way. It's so outrageous, yet entertaining. But this right here... I might have asked for a refund based on it not being a complete book.
While this is maybe a 2.5 - 3 ⭐ review, I have to be fair because I liked it up until the last page.
Oh, and now after some research, I messed up thinking Phantom was a part of the Hoover Gang (which I hadn't read from the beginning, but was backtracking after reading maybe the last couple they were featured in) otherwise I wouldn't have read this one. I think, though, that Phantom made an appearance with the Hoovers that I did read so I'm not completely mad about starting here. Lé sigh... 😮💨🤦🏽♀️
Like... Like I read the reviews so I knew it was coming, but. There. Was. No. Ending. 😶
Now I really wanted to give 3 stars, but that wouldn't be fair considering I read both books straight through. Even knowing about the dream/fantasy part, I thought I was prepared. I wasn't. Something told me to read the last couple of pages first. I didn't.
So here I am sitting here feeling bamboozled and lead astray. I actually like the author's writing in a Pulp Fiction kind of way. It's so outrageous, yet entertaining. But this right here... I might have asked for a refund based on it not being a complete book.
While this is maybe a 2.5 - 3 ⭐ review, I have to be fair because I liked it up until the last page.
Oh, and now after some research, I messed up thinking Phantom was a part of the Hoover Gang (which I hadn't read from the beginning, but was backtracking after reading maybe the last couple they were featured in) otherwise I wouldn't have read this one. I think, though, that Phantom made an appearance with the Hoovers that I did read so I'm not completely mad about starting here. Lé sigh... 😮💨🤦🏽♀️
November 17, 2017
Out Done
Brush!!!! I don't even know what to think. Let alone say! I'm totally blown away! I mean for real! That's how you feel? I feel like a cheap prostitute right now! That's what you did to my mind! Who thinks up mess like this! I thought Brie was diabolical but shesssh! This book was so out there I didn't see any of it coming! I never would have imagined! You definitely just changed the game with this one! This book was phenomenal. It was an intriguing web of woven mystery & suspense! I couldn't get enough.
Brush!!!! I don't even know what to think. Let alone say! I'm totally blown away! I mean for real! That's how you feel? I feel like a cheap prostitute right now! That's what you did to my mind! Who thinks up mess like this! I thought Brie was diabolical but shesssh! This book was so out there I didn't see any of it coming! I never would have imagined! You definitely just changed the game with this one! This book was phenomenal. It was an intriguing web of woven mystery & suspense! I couldn't get enough.
April 20, 2021
Best friends till the end
I don't want to give away anything but my goodness I hated the ending. I enjoyed the story very much though Phantom is something else and his friend freedom is truly his best friend.
I don't want to give away anything but my goodness I hated the ending. I enjoyed the story very much though Phantom is something else and his friend freedom is truly his best friend.
December 4, 2017
Whoa!!! I wasn’t expecting that AT ALL!
The first book was good, but this one was amazing!
I will admit, within the first few chapters I was over Phantom and Zaria’s relationship because they were the most extra couple in the history of extra ness! I was stuck because I LOVED Freedom and was rooting for him and Laci since the first book. I was completely caught up in their back and forth, denial of their ever so present love.
Then all hell broke loose and I was so caught up in my feelings during the “Week of Death”. Like why did she (the author) do this!!! They didn’t deserve this!! THEN THE PLOT THICKENED and I was HOLLERING! Like real live sitting in my house hollering because again... I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!
I’ve heard this was the end all of this series but I’m only praying to sweet baby Jesus in the manger that there is more to come!
I am K Sherrie,
And I DEFINITELY recommend this read!
The first book was good, but this one was amazing!
I will admit, within the first few chapters I was over Phantom and Zaria’s relationship because they were the most extra couple in the history of extra ness! I was stuck because I LOVED Freedom and was rooting for him and Laci since the first book. I was completely caught up in their back and forth, denial of their ever so present love.
Then all hell broke loose and I was so caught up in my feelings during the “Week of Death”. Like why did she (the author) do this!!! They didn’t deserve this!! THEN THE PLOT THICKENED and I was HOLLERING! Like real live sitting in my house hollering because again... I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!
I’ve heard this was the end all of this series but I’m only praying to sweet baby Jesus in the manger that there is more to come!
I am K Sherrie,
And I DEFINITELY recommend this read!
February 28, 2018
I’ve been riding with Phantom and Zaria from the first book...what happened in book 1 will all be reviled in the 2nd one. Phantom is crazy as crazy can be...but hang on...you’re in for a surprise! 4RL...Which is exactly why I’m currently reading...A Crazy Kind of Love: Phantom and Zaria...in which you really see who’s who...and will give you all the players. Starting with Phantom and Zaria... and then Freedom and Lacey.
( It’s a trip ladies and gentleman) I’ll definitely let you know when I’m done with it but it’s fair to say that Latoya Nichole is great she definitely hit the ball out of the park with this book. Part 3 takes us further into the minds of the people who love him instead of the voices in his head! I just started the book so I’ll be back to really let you guys know what my 3rd review comes out! Janet
( It’s a trip ladies and gentleman) I’ll definitely let you know when I’m done with it but it’s fair to say that Latoya Nichole is great she definitely hit the ball out of the park with this book. Part 3 takes us further into the minds of the people who love him instead of the voices in his head! I just started the book so I’ll be back to really let you guys know what my 3rd review comes out! Janet
December 7, 2017
Certified x5
OMGoodness!!!!!! I ain’t never read something like this......well I have but still......OMGoodness. I was no where near expecting it to turn out like this. I was rooting for a happy ending but I knew it was something when Zee and Freedom was both dead....I told myself nawllllll I know it ain’t gone end like this.....keep reading and my heart hurt like OMG!!!!!!! Kept reading and was like wtf.....That ending had me gone. I’m still going through the motions of this book. I love the way Latoya wrote this. It was like one minute you know and then everything you think you knew it was something else to shock you even more......I loved this series it is one for the history books of urban fiction!
OMGoodness!!!!!! I ain’t never read something like this......well I have but still......OMGoodness. I was no where near expecting it to turn out like this. I was rooting for a happy ending but I knew it was something when Zee and Freedom was both dead....I told myself nawllllll I know it ain’t gone end like this.....keep reading and my heart hurt like OMG!!!!!!! Kept reading and was like wtf.....That ending had me gone. I’m still going through the motions of this book. I love the way Latoya wrote this. It was like one minute you know and then everything you think you knew it was something else to shock you even more......I loved this series it is one for the history books of urban fiction!
November 16, 2017
An unexpected twist!!
This book was better than Book 1. It picks right up with the drama and craziness that is Phantom. The relationship that he shared with Zaria was like no other. She was exactly what he needed. Freedom and Laci were meant for each other. There were so many twists and turns in this book that kept you guessing about what would happen next. It was a page turner that left you wanting more. That ending though!!! I never saw it coming. I’m really hoping there is a spin-off to this book!!
This book was better than Book 1. It picks right up with the drama and craziness that is Phantom. The relationship that he shared with Zaria was like no other. She was exactly what he needed. Freedom and Laci were meant for each other. There were so many twists and turns in this book that kept you guessing about what would happen next. It was a page turner that left you wanting more. That ending though!!! I never saw it coming. I’m really hoping there is a spin-off to this book!!
November 18, 2017
She did it to me again!
She did it to me again! This author had me all in my feelings and shedding tears only to find out that it wasn't what I thought it was. So much drama and craziness. The twists and turns have me so discombobulated. I never saw that ending coming. One thing that I can say about this author is that she is certifiably crazy with these storylines, and she never disappoints. Anytime I see her name, I know that I am in for a real rollercoaster ride. Another banger as usual. I can't wait to see what her twisted mind will come up with next.
She did it to me again! This author had me all in my feelings and shedding tears only to find out that it wasn't what I thought it was. So much drama and craziness. The twists and turns have me so discombobulated. I never saw that ending coming. One thing that I can say about this author is that she is certifiably crazy with these storylines, and she never disappoints. Anytime I see her name, I know that I am in for a real rollercoaster ride. Another banger as usual. I can't wait to see what her twisted mind will come up with next.
April 8, 2019
Wow, what a twisted novel! You didn't recognize what truly happened, versus what went on in Phantom's mental. The bottom line was that Phantom was a psychopath, that was in love with Zaria, who's best friend was named Freedom. Phantom was ruthless, and he loved hard, and both Zaria and Freedom, tried to do everything they could to save Phantom. Latoya, you definitely know how to use your imagination.... all I could say at the end of reading this book was, oh my goodness! I can't imagine what to expect in part 3.
December 9, 2017
Wow
I can not believe that this book ended the way that it did omg I love love this book it was a page turner with so much drama and excitement that you can not be bored and the register at the end had my mouth hanging right open Phantom was a damn fool he gave no care at all I love the fact that Zaria mellowed him out I know it said the end but I would like to know if he gets out the psych ward and what he thinks about the baby I just love this book thanks for that
I can not believe that this book ended the way that it did omg I love love this book it was a page turner with so much drama and excitement that you can not be bored and the register at the end had my mouth hanging right open Phantom was a damn fool he gave no care at all I love the fact that Zaria mellowed him out I know it said the end but I would like to know if he gets out the psych ward and what he thinks about the baby I just love this book thanks for that
December 17, 2017
Mind BLOWN!
Omg! What did I just read? So many twists and turns. Wow! This picked up from part 1 and it was crazy! Like... Genius type of crazy! I felt bad for Phantom. He had serious issues he couldn't escape. The ending BLEW MY MIND! In fact, the ending made me want more. Although I hate how the story ended, it didn't take away from the overall quality of the storyline. This book was twisted, and each scene had me on edge! Author Latoya Nicole did a wonderful job!
Omg! What did I just read? So many twists and turns. Wow! This picked up from part 1 and it was crazy! Like... Genius type of crazy! I felt bad for Phantom. He had serious issues he couldn't escape. The ending BLEW MY MIND! In fact, the ending made me want more. Although I hate how the story ended, it didn't take away from the overall quality of the storyline. This book was twisted, and each scene had me on edge! Author Latoya Nicole did a wonderful job!
January 2, 2018
Can't find the words to describe it!!!
Well I can say that I loved that it was in my hometown, sweet home Chicago. I loved it. It made me happy to see it was all a story. It messed me up when Freedom went out like that. I was shocked and happy to see he really was bat shit crazy, 57 women in 3 years, his mom and step dad really messed him up. The best thing I got out of this was a new author to follow. Going to get all her work now. Peace.
Well I can say that I loved that it was in my hometown, sweet home Chicago. I loved it. It made me happy to see it was all a story. It messed me up when Freedom went out like that. I was shocked and happy to see he really was bat shit crazy, 57 women in 3 years, his mom and step dad really messed him up. The best thing I got out of this was a new author to follow. Going to get all her work now. Peace.
February 15, 2018
Omg....
Wow wow.... I did not expect that twist. Man had me going for a minute just to find out that shit was all in his head n he in a mental institution. I can't believe it... Man this book had me captivated n couldn't move till the end. I was crying my eyes out when Freedom n Zee was killed. I felt so bad for him. Man this was definitely a good ass twist. Wow... I'm just so speechless! Great job mama! This was fire right here! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Wow wow.... I did not expect that twist. Man had me going for a minute just to find out that shit was all in his head n he in a mental institution. I can't believe it... Man this book had me captivated n couldn't move till the end. I was crying my eyes out when Freedom n Zee was killed. I felt so bad for him. Man this was definitely a good ass twist. Wow... I'm just so speechless! Great job mama! This was fire right here! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 29, 2019
The Rise and Fall
I really enjoyed this novel, I'm going to miss the characters. I couldn't put the book down it always had me wanting to know what would happen next. I hate the fact that phantom was mentally unstable due to the killing of his parents. Sad situation for a person to endure. He had such an imagination as well, had me out there tripping. But thank you for a job well done, I'm ready to see what's next.
I really enjoyed this novel, I'm going to miss the characters. I couldn't put the book down it always had me wanting to know what would happen next. I hate the fact that phantom was mentally unstable due to the killing of his parents. Sad situation for a person to endure. He had such an imagination as well, had me out there tripping. But thank you for a job well done, I'm ready to see what's next.
December 27, 2020
I found this series because of the Love & War Series. It moved fairly well and delivered a good amount of drama. I actually like that the dream idea that I know most people gave low reviews for. I think the author did a good job. I was not a fan of Zaria's violent character. I'm a big fan of Phantom and his calling card. Only because it didn't make sense. What I do like is the little world that the author has created.
November 8, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book was so good & very well written. This books kinda reminds me of the movie Life of Pi. To get so invested in the story, plot, & characters, only to get bamboozled in the end. That’s an ending I didn’t see coming! I don’t want to give up what happens, but if you read the first installment, just know this book didn’t disappoint either. I can’t believe it ended in a cliffhanger! Even tho Phantom was 🦇💩 crazy he is still Bae with his toxic ass!
This book was so good & very well written. This books kinda reminds me of the movie Life of Pi. To get so invested in the story, plot, & characters, only to get bamboozled in the end. That’s an ending I didn’t see coming! I don’t want to give up what happens, but if you read the first installment, just know this book didn’t disappoint either. I can’t believe it ended in a cliffhanger! Even tho Phantom was 🦇💩 crazy he is still Bae with his toxic ass!
September 26, 2025
Lost for words
This book was amazing. Let me tell you when I got to the end and realize what was really going on. My heart broke for Phantom. Zaria had a great heart, she loved Phantom and Lacey and Free was good friends because they looked out for Phantom even when he didn’t know, he was getting looked out for and this book right here will take you on a roller coaster ride but when you get to the end, you will see what I mean great great read.
This book was amazing. Let me tell you when I got to the end and realize what was really going on. My heart broke for Phantom. Zaria had a great heart, she loved Phantom and Lacey and Free was good friends because they looked out for Phantom even when he didn’t know, he was getting looked out for and this book right here will take you on a roller coaster ride but when you get to the end, you will see what I mean great great read.
November 17, 2017
I waited for that😐
I didn't like it. It was a Jedi Mind Trick. The entire book. I wish I never read it, honestly. The first book was ok, but the storyline was intersting. This second book upset me and it felt like I wasted my time reading the first part. My first book by the author that I actually was able to complete and it pissed me off. I probly won't read another one.
I didn't like it. It was a Jedi Mind Trick. The entire book. I wish I never read it, honestly. The first book was ok, but the storyline was intersting. This second book upset me and it felt like I wasted my time reading the first part. My first book by the author that I actually was able to complete and it pissed me off. I probly won't read another one.
November 26, 2017
She played my life
Both books was amazing i love the fact that I didn't have to wait long for part 2 the book had a amazing twist at the end i real continue to support this author...congrats good job....I can't believe she played my whole life with this emotional rollercoaster...I had too pause and get myself together..
Both books was amazing i love the fact that I didn't have to wait long for part 2 the book had a amazing twist at the end i real continue to support this author...congrats good job....I can't believe she played my whole life with this emotional rollercoaster...I had too pause and get myself together..
November 17, 2017
Giiiiirrrrll
First of all best selling author!! Congrats on making the bestsellers list! Long over due and much deserved! Idc Phantom is still bae w/ his looney ass! The ending was so unexpected that i literally had to pause and say, “noooo this bihhhh DIDNT”! I’m still in shocked! Great job with this series Toya!!!!
First of all best selling author!! Congrats on making the bestsellers list! Long over due and much deserved! Idc Phantom is still bae w/ his looney ass! The ending was so unexpected that i literally had to pause and say, “noooo this bihhhh DIDNT”! I’m still in shocked! Great job with this series Toya!!!!
November 17, 2017
Wow
Wow the way it turned out tore me up internally but that was definitely a good read couldn’t put it down. But whhyyyyyy you had to do us like that! I like happy endings..you did your thing on this book! I loved phantom and Zaria even tho phantom was bat shit! They were made for one another you could feel true emotions in this book !
Wow the way it turned out tore me up internally but that was definitely a good read couldn’t put it down. But whhyyyyyy you had to do us like that! I like happy endings..you did your thing on this book! I loved phantom and Zaria even tho phantom was bat shit! They were made for one another you could feel true emotions in this book !
November 17, 2017
Can I give it more stars!
This book was everything and then some. I love Phantom crazy a**. Without saying to much let me just say this book had my attention from beginning to end. That twist at the end was genius. You have definitely become one of my favorites. Can’t wait to read more
This book was everything and then some. I love Phantom crazy a**. Without saying to much let me just say this book had my attention from beginning to end. That twist at the end was genius. You have definitely become one of my favorites. Can’t wait to read more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews