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HOLDING DOWN A BOSS

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Growing up in the system, Danyelle Blakey was no stranger to the struggle. Through constant mistreatment, she never really had anyone looking out for her, but she always looked towards Tico as her savior. Her hidden feelings for him didn’t make things easy for her, but she was determined to make him hers one day. After an unfortunate situation lands her in trouble with the law, she finds herself once again alone with no one to turn to.


From a young age, Mantico St. Lauren knew that he wanted to be on top, so he hit the ground running trying to prove himself. After one incident with the law, his dream of having it all is almost taken from him; however Danyelle comes through for him in a way he least expected.



After years of hustling and working his way from the bottom, he’s finally the King of Chicago. Not only does he have it all, but everything in his life was going perfect, until Danyelle returned. Trying to do right by her and maintain a relationship was not easy, and Danyelle’s anger towards him made it worse. A fatal incident brought them closer together, but now Tico had to make a choice.



Will he choose the girl that held him down, or the one he has grown to love?

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2022

185 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Latoya Nicole

111 books318 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
599 (82%)
4 stars
84 (11%)
3 stars
33 (4%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
Profile Image for Kema B..
Author 10 books230 followers
February 7, 2022
And the B stands for Best! I loved this book! It made me laugh until I cried, cry real tears and smile until my cheeks hurt. I will say Tico played in my girl’s face a bit but he grew up and loved my girl down but there was another love story here and my favorite part of this read which was the friendship between Kema and Dany. Kema was a real one and had Dany’s back for life. She was real, genuine and their friendship was so authentically written I felt like I knew them in real life. The author did an amazing job at tugging on our emotions with their friendship. Such a great read. PS I do hope Mink gets a story one day. 😊
Profile Image for jordana ᯓ✿.
44 reviews42 followers
March 28, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ (rounded up for GR)
this book simply did not deliver the way I thought it was going to, especially considering it got raving reviews 😵‍💫
Profile Image for Qiana.
350 reviews63 followers
March 8, 2022
Danyelle had a rough childhood, but her crush, Tico make her days better. When he finally notices her, she makes a life changing decision that changes the game for both of them. A few years later they reconnect and Dany can't wait to see if she can get things popping, but Tico isn't sure she's what he wants.

Whew... I'm so glad I enjoyed this book. It started off a bit different from the usual Latoya Nicole read. This book was funny, and she didn't overuse a bunch of jokes. It was hood and cute, all rolled up in one. I really enjoyed it!!
Profile Image for Sharon.
797 reviews48 followers
February 27, 2022
Laughs galore

Listen I swear i was crying and re-read the Uber scene like 5 times. I have no idea how Latoya Nicole comes up with this stuff. Make sure to go read this.
Profile Image for Latrica Spencer.
71 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2022
♥️♥️

I loved every bit of this book. I hate that happened to Kema though. Her and Mink would have had a story of their own. Great book
Profile Image for Lizzy Clark.
846 reviews28 followers
February 12, 2022
This right here😳👀...

Queen Latoya Nicole gonna come through with a hood love story, but she's gonna make she we get a good laugh as well. This read was a bit different from the others I read cause it started as a slow burn, that doesn't pick up until 35% in and that's why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Like I swear I told the bestie I was done after page 10, and again at page 28, but since this was her pick I kept going and I'm glad I did cause the craziness that transpired and the laughs had me in tears.
Dany & Kema went through hell in that group home with Miesha trifling abusive ho* a**, but no matter what they stuck together. They protected each other, strike food to make she they ate together, etc. Despite all the abuse and neglect, these two kept each others spirits up, they kept me laughing😂, they were true besties💕.
That motherfudgesicklestix Miesha😡! If a ain't Shi* ho* a** bit**was a person it'd be Miesha loose pu**y fake booty having a**🙄. She was the effing worst and got even worst when the became adults. What She did to Kema😡😡😡, that ol 🗑 a** bit** deserved EVERYTHING she got with her miserable a**.
Celeste too. I can't stand a stuck up bit** who's insecurities showed the moment she comes in contact with a thick madame or bbw as they call us. Just like the rest of them, all she could comment on was Dang weight🙄😔. She talked all that shi*to Dany, threw all that shade her way, kept coming for her every time she saw her, but couldn't throw them hands😂😂😂. Dany beat that a** good. She lied so much and them lies came back as her karma.
Now that dang Tico was a toxic motherfu**er. He gave a knew meaning to being an a**hole, but at the same time he had a heart of gold. Despite what others said, he looked out for Dany after realizing she was checking for him, and that she didn't want shi*from him but he friendship. That charge she took for him allowed him to be in the position to become King of the Chi. He whole pissed me off when she came home and didn't mention he had a girl until they met at his party. That shi* he pulled, set off a crazy chain of events. I was glad when he finally figured out who was for him and who wasn't. One thing he didn't play about was Dany💕
Profile Image for Danielle Vaughan.
654 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2024
Emotional

This book had me in tears, laughing and pissed off at the same time. Miesha was straight garbage. How could you do kids like that. Unfortunately, they’re som many foster homes and/or group homes that do the same thing, take the state’s money and abuse the kids. She got what was coming to her.

Dany (my name sake) and Mantico were cute together. But come on Dany, to take a charge. There are some women that would and I can’t knock them. With Dany, I understood. She was better off there than living with Miesha. I’m glad Mantico had her. I loved how the story blossomed.

Kema, a definition of a true friend. She and Dany held each other down, no matter what. I was crying like a baby the way her story went. You have to read it for yourself.

Great book and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Moon  Tip.
661 reviews9 followers
February 4, 2022
I enjoyed this standalone as the drama kept at a steady pace and kept me reading. This book is a prime example of don't judge a book by its cover. Dany and Kema were real true friends, I'm sorry she died. Miesha Miesha Miesha I wanted to jump through the book and beat her behind for treating her adopted kids that way, but she had just got her karma. This really happens in real life people adopt kids only to mistreat them. Dany took his charge and he left her high & dry, Tico should've known spending so many years in prison with only your best friend in your corner would do something to your mental. He was a sorry excuse of a man for that, A real man would've took his own charge. I'm glad they got it together tho.
932 reviews13 followers
March 12, 2022
This Book had me laughing out loud it was so good!!

Danyelle and Kema were thick as thieves and held each other down as true besties should. They both had a hard time in the group home especially dealing with Miesha’s trifling behind. I was glad that she got her karma in the end for all that she had done she definitely deserved it..

Tico was that ni**a and Dany had the biggest crush on him which turned into love. She saw something in him which was why she always came to his rescue when he was being a hothead and things got out of control. She did a bid for him which allowed him to elevate and become King of the city and in turn he made sure she was straight when she came home.
Their relationship was hella toxic but I am glad they eventually got it together.
441 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2022
OMG! So cute, so fye and dope. This was good

OMG… Danyelle was too extra but at the same time just right. This was a very hood hood story but not with all of the ratcheting and drama of all the extras. I love when the story truly stays focus on the two main characters without giving all of the supporting characters their own POV because truthfully it always feels like all the author is doing is filling up pages of irrelevant information.
Kema was the best Best one could have hope for and I am glad that Karma/Tico took care of all surrounding her. Speaking of Tico. Now that’s a character that I think needed some revamp or changes because he was just too a “wannabe” than a doer.
In any case y’all grab it, have patience and you will see it was a beautiful story.
Profile Image for Paula Milan.
1,291 reviews34 followers
February 2, 2022
Satisfied Reader

This author definitely writes good book. I loved Kema and Danyelle’s relationship. They held each other’s back no matter how bad the situation was and they shared the same love for food. Miesha was trash and deserved all the bad coming her way. You would’ve thought she got the memo the last time Tico made a visit. Tico was a breath of fresh air for Danyelle and he came at the right time. Celeste tried it but she didn’t do her homework and made sure to be unnoticed. I hate what happened to Dani’s Best but it showed her strength. Dani now have everything she deserves and more
2,072 reviews14 followers
February 9, 2022
Great standalone!

This book was well written, flowed well and had me laughing from beginning to end. The relationship between Dany and Kema was awesome. Even as kids, they always had each other’s back. Kema had her back until the very end and died protecting Dany. Miesa really tested my nerves and she got just what she deserved. Tito realized what a gem he had in Dany after she took a charge for him and they really became each other’s ride or die. Dany finally got the happily ever after that she deserved. Great job Latoya Nicole and I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about drama, romance and happy endings.
Profile Image for Tenika Glover.
793 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2022
That's The Way It's Suppose To Be!!

Danyelle and Kema was two-teas in a pod. They faces abuse together at the hands of that ding bat money hungry Miesha. Tico was their only save of grace. Dany did a bid for Tico. When she got out everything was different. Tico had a girl who was intimidated by Dany. Mink loved him some Kema. Manny tried to pull one over Tico. Celeste was trying to say she was the victim, saying they were shooting at her. Along it was Fin cousin that shot her. Celeste told Julio that Tico wanted her be to middle man. Miesha, Celeste got what they deserved They pregnant going to be married
874 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2022
❤❤

Man I love this author because she is sooo funny. All of her characters have snappy comebacks that have me laughing. Tico and Dany wasn't any different but adding Kema in only made it that much more funny. The girls are definitely friend goals because I know that is what my best friend would do for me and me for her. Tico had my girl going crazy but she survived and stated true to herself. She didn't change for him only let him know she was made for him by being by his side and holding him down.
Profile Image for Lisa Dukes.
901 reviews16 followers
February 3, 2022
Awesome Book🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This book was awesome from beginning to end. The bond that Dany and Kema had was more special and closer than blood. They had each through the good and the bad I hate what happened to Kema I loved her she was true to her word. Now the relationship between Tico and Dany was stronger than he wanted to admit but I glad they finally realized how much they loved each other. As always LaToya you never disappoint us. Keep up awesome work.💗
Profile Image for Tammie.
321 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2022
Holding Down A Boss

This was a really good book. Once i started it I had to keep reading to see what happened. I loved the best friends relationship & wished it could have turned out different but Kema was truly a real one. Dany was definitely my favorite and i dont know who I hated more between Celeste & Meisha. This book will definitely keep your attention from cover to cover. There were only about 2-3 grammar errors but it didnt take away from the story line.
22 reviews
February 7, 2022
Finished in one day

This was good. I enjoyed the full book without wanting to skip chapters and characters. In the beginning I was a little anxious about getting to the plot but I understand the author was starting with the back story. Dany was funny and I was thinking that she really didn’t have life experience and they were all young. I’m glad I read it. It’s not a series so no cliffhanger. She did a good job.
Profile Image for Kina M.
707 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2022
🥰🥰🥰

I’m not gone lie, I almost didn’t read the whole story. But I’m glad I did, it wasn’t too over the top with just enough drama to keep you entertained, but it started out slow asf lol. It’s been a long time since Latoya put out a book I liked. She wasn’t over the top with the jokes either it was just enough. The chemistry and love is what made this book worth it. I just wish she was able to keep Kema, I felt like I lost my bff 😂🤣😂😫😫😫
Profile Image for Jahari Dowdy.
871 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2022
I enjoyed this book 📕 and I just wanted Dany to win 🏆. She was such a lost soul but she loved ❤️Tico so fiercely with initially receiving little girl n return. That sacrifice was mind boggling but she let you know it was not for you to understand!!! I hate she lost Kema but BEST loved her!!! I am glad Tico finally got his self together enough to love here right. The kidnapping at bottle point in an Uber was hilarious 😂 😂😂!!!
Profile Image for BrittNee Chanel.
130 reviews35 followers
January 31, 2022
I love them 🥺😭

I’m so sad this is over Tico and Dany took us on such a journey this is probably my favorite book from this author. The storyline was so unique the days went from hard and sad to beautiful. The characters growth was amazing to watch. Dany was so rare even if Tico didn’t deserve her I couldn’t see her with anyone else 💕💓
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
3,994 reviews
February 1, 2022
did that

She mf did that! I said what I said! From the gate to the end! She gave it all to us laughs, cry’s, love& sex! Name it this book had it all! The crazy part is it wasn’t the funniness for me! It was their chemistry and the love and loyalty that these two had for each other! You can’t help but root for them! Like yesss sis manifest your man! Sensational
163 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2022
Great Book

Whew Chile when I tell you I shed a tear when Kema died. This was soooo good. I loved Danyelle and Mantico relationship. Sad to see their story end but it was a great standalone as always. After reading the beach scene that is no longer on my bucket list 😂💙💙💙💙💙⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Will City.
1,190 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2022
Mannnn

Why you always write these great standalone knowing we gonna want more they need a wedding story but Celeste got what she deserved lying like that I didn’t like her for he and Kema was a true friend she gave up her life to save her friend and I’m happy for Dany she waited until she got the man she always wanted I loved it
71 reviews
February 3, 2022
Loved this!!!

Latoya Nicole is my favorite author for a reason!!! I’m glad Tico got his stuff together because he was not about to have my girl Dany out here looking crazy!! Celest need an old school beat down for real!! I started this book at about 7pm, cooked dinner and did laundry but I couldn’t put my phone down!! Never disappointed with ANY of this authors work!!
Profile Image for Bkdoll.
583 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2022
unexpected surprise

Dany & Kema I loved their friendship they went through so much but had each other's back, Dany loved her some Tico and he just couldn't understand why she cared about him this was a great unexpected surprise from Latoya Nicole but I'm glad I was to receive it . I can't wait to see what you give us next.
Profile Image for Keisha Janee.
162 reviews
February 4, 2022
Laughs laughs and more laughs

Latoya Nicole never lets me down. The characters started out with horrible circumstances and yet they had these huge hilarious personalities. This book will definitely have you laughing from beginning to end. I loved the friendship between Dany and Kema. I felt like Emma was my best friend. Great read!
Profile Image for Tanya.
4 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2022
He loves me and he loves me not

The book was a page turner that had you hooked to the end .Tico and Dany feelings for each other was like a emotional rollercoaster. Yet at the end of day their hearts would not let them end the ride .My only pet pieve was Kema and Mink in wanting more of their story .
Profile Image for Aciandra.
537 reviews15 followers
February 6, 2022
This was a great storyline!

Make no mistakes, we all been young and dumb but Lil mama spoke her life into existence. Manifest in her life and all! It was sad she lost her Best! I laughed, cried and even got mad. I loved the men friendship also. I hope we can hear from them again bc even Tico parents were funny. Great read! You never disappoint me!
Profile Image for Roshanda Harris.
484 reviews
February 7, 2022
If I tell you that damn Kema had me laughing so hard @1:30 a.m

Hate that happened to a real one Kema was the best
Tico done finally got his peace
Them two together is a disaster waiting to happen they had my side hurting I was laughing so hard
Now Dany how you gone kidnap someone with a bottle girl you is a fool
Miesha got what she deserves
80 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2022
my heart

You did that ! I wish I could have a convo with Latoya in real life because her humor is unmatched😂You really had me crying and then dying laughing. These characters were something else, but everything made sense and flowed like it should. Definitely need some type of follow up story !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews

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