Should've Chose Me

by Octavia Grant

Have you ever had a friend that was more envious of you, than proud of you? Why not just cut that friend off? Well, because that would be to easy, and easy is not fun. As the old cliche goes, "If I can't have you know one will". This couldn't be more true as Kelli attempts to rid her best friend Symone of everything she loves, just to settle an old debt that Symone is not even aware exist. Kelli made it her business to become Symone's best friend as teenagers, simply because she knew a secret that no one, except the original parties involved, knew about. Now nearly 20 years later, "Operation Destroy Symone", is well under way. Will Kelli succeed in destroying Symone, or will her hard work backfire?

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2017

About the author

Octavia Grant discovered her passion for creative writing in 2002 during her junior year at Georgetown High School in Georgetown, South Carolina. She began writing professionally in 2016 and, two years later, took full ownership of her literary career by becoming an independent author. A bestselling black thriller author and the bestselling author of Cutthroat, Octavia has penned more than 30 novels known for their psychological depth and gripping suspense.
Her work and voice have earned national recognition, including speaking on the Thrilling Tales Author Panel at ESSENCE Fest, Thriller Panelist at National Book Club Conference (NBCC), interview with Narrator iiKane, literary reviewer and film commentator Tamara Walker of Tam Telling Tales, and features in WYB Lifestyle, VoyageJacksonville, Canvas Rebel, and Bold Journey. She has also been honored as one of 160 Black Women in Horror and received multiple accolades for her psychological thriller novella Dear Vicky, including the Black Girls Who Write It’s Lit Award for Best Black Mystery/Suspense, the Audio in Black North Star Award, and the AAMBC Award for Mystery/Thriller Book of the Year.
In addition to these achievements, Octavia has been named Best Thriller/Suspense Horror Author by the Literary Gem Awards and Best Female Author by the Get Caught Up Podcast. Her storytelling continues to push boundaries within the thriller genre, centering bold narratives that captivate, challenge, and resonate with readers worldwide.

Reviews

[Tip Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man o man this book was so doggone good I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to hop right into the next one. Kelli is out to air all dirty laundry and the only way she knows how is to hurt the one man who hurt her. When its all said and done all hell breaks loose leaving a path of pain, tears and destruction behind. What will happen next.........on to book two.

[Denise Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was crazy from the beginning. Kelli intention from the beginning was unknown but you knew she was definitely jealous of her best friend Symone. My thing is this if you wanna hurt her you did a damn good job about it. Kelli is one miserable person and her karma will come for her. I really feel sorry for Symone to have to hear all of that on her engagement party poor little tink tink...

[Nene Nene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love

Secrets, betrayals what more could make this book great. This book had so much twist and turn that I thought I would break my damn neck. The author did such a great job with this book that I have to read part to. Kelli was a messy girl, regardless of what happened in the past you shouldn’t hurt someone you claim to say is your best friend. Symone I wonder what you gonna do, being down that road where the person you trust the most is the most trifling person. Messing around with your man. Emory boy you messed up big time. Part 2 here I come.

[Latiqua Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Alerts

The moment Kelli talked to Symone's mother when they first met I knew she was Symone's sister. She was so hell bent on revenge that she had no problem with hurting the one that genuinely loved her. I feel so bad for Symone and Clarice. Emory should have dismissed Kelli and just be honest with Symone. Ion care if she blackmailed him or not, he crossed the line. His secret wasn't worth more than the woman that loved him.

[Daniella Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This was a good story. I was able to follow along, but one word of advice besides spelling and grammar editing: separate your story to ensure the readers are reading past thoughts and present events. Maybe an extra space or two. Also, maybe some dates/time lines will help as you are developing your characters.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes the reader on a twisted tale of sex, lying, love, friendship, betrayal, heartache and oh my God what a surprise twist of an ending. The book is easy to read and flows smoothly from the first to the last page. I am very interested in finding out what kinds of twisted ideas the author has in mind for book 2. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn Kelli

With friends like these you don’t need enemies...my
grandmothers always said what goes on in the dark always comes to the light. The secrets that were released caught me totally of guard.

The story development was a tad slow and the reflections of the past were at times awkward. However the story was a page turner.

[Pat Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I never understand how people can hold grudges for so long and hurt people they supposedly love in order to exact revenge. Obviously Kelli needed counseling. Symone missed the signs during all that girl talk. And men that just don't want to do right - ugh!
Great read! Is there a follow up? That ending suggested more. Wouldn't mind reading about the fallout.

[Mickeeta Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

This book was good but I kept getting thrown off by the editing issues. To and Too are two different words and they were used incorrectly throughout the entire book. I really enjoyed the twist at the end tho.

[Teannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a little more.

this read was basically introducing the characters and their life story to what lead them up to where they are in their present time. can’t wait to read the second one

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Should've Chose Me

WOW!!!!!!
That was awesome. I didn't predict that ending. I figured Dr. Woody was Kelis father. But blackmail, her carnal sex life, and to completely devastate those who tried to look out for you😳. WOW!!!!
There has to be more.

[Page Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was juicy and the build up to the ending was exactly as salacious at it was plotted to be. Ooowee these characters are flawed and I love how the author gave you an in depth character background that allows the reader to understand why each of them behave how they do. Good read

[Peggy Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am at a loss for words. This is a page turner!!

My God!!! This book kept me mesmerized throughout that I read this in one sitting. The main characters and their issues and plots were awesome. I hope there is a part two.

[bridgette acevedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg

This chick is that crazy, she knows her best friend is really her sister and since she didn't life the life her best friend did she wants to ruin her life

[Mrs.Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

I was able to follow the book and it held my interest. I will be reading part 2 because i would kike to know how it ends...

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book

Omg what a great read. What a page turner. Kelli was crazy as hell and needed to be shot down

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cra Cra

Obsessed and jealous to the tenth degree is how I can best describe Kelli. You can't help who you love but she took things way too far...but I don't feel sorry for Emory

[Carla Hamlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow

This was a very good book i enjoyed it from start to end. I look forward to reading more from this author

[Diana Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Wow it was sad for symone but it is what it is. Kelli needs to get it together idk whyyy

[Timeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read. Character flow was interesting and pieced together.

[Nedra N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

The book was very well written that left you with wanting more of the same. I can't wait to read the sequel.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

Love hurts love cure love make you mind blowing thing to ur self and love ones but it all comes to love is lovely I enjoyed this book

[Nancy Lipscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

drama,drama,drama

No words until I complete the second book. its horrible how life can put you in a bad head space. FOR LIFE!!!

[Paulette Scott-Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I really enjoy this book I couldn't stop reading it...the ending is not what you expect...read the book it's a page turner...

[Latonia Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn!!!

This story came together so well. I knew Kelli was going to spill the beans but I wasn't expecting that ending. What happens next.

[Keisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Nicely done. Went looking for the next part of the story. I want to know what happens next with these characters. I need more.

[Olivia Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is tea!!!!!!

[Azua Zü · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelli Haverty is definitely CRAZY and the product of her environment. She is really is her own worst enemy. Simone didn’t deserve what happened to bee especially how Kelli! Simone treated Kelli with so much respect and love! Simone tried to give Kelli grace, love, and friendship even when Kelli betrayed her in the worst ways possible! Simone continues to get punished and betrayed because other people’s actions. This whole family was MESSY especially the elder adults. The “men” in this book were truly selfish, disrespectful, and a huge victim complex!

[Anna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I Can Say Is Wow!

I figured out early on why Kelli was so jealous of Symone. I hate that she had be so vindictive towards Symone to get her point across. I loved this book; and, I'm praying there's a second part to it!

[Felicia Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chose me

Great read I was shocked of the things and situations in this book clearly jealously is not a good thing and revenge isn't always​ sweet.