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NEVER KNEW A THUG LIKE THIS

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Since as long as Kiwana could remember, it’s always been her, Gianni, and Jigga. The only family she has ever needed. They took her in when she had noone or nothing. Childhood friends vowing to stand by each other through anything. Struggling to establish herself in life, Kiwi found herself constantly in search for something to fill the void. Rather it be in the ring fighting, or pointless relationships. Nothing seemed to be going right, until a tragic loss ironically brought her and Gianni closer together. The only thing standing in the way, was his girl and her friend Amber. Gianni aka Ransom, was on the top of his game. King of the streets and a relationship that seemed to be perfect. Until it wasn’t. An unknown enemy, a mistake on his part causing him to lose someone close to him, and his girl trying to force him to have kids had Ransom spiraling out of control. With everything going on, he turned to his best friend Kiwi. But the type of comfort he was seeking, caused them to cross a line they could never come back from. With all that going on, Ransom is too occupied to realize someone from within his circle is trying to take him down, and his girl has a few secrets of her own. They say one person’s trash, is another person’s treasure, but what do you call it when both people feel they have the prize? Will Kiwi be able to deal with the guilt she is carrying from crossing a friend long enough to realize that Gianni may be the one, or will her loyalty cause her to walk away from it all? Is Ransom ready to risk it all, in order to cope with his own guilt and mistakes? Or will he figure it out before it’s all too late?

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2021

444 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Latoya Nicole

115 books319 followers
Latoya 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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5 stars
406 (78%)
4 stars
75 (14%)
3 stars
28 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Jordyn.
142 reviews60 followers
February 22, 2021
La’toya needs a check

In true La’toya fashion this book was hilarious. I can always count on her when I wanna laugh. This book was so messy and I’m here for it. I would def suggest this as your next hood af read.
2,002 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2021
So funny

Man Toya this book was so good.I believe I laughed the whole time I was reading. Ransom was crazy as hell.
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,108 reviews21 followers
February 20, 2021
Cute story

I love friends to lovers! Gianni and Kiwi were too cute together. I loved the bond they had. I would love a story of Kelly and Jigga. Good story!
Profile Image for shawanda Woods.
1,567 reviews34 followers
Read
February 21, 2021
Good read

That darn Ransom was crazy as hell. He let whatever fall from his lips. Jigga and Kelly was definitely a match made in heaven. Kiwana and Ransom just had that chemistry.
Profile Image for Lizzy Clark.
850 reviews28 followers
February 3, 2022
This was ghetto asf, but so good...

Queen Latoya Nicole has done it again. This book was a one ghetto a**, drama filled a**, backstabbing in the worst way a** friends to lovers story. Like This authors ability to male you laugh so damn hard, but still have you so invested in the characters she creates is amazing.
Whew Chil, that damn Donny was a motherfudgesicklestix snake. That motherfu**er was really in his damn feelings cause he wasn't the King anymore. Our there making up fake a**beef. I had a feeling he had a hand in what happened to Jigga parents. But the sh*t that bit** a** ninja did to his own daughter you the cake. His bit** a** not what he deserved. When they told him to walk, knowing he couldn't😂😂😂
That dang Amber was just special. Like how tf you don't know yo man who is the King of the Chi, not cameras in y'all house. Like how in tf did she allow a motherfu**er who couldn't walk dictate how she moved. She showed her real desperate hoe side when she fu**ed Brent, but when he lil dumb a** starting up with Donny I was done🤦🏾😔😂.
Liani called that hook up, lol. I am glad she was reunited with her family tho.
Jiggle & Kelly put the H in Hoe, Oh-kay🤦🏾. Bay-be Kelly babes zero phucks, sis say Jigga knew the 😺 belong to the streets💀😂😂😂😂. That ninja Jigga was next level crazy, breaking in her house, made himself breakfast and waited for her and ol boy to wake up and offered them breakfast like that sh*t was normal😳😂😂😂😂. The were truly made for each other.
Gianni & Kiwi fought the good fight and denied those feelings that everybody else saw until one drunken night changed it all. Gianni was already crazy about her, that ninja lost his mind after she gave him the😺. These two and their shenanigans were never ending. I enjoyed tf out this book and the ending was perfect💕
Profile Image for Miss Read A lot .
714 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2023
Nope..

Too much senseless killing, Ransom kills people for no reason. Only one person deserved death and that was his Father. Once he killed Amber I stopped reading. The Villains of the book were the main characters. Gianna and Kiwi were sleeping together behind Amber’s back and Amber was supposed to be her friend. Amber was wrong in making the decision to make a plan with his father and even I knew ransom wasn’t going to fall for it. But she had nothing to do with the death of his sister and she was genuinely with him to be with him. She was a good friend to kiwi. And she cheated just like Ransom had been cheating on her and threw it in her face that he cheats, then turns around and sleeps with her friend kiwi. And it was weird that they still referred to each other as being like brother or sister but sleeping together. I decided to try this author after reading a collab from her and K.Renee. But naw, not my cup of tea. The people being killed not doing enough bad to make it okay with me for their death. Brent was killed because he slept with Amber and the baby was his. Okay, you didn’t want to give her a baby but you killed her child’s father. The story could have been written where he just kicked her out his life and that’s it. But to Kill a pregnant woman just cause she fought kiwi, idk. Not feeling this book. I’ve read books where pregnant women are killed but their betrayal is on 10, their griminess is on 10. And even then they wait til the baby is born. What Amber did wasn’t that serious! First and last from this Author.
877 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2021
Gi and Kiwi

Mannn this story still has the laughs I love from this author. Even the female characters have some witty comebacks. I like Kiwi because she took what was happening to her a child and turned it into something positive but made her money. She knew Gi and Jigga would be there for her but she didn't take them for granted and has their backs just as well. If course the King of the Chi was bae. He ain't take no ish but what Donny did was just slimy for real and shouldn't have happened. Now Amber was all wrong for what she did and I am glad that the reason he left her was because of her own wrong doings. I am glad that alot of this story was looked at logically especially with the Amber, Gi and Kiwi situation. Jigga did not just agree with everything Gi said but was definitely trying to be his voice of reason. This author is definitely good at bringing people back to life but boy can she have tou crying real tears at these funerals 😂😂😂 Loved this story as I do all Latoya Nicole's books!!!
Profile Image for LaTanya Garry.
2,037 reviews40 followers
February 24, 2021
Great Read

You can't change a man. He will change when he's ready to change and for the right woman. Amber was trying to force Gianni to give her something he didn't want. It cause her to be desperate and make a deal with the Devil. Liani never like Amber. She said she always got a bad vibe from her and she was correct but I blame Gianni partially as well. He should have left her alone if he didn't see a future with her. Donny is the worst type of parent. He was jealous of his own son. He knew Amber weakness and her dumbass allow him to use her to get to Gianni. Donny also tried to hurt Gianni by hurting someone else that was close to him. The moment the line was crossed. Kiwi should have been honest with Amber. I know the heart wants what the heart wants but it really made Kiwi look like a snake as well.
Profile Image for Torri (BlackRomanceConnoisseur).
177 reviews306 followers
November 10, 2021
An Okay Read

This was a okay read, it was very entertaining. There were some gaps and editing issues, I wanted more character development & dialogue that didn’t end with an argument/fight and a little more from the storyline.
Also I think the author should be mindful/careful about how she writes about LGBTQ people (don’t mention those characters or elements if it’s not going to be done right).

As I said, it was very entertaining, there was a lot of humor & hood shenanigans. Listen, every time they mentioned Donny I was fighting for my spot in heaven.😭😂😂 & Jigga & Kelly had me crying laughing at their relationship.

Overall, I gave it 3 stars because it wasn’t unreadable or dry. I hope that in the future the author will spend a little more time developing the characters. I would read others books by this author.
Profile Image for Amber Ganaway.
783 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2023
A crazy roller coaster of emotions

This was a great read. Gianni, Jigga and Kiwi bond was so unbreakable and built on genuine love/loyalty. The situation that happened with Liani just brought Giant and Kiwi closer together but brought out their true feelings. Kiwi tried her best to not go there and still be friends with Amber but her heart won!! Amber (btw mad she had my name lol) was just a mess and was scheming from the start with trying to trap Ransom with a baby. That mess she pulled with Donny and the security guard was just trifling smh 🤦🏽‍♀️. Donny was a envious, disgusting person because who would do that to their own child, and his ending was well deserved. Jigga and Kelly was hilarious but definitely deserved each other. The ending was beautiful. Great job Latoya!!!
Profile Image for Val but you can call me Shug.
186 reviews
March 2, 2021
Y’all know usually I break the characters down, but I can’t without giving the story away..... so just know 1️⃣ that sometimes what you are searching for is right in front of your eyes 2️⃣ what’s done in the dark will come to light 3️⃣ walk your truth. This story was funny, but I expect nothing less than that from the author..... Jigga is probably my favorite. I hope he gets a story next

SN: I love this cover.... and ion like the color pink for real.

My rating for this story is 🎟🎟🎟🎟 because while it was funny, I felt that there were some scenes or a point of view that were left out that could have benefited the story’s progression. This was a quick lil weekend read and worth it.
Profile Image for Lisa Dukes.
902 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2021
🔥🔥🔥😂😂

Great Read! I must say this book had me laughing and crying all at the same time. Latoya I don't know where you get your characters from but the most definitely keep it interesting from beginning to end. The way Ransom and Jigga did Donny had me crying laughing when they told him if he could stand up out the chair they would let him walk away. I'm glad Ransom and Kiwi finally got it together. Jigga and Kelly also finally got their happy ever after those two were meant to be together. I can't wait for another book from you. Keep up the great work!
Profile Image for Paula Milan.
1,291 reviews34 followers
February 21, 2021
Satisfied Reader

Thia author switched it up a lil and i loved it the same as the others. Ransom,Jigga and Liani has a tight bond that no one can break. Jigga had a sense of humor out this world and kept me laughing. Amber and Donny thought they had a master plan but got outsmarted. Amber had it all but her consistency was turn off. I loved how Kelly and Jigga knew their role but those tables turned real fast. They never saw it coming but they knew where it was going. Another one bites the dust. Great Job
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,511 reviews32 followers
April 19, 2021
Such an amazing read

Oh my lawd I don’t think I laughed so hard in my life... The whole crew had jokes for days and I’m here for because they were funny as hell... Amber was so freaking trifling and I’m glad her and Donny was found out...It’s just something between best friends that you can’t shake and Kiwi and Gianni was a match made in heaven even though Kiwi tried to run for the heals you can’t outrun true love... I’m so happy for Jigga and Kelly it was hoe-reform in full effect ...Definitely five stars all they way and I can’t wait to read what’s next
2,076 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2021
Loved it!

In true LaToya Nicole fashion, this book had me laughing throughout it. Ransom’s dad was a buster and got just what he deserved. I’m glad that Iliani was alive. The sex scenes between Ransom and Kiwi were hot and I’m glad that they finally got together. Jigga and Kelly were both crazy as heck, but they were meant for each other. I would love to read more about those two.
53 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2021
Awesome Read

Lord this book was so good. Gianni is the man I just love their relationship. The relationship Gianni has with Liani is priceless. Kelly and Jigga are two of the funniest couples ever. I'm glad they got it together. Donny was a nasty bastard and got the ransom he deserved. Amber wounded up being trifling and straight nasty... Geesh.. I hate the book ended but it was truly a great read.
Profile Image for &#x1f496;Krissy_ReadingQueen&#x1f496;.
535 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2021
Loved it!

I loved reading this story. Although the circumstances weren’t ideal, Gianni and Kiwi couldn’t deny what was meant to be. The story flowed well and you could see their relationship and love develop. This just shows that sometimes you can be looking for something that is right in your face.
Profile Image for huanna prentice.
217 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2021
Luved it ❤️

Loved it I swear Jigga had me cryin like,Taker and Blaze with the cantankerous ish they do and say!!! I swear Jigga had me hollering!!! I’m glad that the five of them were reunited and are stronger than ever!!! Still wondering about Ransoms mom tho... His dad was the devil frfr!! Looking for the spin-offs!!!
Profile Image for Keia Smith.
249 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2021
Wow

Where do I start.. kiwi is my girl I loved her.. ransom I just need a nigga like him in my life jigga boy Ol boy 😂😂 that fool there him and Kelly I’m glad Donny ass gone for good.. amber I really ain’t like shorty to much and last but not least ransom sister IM glad she wasn’t dead because they really took that hard
Profile Image for Q Owens.
2,557 reviews30 followers
February 26, 2021
GREAT STAND-ALONE!!!

Latoya you never disappoints me. You always out do yourself. This book was so good and funny. I loved me some Gianni. Donny got exactly what he deserved. I loved that ending. Even though I hated to see it end. I highly recommend this book. Definitely worth checking it out.
92 reviews
March 4, 2021
True Thug!

Another hit by Nicole! Her imagination brings out some crazy characters. This book had a mixture of GOOD drama and laughs. Jigga and Ransom were straight fools!! I'm glad wheelchair daddy got what he deserved and Amber showed her true colors. All in all a very good read with a happy ending. You must read it!
Profile Image for Alicia Sims.
1,141 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2021
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I knew Donny was dirty but dang he was downright scandalous smh. Amber thought she was so smart but you can't slick a can of oil like Mr. Ransom😂 he was ten steps ahead of her every time.I knew Kiwi and Ransom were in love with each other, they depended on each other like a couple would do. Jigga and Kelly😂 crazy and crazier a perfect match!
46 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2021
Glad I ran across this book

I’ve been searching high and low for an author’s work to read through and I may have just found the perfect person. This book was okay, nothing spectacular but it was a good read and also funny. A quick exciting read. Hard to find an author who doesn’t make a toxic couple end game, so thumbs up for that.
Profile Image for Judith Sims.
927 reviews11 followers
April 2, 2021
Absolutely loved it!!!

I absolutely loved this one, I knew Donny was flawed and Ransom knew it too but he was in his own head too much. I knew they would get together eventually, I loved the relationship they all had. Jigga kept me in stitches. It wss hilarious and a tear jerker as well.
7 reviews
April 11, 2021
Confused wasn’t even the word for this book

Ummm first and foremost this book was childish ana dumb
Ransom was an ok dude the author tried why to hard for my liking I gave it 1 star because everything was so wrong lili dead but ransom ain’t even try and look for her when she got kidnapped took word of his father he so much hated
50 reviews
May 6, 2021
Good

That was a good story! I had a feeling Donny hating a@s was the one behind her disappearance! Why would you want your kids to suffer like that..just sick! Ransom & Kiwana (spellcheck 🤣) was definitely wrong for the way things played out, but Amber was just stupid if she ever thought that would work
1,914 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2021
Jigga

Jigga was a funny man. When I say I died laughing at that fool, that's what I mean. I cannot believe that father. Like really dude, you do that to your own child. Kiwi was wrong and so was the other woman. Ransom should have never crossed the line. Oh girl should have never tried to trap him. Man but this book was everything the doctor ordered.
224 reviews
February 20, 2021
Great book

Girl all your books be fire and funny but Im glade they finally got it together and his sister was still alive I kinda feel sorry for amber but she should of known better now we need an update o know his sister
Profile Image for Seleta.
16 reviews
February 20, 2021
Did it again

I loved me some kiwi and Ransom he was beyond stupid and the plot twist had me I was praying that nothing happens to his sister for real. Overall I enjoyed every minute of the book
Profile Image for De'Andra Washington.
380 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2021
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Latoya Nicole never disappoints... This book had me dfl... It was so good... I couldn't put it down... Donny was scum and got what ue deserves... Jigga is a damn fool... Ransome is bae with big 🥒 energy...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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