Dem Boyz From Da Bottom

by Diamond D. Johnson

Four brothers, Taliban, Tedman, Tremaine, and Taahid, better known as the Williams brothers. Taliban is thirty-one years old, but if you ask him, he’ll say that he feels like a man who has lived twice his lifetime. With a father serving a life sentence, and a mother strung out on drugs, Taliban had no choice but to step up and become the head of his family while still in high school. As a boy with grown man responsibilities, Taliban ran into issues with the law, which caused him to be in and out of the prison system. During his incarceration, Taliban’s brothers were forced to live with their aunt, where they endured things that the young men have never revealed. Tedman is twenty-five, and he’s the hothead brother. Tedman is reckless, and if someone doesn’t push him to do good, he’s bound to create a world of trouble. What caused Tedman to be this way? He takes medication for depression and anxiety, but a secret from his past may be the cause of his conditions. Will Tedman ever trust anyone enough to share his burdens and get the help he needs? Then, there’s Tremaine. Tremaine is seventeen years old, a senior in high school, and a star athlete on the football field. He has dreams of going to college and playing in the NFL, so he can take care of his family. His primary goal is to repay Taliban for all he’s sacrificed to raise him. Tremaine is a good kid, but he somehow gets himself wrapped up with the wrong person who just might turn his dream into a nightmare. Lastly, there is Taahid. Taahid is the baby at only fourteen years old. His father was sentenced to life in prison when Taahid was only two months old, and shortly after, his mother abandoned the family. He doesn’t remember ever having parents to protect and care for him. Taahid suffers from depression just like his older brother Tedman, but the only difference is that Taahid suffers in silence. Fearing that his family will not accept his truth, he fights his battles on his own until one day, it all becomes too much. Four brothers, with four different personalities, but they each share some of the same hurt. Then, there’s Sage Davis. Sage is the fiancée of famous Miami street king, Apollo. They share a beautiful daughter, but in the blink of an eye, Sage is left without her king, and their daughter is left fatherless. Sage is under the impression that she’s lost her everything. She thinks that she’s lost God’s greatest gift to a woman, but as the days go by, she learns that the person she spent the last ten years of her life with was someone she hardly even knew. What do you get when fate constantly brings together two people who are at completely different stages in life, status, and wealth? You get Taliban and Sage. Can it work, though? Can a man like Taliban, who has endured so much, really connect with a woman like Sage? Sage is forbidden fruit; her fiancé was street royalty in Miami, so she’s considered off limits. How can it ever work between the two? Just wait and see.

Genres: Urban

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2021

Reviews

[*Ebony I* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Williams' brothers strife

Wow....I have read too many books where the older brothers have had to take care of their siblings because the mother's are trash and the father's are dead or locked up. I'm starting to wonder how real this situation is. That said I felt connected to them all. Sweet Taahid broke my heart💔and I truly felt his pain. Teddy was a fool, but now I'm wondering what trauma he experienced to be so closed off. Young Tremaine had no idea what revenge really looks like to some of these trifling girls. Taliban....he was going through it, but that's a real man right there. Send me one asap. He stepped up and grinded towards his goals even when he was defeated. I hope things turn around for them soon.

Sn: I don't normally like reading books where the characters talk to the readers and there are so many voices, but I was definitely drawn in and the story has me hooked.

[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Was Good..

This book was so full of messiness that I don’t even know where to begin! I will say check the trigger warnings - this story does have some heavy topics.
Tahiid’s storyline really broke my heart. That baby was suffering silently and I hate that things went the way they did for him.
Taliban has done his best to care for his brothers in his parents’ absence but man, he has a lot on his shoulders not to mention a child of his own, a sorry behind baby mama, working two jobs, trying to finish school, and start a business.
There was so much drama, trauma, and betrayal in this book - I can’t wait to move on to the next one!

I will say some of the details in the book were a little repetitive especially in the beginning but it was page turner for me. A couple things were predictable but I was shocked on a few things too. I’m always here for the mess!

[Nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is messy just how I like it. Taliban is dealing with a lot after “losing” both his parents and taking care of his 3 bothers. My heart broke for Taahid, poor baby was just suffering. Sade about to lose her mind when he find out Apollos secret especially who having his baby. Tremaine should have known better. I hope that bxtch gets her for lying especially about a rape. I can’t wait to see Tailban and Sade fall for each other. Teddy know he love Celine.

Also Suki is fckn trash for giving up her son for a trash ass nxgga.

[Tanisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular, give me 42 of ‘em. When I tell you I ate this book up, I ATE THIS BOOK UP! This is my first book by Diamond D. Johnson so I didn’t know what to expect, but let me just say .. she didn’t disappoint me with this story.

Four brothers, Taliban, Teddy, Tremaine, and Taahid, the Williams brothers, all trying to cope with life and its daily struggles while suffering due losing both parents to drugs and a long term prison sentence.

Let’s talk about these brothers because I loved them all dearly:

Taliban - The older brother, that’s literally taking care of everything and everyone while trying to raise his son, work 2 jobs, and go to school to obtain his degree. Although Taliban was suffering heavily, I truly adored how hard this man went behind his brothers and his son. Everything about Taliban screamed that he was a man’s man.

Teddy - Whew! My 25 year-old hot head that wanted to be like in the streets like his daddy. Teddy was smart as hell, but instead of using his smarts for something good, he would rather be in the streets or messing with little girls. Now .. him and Celine .. I need to know what happens next! 👀

Tremaine - The football star. A senior in high school and on his way to going to college to make it to the big league. Now, although I loved him, he really pissed me off when he made that comment about Black girls. Now .. look at your stupid ass!

Taahid - MY FUCKING BABY! The quiet and shy baby brother. Taadhid’s story really broke my heart because at the end of the book we understood why he was so quiet. I really wish his story was different but I understood why his played out the way it did.

Now let’s talk about some of the side characters:

Sage - The finance of big time drug dealer Apollo who is now grieving the loss of him. I loved me some Sage because she was about her business. It pained me to find out that the people she trusted and loved the most were being so grimy behind her back.

Jordynn and Suki - These dirty ass h*es, I couldn’t stand them at all. Just disgusting in their own way.

Demetri - One word: delusional.

I’m ready for book 2 because sh*t is about to hit the fan! More importantly, I am so ready to see how things progress more between Taliban and Sage. 👀🥰

I enjoyed the first book throughly although some things were repetitive. All in all, the first book to this series was just what I needed to get me outta this slump.

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!!!!!! The drama, the mess and the chaos!! That’s it! That’s the review. Moving on to book 2!

[Jahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chaos in each person's life and the fact that this is only book 1—oh, Lord, let me sit down. The anguish and the turmoil the brothers are through is real. My heart ached for Taahid as he suffered silently. How your nigga died and is still causing trouble. Except for Sage and Celine, I'm side-eyeing every female character in this book

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ this was good af!

Just random thoughts:

I love Taliban so much.

Taahid😔

Ugh that ending!! Tremaine! I felt like that was gonna happen. I’m hurting real bad.

Teddy need to stop playing with my girl Celine.

I love Sage. And she deserves happiness.

Jordyn and Demetri gotta gooooo

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKKKK!!!!

Taliban is super bae! Suki is dick dumb & trash! Poor Taahid, my heart hurts for him. Teddy needs to grow up. Demetri is a real life snake! I knew Amber was going to do that! Germaine should've known better! Eli is a devil! Jordynn is trifling as hell. I like Celine. Sage is going to change Taliban life for the better.

[Jada Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow! I can’t wait for part 2!!! This was a page turner right out the gate. The book was definitely different from what the author usually write but it was good. You will definitely be on an emotional roller coaster from the beginning.

[Tunnion Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful

This book was so good. Talk about scandalous people in your circle. Sage had a few of those she called her friends.

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brotherly Love

I loved everything about this story, Taliban was the oldest out of 4 brothers and had to take on the responsibility of raising his 3 younger brothers Teddy, Tramaine, and Tahiid after their father was sentenced to life in prison and their mother walked out on them for drugs, Being the oldest Taliban did everything to make sure that his family was straight but some times everything is not enough.

Sage( sah-jae) is mourning the loss of her fiancee Apollo the biggest drug dealer in Miami, she's left to raise their daughter Iyanni, as time progress Sage find out things about Apollo that will question if she really knew him at all.

Great job!

[Rhonda Mitchell chatters · Rating 2 out of 5]

SMH!!!

This author is a beast with the pen but...this book. SMH!!! The plot is great but there is entirely too many descriptions. How someone looks, the clothes they are wearing, and what they are eating. Too many discussions with self and not enough conversations between the characters. It is a lot of unnecessary wording. This is the first time I could not give the author a 4-5 rating.

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥹

Lots of moving parts in this book but the storyline was well executed and I am interested in how it comes together. The secrets are slowly unraveling and some stuff is about to hit the fan! Taliban and Sage are my faves. My heart ached for Taahid and what happened to Tremaine could happen to any athlete. Good read !

[Qui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smh 💔

I felt like I could feel Tremaine's pain through that phone call to Taliban 😔, I also knew this was coming because as soon as she let those words roll off her tongue I knew he was in deep s*** with the Amber chick. Taliban really has the world on his shoulders I know that man needs a break from it all, which brings me to Sage they both have very strong feelings for each other, but have to take it very slow. Her so called bestfriend Jordyn I already can't stand because you were never Sira's friend in my eyes and you're pregnant smh. Apollo was a trip smh I can't wait until Sage finds out about everything including her deceitful so called bestfriend and Demetri because he's a snake. Great read.

[Simione Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!!

This book is so good!!! Now I got to be on edge waiting for the 2nd part. Taliban is going through it, bless him. It got to get better. Sage, Chile them secrets ain’t over. Jordynn know she should be ashamed and the way that’s gone hit Sage... whew. I’m really hoping Teddy get it together. And Tremaine, it is a shame but I definitely felt that outcome coming messing around with that girl. Should have listened, but I’m hoping she gets exposed. Heck, maybe Sage is going to be the one to help him.

[tracy gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless

This book but home for me you never know what a person is going through. I see things like this happen all the time. As a mother I always stay active in my kids life because you never know what can happen in the world today. I just pray everyday for my son and all the young black men who are out there killing each other. I'm gang because they say it's family and nobody cares for them. I pray in part two everything works out for the best and the school is held accountable for him committing suicide.

[J-maa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I must say, I'm impressed. My heart goes out to all the brothers 🥺each story was so touching, especially my baby Taahid.

The only thing l'll say is that almost every shocking turning point was predictable. I spent most of the book waiting for my predictions to come to fruition, and they all did. However, it didn't take away from the enjoyability of the story, so that's definitely a plus.

SB: no offense to my girl Sage, but I hope they don't recruit her as the lawyer for any of Taliban's issues with all these cases she be losing

[La'Porchia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bundle of emotions!

Whew! This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions! This is by far one of your best books yet! I love how complex the characters were and it was refreshing to see that you can change it up from time to time and not always write about characters who are dealing drugs! I loved all of the brothers so much but Taliban’s heart for his family makes you want to keep reading more about him. I can’t wait for Part 2! Great job! You have proven once again that you’re one of the illest writers in the game!

[Nadia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber ain’t no Rose!!!!

My heart breaks for Taliban, he cannot seem to catch a break. Taahid, whew I felt his pain.Now Tremaine is finding out the hard way about loving those white girls(his words) because they weren’t ghetto. Poor Sage all these skeletons coming out about Appollo, I wonder what will happen when she finds out about Jordyn’s secret. Demetri is definitely cold blooded, with a friend like him who needs enemies..

[Mznicki Ervin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read.

This book had me in tears! Bullying can most definitely cause someone to commit suicide. Baby boy didn’t think he could talk to anyone or that they would judge him. Taliban was an amazing person. I loved how he cared for his family. Sage learned some things and will continue to learn more but the one secret that hasn’t been revealed is going to truly hurt her heart. Can’t wait until book two.

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

review

This series was an emotional roller coaster. The author discussed or featured very heavy emotional topics. It was suicide, molestation, abandonment,, drugs and mention of rape. Well this was Vastly different from her other works of fiction, it held an equally important role. It not only entertained but educated readers. Unfortunately the characters will be relatable to a lot of us in many ways and I hope they will also serve as a lesson for those who are not in similar situations to be aware of in those who aren’t a part of their lives.

[Mya Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it says I took a long time to read it but in actuality I had stopped reading this book until just now.
WHEW !
So much going on.
My heart is broken but I must find out what happened to my boys I’ll be back!

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This book took me through so many emotions. The lies, deceit, drama and family relationships were well written. Taliban was a stand up guy who always spoke positivity to his brothers and son. Jordyn and Demetri were snakes and gave new meaning to the word friend and I can’t wait to see them get what they deserve. I’m rooting for Taliban and Sage’s friendship/relationship. This book has a lot of triggers and I would recommend that you view them before reading. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read book two.

[Eriel Lawson (YT: eriellawson) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to give it about 3.5, it was really good and messy . Some parts were a little predictable but I still really enjoyed it . I would say one thing that was difficult for me is that it seemed like a lot of details were kind of constantly being reiterated. For instance we already knew from the beginning that Suki and Taliban were an item but there was a moment later on where Suki stated “I know Tablian because he was my man” . It was just reoccurring instances like those that seemed liked page fillers and not important . All in all I enjoyed the first book and will continue the series!

[Ashley Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Triggered

Man I did not expect to cry as much as I did reading this book. But the talk of suicide hit too close to home. This book is nothing but trauma dumping and it was a lot to take in.
But I got through it and will read the next book in this series.
It’s not shocking that the white girl lied….its been going on for decades.
Also it was a little repetitive especially with the descriptions. Everybody has light brown eyes.
Anyway 3.5 stars onto the next read.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is a lot

Okay, this story was a lot to grasp in one reading. It's gritty, very sad, and emotionally charged. The brothers had more problems than young men should have had to deal with at such a young age. Sage was a breath of fresh air. I need this story to have a happier ever after.

[Arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

WARNING: MILD SPOILERS

This book was a decent read. It had a lot of heavy themes that can be triggering, so definitely check the trigger warnings beforehand.

My favorite character was the oldest brother, Taliban. He was going through it the most, just trying to do all he could to provide a better life for his son and brothers.

My least favorite was Teddy. His character reminds me of Orin from Who Do You Luv, and I don’t like him either. I thought he was childish and selfish, and he really needed to get it together. I didn’t like how aggressive his character was—it’s not cute!

What happened with Taahid was absolutely heartbreaking, especially at such a young age. It makes me wonder just how many people, especially young ones, are suffering in silence like that. It’s truly heartbreaking.

Honestly, there was so much outside drama going on in this book that I found myself more interested in that than the actual relationship between the main characters, Sage and Taliban. And that’s a first, because I’m usually more drawn to the romance.

Sage is a decent character, but that so-called “best friend” of hers is downright diabolical and foul. I need her to get what’s coming to her!

[Jazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this book is easily going down to as one of my top 5 reads of the year, When I say that the storytelling and the character development is easily top tier it is. I love when authors can make all of the characters have a back story and most of all let them be able to tell their stories in a way where it is not going to drag now I must say that when it comes to Demetri and Jordynn those two are the worst friends to have they are the definition of a backdoor. Now when it comes down to the Williams brother's they are top tier i just say that tablian I have to take my hat off to him because when it comes to being the oldest sibling they have to take on so much so for him to have to raise his brothers because they parents wasn't around was heart breaking; Now what really was heart breaking was taadiah wasn't expecting his ending to go the way it did. Now as for Tremaine he had to learn the hard truth about his ex girlfriend in a major way. Now when it comes to teddy he have to work on his emotion and communication in a better way other then that it was a really great story.

[jennifer williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamond

Great read I love this book no lie I can’t wait for part 2. I couldn’t believe that Taahid killed his self but I totally understand how he felt. I just wished that he would have told his brothers what happened to him though. Taliban was a great brother to them and I loved him for stepping up to take care of them. I wish Termaine would have messed with that girl I hope that he doesn’t lose his football career all because of a lie because he didn’t want to deal with her anymore. Tedman was something else though I just hope that him and Celine makes it though. I like Taliban and Sage relationship. Suki was a piece of work she got on my nerves leaving her son for Eli. I couldn’t believe that Applo got Jordynn pregnant and she scared to tell her best friend Sage smh. Demetri needs to go I don’t like him because he’s really a snake and was really jealous of Applo and Sage relationship so you kill him.

[Tarro Stokes-Funches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Strings!!!!
Taliban, Teddy, Tremaine, and Taahid Williams, OMG my heart goes out to all of them. Taliban, you are most definitely the man of the year!! I hope he and Sage are able to help each other heal and know real love. Teddy, you need to get it together before Celine ends up with her neighbor. Tremaine, boy a hard head makes a soft behind! I need for you to listen and stop thinking you are grown. Lord, Taahid, I just wanted to hold him and tell him I love and accept him. This book had me crying real life tears, it pulled on my heart in so many ways and in so many directions. It hit real life issues that's happening everyday. Suki, a dummy!!!! no words for her. Demetri and Jordynn are snakes! Jordynn how are you going to take Sage to you doctor's appointments knowing you are pregnant by her deceased fiance. Great Job Diamond!!!!!!