California Connection

California Connection

by Chunichi Knott

Jewel is young and beautiful, and with several hustles under her belt, she's all about making money. This doesn't leave much time for friends, but she'll always make time for Touch, the local hustler. He's been her friend since grammar school, when they made a lifelong pact to look out for each other. Lucky for them, their promise has never been put to the test—until now. When Michael Burroughs arrives on the scene from L.A., he floods the East Coast with top-notch product, and quickly earns his title as the California Connection—Calico for short. He's also a smooth brotha with a knack for getting whatever he wants out of women then tossing them to the side. When he meets Jewel, sparks fly, and things quickly spin out of control. Touch knows how Calico operates and doesn't want to watch his friend get used and abused. Little does he know, he doesn't have to worry about her, because Jewel has a few tricks of her own. When Calico shows his true colors, Jewel knows just how to get revenge. Will her plans backfire, or will she be the last woman standing?

Genres: Urban, African American

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

Since the release of her 2004 debut novel A Gangster’s Girl, Essence Magazine best selling author Chunichi Knott has gone on to pen three additional best selling novels, Married To The Game, The Naked Truth and Return of A Gangster’s Girl.
With more than a half of a million books in print and on the heels of her fifth novel, California Connection, Chunichi’s talent as a writer, combined with her consistent and successful track record speaks for itself.
In addition to her hard work and relentless drive, Chunichi’s rise to the top of the literary world can easily be attributed to the fact that she has lived through the same fast lifestyle of sex, money, drugs, cars, and designer clothes, that she writes about in her books.
The former quiet southern girl from Alabama had her life transformed when she moved to Virginia Beach in her late teens. Dubbed the Urban Diva of literature because of her striking beauty, Chunichi’s stunning looks and Scorpio sex appeal was evident since her teenage years. And she instantly became a magnet for attracting ballers who elevated her social status while introducing her to an intoxicating high-end lifestyle.
That lifestyle transformed the sexy seductress into a gun toting Bonnie who was trained to fire. Chunichi’s fast paced lifestyle soon began to mimic that of a vixen and it included stints as a highly sought after local celebrity as well as her being the spoiled female darling of several NBA and NFL athletes.
Consequently as Chunichi matured, she decided to make a change in the way she was living. Never forgetting her past but making sure to leave the fast life behind, Chunichi went on to pursue and attain her degree in Nursing, while simultaneously putting her real life experiences on paper.
Now a reserved, mysterious beauty, the Urban Diva moves like anthrax, killing the literary scene with books that are sure to keep her on top of the major best seller’s list for years to come.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! gritty storyline with some very interesting characters..well written (paperback!)

[Erica L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the story of this book. It was a page turner. One day though, I want to read an urban fiction book that talks about "I got this outfit at this black business on such and such street. All of this D&G, assorted label talk means to me is "Look what rich designer I made richer today!" UGH. Not impressed by that kinda information, But all that aside, I LOVED THE BOOK!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jewel is a trip and bestie is a grimy trick who needs to get hers. Will eventually finish book two. Prefer audio because don’t have time sit and hold a book lately.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I downloaded this book awhile ago but had yet to read it now I'm kinda disappointed that I waited so long. This was definitely good omw to read part 2

[Dre J · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s something about urban movies or literature that kinds of sucks you in. I enjoy the Walter Mosley’s of our literature, but I can still enjoy a good “hood” novel or film. Kind of a guilty pleasure. This story actually was pretty good and makes me want to read the next two. It’s chapters is divided into characters speaking and it really kept my attention. It’s nothing I can relate to (gold diggers, drugs, etc.) but the main character Jewel kind of makes you like her for some reason. It was vividly written where I can actually pick people I see playing these characters. A lot of deception and greed and lies. A little naughtiness too so stay away if it’s not your thing. But overall a decent one for that genre of books.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from this author and I can't wait to read California Connections 2 to see what happens next. I was hooked from the very beginning and with a cliffhanger ending like this book ended with, it left me wanting more of Jewel, Touch, Sasha and Calico. Their story is far from over and the grittier their story is the more I love it. Nothing is off limits when it comes to this group of characters and I'm excited to see how things play out. This was a page turner and I would definitely recommend it.

[Sweetie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading A Gangster’s Girl SAGA...I fell in love with Chunichi...But I was kinda disappointed with this book...I didn’t connect with any of the characters...and it took me to get more than halfway through this book to figure out where it was going...The whole time I was reading...I was waiting for something big to happen and nothing did until the last page...Hopefully this was just a build up to a lot of action in part two...I will continue reading the series because I know what Chunichi is capable of...This book was just okay...Nothing special.

[Lanesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the PLOT of this book. I loved the DRAMA as well, very entertaining. I also loved the GASPING moments within this book. However, I did not like the WAY it was written. The writing style was to mediocre. The plot was extremely interesting though; It makes me want to read the sequel, especially after the ending.

[S. Reid]

I read this book back in the early 2000's when going to Books A Million/Barnes & Noble/B. Dalton's/Waldenbooks stores to check out books was cool & fun.
I can't say that I liked or disliked this book or series but what I will say of the characters Jewel & Touch is I admired their friendship when it had been strictly platonic that is.

[Nikki Brookins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! To me at first it started out slow but it soon picked up. I can’t wait to start on the second book. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone and tell them what’s going on in this book. I recommend it’s a great read!

[Ellen Rothenberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first time in what seems forever that I didn’t finish a book. I don’t mind gritty or foul language but this read like porn. Gratuitous everything! I understand what it was portraying but if that’s thug lifestyle I must be too naive to appreciate it.

[Anna Mullings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel a bit up and down about the naration of this book.it started off a bit regular regular for me but it started to build up I think it's okay not too bad but not too good either. it's very ranchy so if you don't like that this book might not be for you.

[Page Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. I love the way this author thinks and how she intertwines everyone's connection. I also like how her characters (at least from the books I have read) know characters from her other series. These are believably written people too. Good book.

[Kendra Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good and had a great storyline. Everyone was jealous of everyone in this book. Everyone is trying to make money but trying to get over on others to do so. I can't wait to read the 2nd book.

[Karina F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. Love the descriptive language and imagery. Although majority of the book was predictable, it did leave me wanting to read the other books in the series to find out what happens to the main characters.

[FrannyNell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love This Book. Kept me on the edge every turn. I recommend this book to all my friends.

[Keya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

[Donna Henry-Hernández · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like

[Michelle]

enjoyed

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great listen! Jewel and Touch. Ready to move on to Book 2 to hear what happens next!!!

[Terissa Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful action and twist throughout the entire book

[Lesa Divine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say at first this book was a little slow I was waiting for some action to get started but, then half way into the book it starts getting all into the good ole stuff.

This book had jealousy, greedy and back stabbing going on.

Jewel she is that type of female that can mak it on her own but, she also uses men at her time of need when it came to money. Her friend Sasha is also her lover every now and then they get down but, Jewel tend to talk crazy to Sasha by telling her what she need to do or by bragging about what she all have.

Touch is Jewel best friend that keeps his eyes on Jewel and helps her when she needs it. Touch also have somethings going own with her girl friend and he drama kids mom that just don't want to let him go for nothing. Touch is a drug dealer selling drugs and going in with his friend Calico but, he also setting Calico up on the side.

Calico is a drug dealer that just uses women by throwing money at them then moving in with them and using there house as the spot then he is out the door.

Calico started getting with Jewel and Touch wasn't liking that Jewel was letting her guard down with Calico.

Sasha decied to pull a sheisty move on Jewel trying to live her in the dust but, it all back fires on her and then Sasha decides to do something crazier.

Overall good book can't wait to California Connections 2 come out want to find out what else going to happen. :)

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay listen-the description of the characters didn't really match with how they were presented. soooo hmmm I'll only give random observations of the primary characters.

jewel came across as a simple minded braggart for 95% of the book. A far cry from the gangtress she called herself at one point. We never saw evidence of her gaming men,.except for calico sending her 3k. However, that was not her gaming him that was him gaming her to use her and her place to do what he needed.

Sasha was simple and desperate. This was displayed perfectly with the 100K scenario. You get a 100K and all you are going to do his buy material things and not add to it. She still didn't realize the hatred she put on Jewel was her on self-hatred of lack of hustle.

Calico-He's not the "boss" that he was portrayed to be. He's the "supplier" in Cali and VA?But 150K has you in a drought. If I read/hear supplier, I think millions or damn near close to that amount. Maybe that's just me.

Touch-a laidback guy with the heart of a savage. hmm didn't see it, but maybe that'll come out in book 2. The books end definitely didn't help show him as that with his wanting to boast about his come up with Jewel.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book- can't wait to get to the sequel. I have no idea what Chunichi is going to do with it but I'm excited to find out! I read this in less than a day because I got so into the story and wanted to know what was happening next.
Touch and Jewel are awesome characters and the ending shook me. I wasn't expecting that at all until the last few pages, and not even fully at that time.
Sasha and Calico are the best type of characters for the positions they played too. I hated both of them but it would have been hard to make them any better for their roles.
I love a simple story from a great author- a great author can make a simple story about everyday life far better than a average author with an outrageous story.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading California Connection. Just imagine having a friend of the opposite sex. You get along perfect, never have any issues and sparks have never flew. That is the relationship that Jewel and Touch have. BFF's.

Touch is very protective of Jewel. Jewel is one of those girls who has her owns and is a hustler who knows how to use men to get the extra things she wants. She meets the California Connection - Calico who is touches acquaintance who give her the things she wants spoils her rotten.

Touch is not happy with the relationship with Jewel and Calico and in so many words expresses how he feels. If you read you'll find out if Jewel heads his warnings or not.

***Good Read. I want more.

[Ginnie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it 4.5 stars.

This book started out slow at first, but I guess it was all for the good. This book was filled with jealousy, deceit, lies, and backstabbing all in one reading. It was a great story and the characters are also great. I really enjoyed Jewels character and the way she is as a woman. The best thing is that she's a Scorpio and I am one too and Chunichi portrayed Scorpio attitude very well :)

[Chnatel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was a page turner,once each character part was explain then it got good i cant believe sasha turned on the only person that truly lookedmout for her greed is crazy but she also was taught that by jewel so i guess what goes around comes around. i cant wait to read part 2 it only took me two days to read it in between two jobs this is a must read

[Shanae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't learn much from this book at all...it was an OK read for this urban lit genre...my sister loves Chunichi's books, but I'm not that big of a fan. I read this after her recommendation, but it didn't move me at all.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book. Jewel and Touch are the ideal couple. Jealousy is a bitch. Sasha claimed to love Jewel but yet was so jealous of her and her riches that she shot her on New Years. Got to get into book 2 now!!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took a bunch of different turns which kept it interesting and kept me guessing. I was surprised at the ending but not sure I want to read the 2nd or 3rd book. I am curious what happens to Jewel so I guess I'll have to read them lol