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The Branch Avenue Boys #1
In These Streets
BOOK 1 of the Branch Avenue Boys seriesThey beat the odds and turned their lives around. But now three best friends will go head-to-head with ambition, deception--and each other . . . Derrick. Ricky. Jamal. One's responsible; one's still a player; one's upwardly-mobile. Sentenced to the Branch Avenue Boys' Youth Institute at twelve, they grabbed the chance for better futures. They stayed tight even when their lives diverged--but the times . . . they are a-changing. New deputy mayor Jamal is anti-corruption, which means severing ties with Ricky, now a "criminally-adjacent" businessman. But political power plays and unrequited love will lead Jamal to a lethal choice . . . Ricky doesn't mind running a front for DC's biggest drug dealer, but when he pursues a sexy customer at his strip club and discovers she's a cop, any wrong move could end Ricky's good times permanently . . . Now the Institute's new leader, Derrick is torn between his job and his fiancée, Melissa. But when a cute new instructor who supports him and his mission arrives, he wonders if he should leave Melissa behind, not the Institute. However, this dilemma is nothing compared to a problem brewing right under his nose, and the fallout will strike at the heart of the three friends' bond--and put more than their survival on the line . . . Praise for Lust & Loyalty "Ellis has created another phenomenal novel." --RT Book Reviews "The secrets, scandals, and surprises will keep fans turning at a furious pace." --Booklist
- GenresFiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2018
27 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Ellis
16 books379 followersShelly Ellis is a NAACP Image Award-nominated women's fiction/romance author and creator of the Gibbons Gold Digger and Chesterton Scandal series. Her fiction writing career began when she became one of four finalists in a First-Time Writers Contest when she was 19 years old. The prize was a publishing contract and having her first short-story romance appear in an anthology. She has since published ten novels and was a finalist for 2015 NAACP Image Award in the Literary Fiction Category, a three-time finalist for the African American Literary Award in the romance category (2012, 2016, and 2017), and a finalist for the 2015 RT Reviewers' Choice Award in Multicultural Romance category.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 15, 2018
In These Streets (A Branch Avenue Boys Novel) is gritty urban novel from author, Shelly Ellis. The novel follows three men who met as boys and have maintained a close friendship well into adulthood. They are as different as they are alike. The novel is told from the alternating viewpoints of each man, but is easy to follow, since the chapters are named for the men.
Derrick, Ricky and Jamal met as boys at the Branch Avenue Boys Institute, where they had each been sent for delinquent behavior. Derrick followed in the footsteps of his mentor, the father of his fiancée, and is now director of the Boys Institute. Ricky, a restaurant and strip club owner with a questionable partner, finds himself falling for a cop who enlists his help in locating her sister. Jamal, a newly appointed deputy mayor, has a forbidden love interest. Complications and circumstances lead the men to a crossroads in their relationship. Their careers and personal relationships are seemingly leading them in different directions. Can they save their friendship?
In These Streets is very well-written. The characters are completely developed. The plot is compelling. Drama, intrigue and betrayal are all woven into the tapestry of a book that grabbed my attention at the beginning and held it until the very end. In fact, the ending left me wanting more. I’ll definitely be reading the next novel in this series. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Derrick, Ricky and Jamal met as boys at the Branch Avenue Boys Institute, where they had each been sent for delinquent behavior. Derrick followed in the footsteps of his mentor, the father of his fiancée, and is now director of the Boys Institute. Ricky, a restaurant and strip club owner with a questionable partner, finds himself falling for a cop who enlists his help in locating her sister. Jamal, a newly appointed deputy mayor, has a forbidden love interest. Complications and circumstances lead the men to a crossroads in their relationship. Their careers and personal relationships are seemingly leading them in different directions. Can they save their friendship?
In These Streets is very well-written. The characters are completely developed. The plot is compelling. Drama, intrigue and betrayal are all woven into the tapestry of a book that grabbed my attention at the beginning and held it until the very end. In fact, the ending left me wanting more. I’ll definitely be reading the next novel in this series. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
December 28, 2018
Ok so listen. I have been waiting for this book to hit Netgalley for months on months, so as soon as I downloaded it, I put my face in it! I was mad because I was out of town for work and I couldn't just steal away and devour this drama filled, captivating, entertaining story of three boys turned men who've had no one else to count on but each other... until now. I wish I could review this without giving away major plot points but I TRULY don't want to ruin this story for anyone, so I'm going to give it the old college try.
The foundation storyline is gripping all by itself. "Pretty Ricky", "Sinclair" aka Jamal and Derrick all met at the Branch Avenue Boys home way back in the day. Since they were 12, they'd been taking up for each other, supporting each other, but now, as adults, the trio seem to be growing and changing, listening to voices that are louder than their homeboys. The conversation and familiarity between the three is obvious, easy going and evident. These men are brothers, the kind you choose.
Each of them have their own storyline that propels the book forward, generating interest and intrigue with every chapter. As the men try to break away from each other and remove the bonds that held them since they were 12, the stories begin to intertwine, ratcheting the level of drama. Just when something got hot for Ricky, Jamal's life would heat up, and then Derrick, who seemed to be the most stable of all, had a blowup.
Toss in the trappings of a life that, in their own ways and for their own reasons, they're trying to leave behind, plus the women who seem to want to "rescue" them, and In These Streets is quick-but-packed read about three men who learn that sometimes you can't count on anyone but those who've known you the longest and the best.
I am already poised for book two, because in true Shelly Ellis form, this book leaves you wanting more, more, more!
Grab some popcorn and a drank and sit down with this book... you won't want to stop until the end!
The foundation storyline is gripping all by itself. "Pretty Ricky", "Sinclair" aka Jamal and Derrick all met at the Branch Avenue Boys home way back in the day. Since they were 12, they'd been taking up for each other, supporting each other, but now, as adults, the trio seem to be growing and changing, listening to voices that are louder than their homeboys. The conversation and familiarity between the three is obvious, easy going and evident. These men are brothers, the kind you choose.
Each of them have their own storyline that propels the book forward, generating interest and intrigue with every chapter. As the men try to break away from each other and remove the bonds that held them since they were 12, the stories begin to intertwine, ratcheting the level of drama. Just when something got hot for Ricky, Jamal's life would heat up, and then Derrick, who seemed to be the most stable of all, had a blowup.
Toss in the trappings of a life that, in their own ways and for their own reasons, they're trying to leave behind, plus the women who seem to want to "rescue" them, and In These Streets is quick-but-packed read about three men who learn that sometimes you can't count on anyone but those who've known you the longest and the best.
I am already poised for book two, because in true Shelly Ellis form, this book leaves you wanting more, more, more!
Grab some popcorn and a drank and sit down with this book... you won't want to stop until the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2018
This one is worth every bit of it's 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
“BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN IS A GOOD WOMAN” … WHAT SAY YOU DERRICK, RICKY AND JAMAL?"
“IN THESE STREETS” is a well written tale of three young men that find their life of destruction diverted by the Branch Avenue Institute for Boys. It is here that the three forge a bond that remain into adulthood, even though they take different career paths. The cover had me opening the first page, but the story kept me turning the pages.
Derrick decides his passion is to give back and provide hope to those families that find themselves in unsavory situations. Noble idea, right? It is the very decision that brings his character into question and lands him torn between two women.
Ricky aka Pretty Ricky is his own man and provides us with the most suspense and entertain in this story. His stent in the institute didn’t completely strip him of his street mentality. The fabric of his character teetered the line of legal and illegal. When he sets out to live the straight and narrow he finds himself excepting assistance with his startup from the neighborhood kingpin (Dolla Dolla). Things begin to shake up when he lets a woman in and it has him questioning his decisions. Spite his upbringing and view on women, he falls hard and fast. Will this be enough to keep her from taking him down or will she validate his views?
Jamal, in my opinion never really found his way, living in the shadows of others. The very woman that had him on top of the world is the very one that cut him down like a tree and had him questioning his moral compass. Will this have him joining the likes of those he despises to save face and his popularity>
This is book one in the Branch Avenue Boys series and spite of the author leaving us with questions, which I am sure will be answered in the other installments I enjoyed these characters and their stories and would definitely recommend to anyone who love stories of hope and second chances.
“BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN IS A GOOD WOMAN” … WHAT SAY YOU DERRICK, RICKY AND JAMAL?"
“IN THESE STREETS” is a well written tale of three young men that find their life of destruction diverted by the Branch Avenue Institute for Boys. It is here that the three forge a bond that remain into adulthood, even though they take different career paths. The cover had me opening the first page, but the story kept me turning the pages.
Derrick decides his passion is to give back and provide hope to those families that find themselves in unsavory situations. Noble idea, right? It is the very decision that brings his character into question and lands him torn between two women.
Ricky aka Pretty Ricky is his own man and provides us with the most suspense and entertain in this story. His stent in the institute didn’t completely strip him of his street mentality. The fabric of his character teetered the line of legal and illegal. When he sets out to live the straight and narrow he finds himself excepting assistance with his startup from the neighborhood kingpin (Dolla Dolla). Things begin to shake up when he lets a woman in and it has him questioning his decisions. Spite his upbringing and view on women, he falls hard and fast. Will this be enough to keep her from taking him down or will she validate his views?
Jamal, in my opinion never really found his way, living in the shadows of others. The very woman that had him on top of the world is the very one that cut him down like a tree and had him questioning his moral compass. Will this have him joining the likes of those he despises to save face and his popularity>
This is book one in the Branch Avenue Boys series and spite of the author leaving us with questions, which I am sure will be answered in the other installments I enjoyed these characters and their stories and would definitely recommend to anyone who love stories of hope and second chances.
July 2, 2020
Just Okay...
Good characters and an interesting storyline, but... Something is missing. Maybe the next two books will flesh everything out. Make the tale a little more robust. All in all a good beginning with enough potential to make a commitment to book number two.
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Good characters and an interesting storyline, but... Something is missing. Maybe the next two books will flesh everything out. Make the tale a little more robust. All in all a good beginning with enough potential to make a commitment to book number two.
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
November 27, 2018
I don't often read urban fiction but the premise for this one grabbed my attention with its 'Power' vibe and I had to read it. I'm so glad I did.
This book follows three friends Derrick, Ricky and Jamal who became friend when they were sent to the Branch Avenue Boys Institute as delinquent boys. In the time since then their friendship have remained strong. But how far will it last?
Derrick is how the Director of the Institute and engaged to the daughter of his mentor, the former director. His fiancee doesn't share his passion for the Institute and temptation presents itself to him.
Ricky's business affiliation has him straddling the fine line between the law and criminals and when he gets involved with a female cop, he might put everything on the line.
Jamal is also on the rise as the newly appointed deputy mayor but an illicit affair might cost him everything.
This was a page-turner of a story. It couldn't stop reading. It had drama and suspense and well developed characters. Such an easy book to recommend. 4.5 Lovebites
This book follows three friends Derrick, Ricky and Jamal who became friend when they were sent to the Branch Avenue Boys Institute as delinquent boys. In the time since then their friendship have remained strong. But how far will it last?
Derrick is how the Director of the Institute and engaged to the daughter of his mentor, the former director. His fiancee doesn't share his passion for the Institute and temptation presents itself to him.
Ricky's business affiliation has him straddling the fine line between the law and criminals and when he gets involved with a female cop, he might put everything on the line.
Jamal is also on the rise as the newly appointed deputy mayor but an illicit affair might cost him everything.
This was a page-turner of a story. It couldn't stop reading. It had drama and suspense and well developed characters. Such an easy book to recommend. 4.5 Lovebites
November 17, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley, Dafina and Shelly Ellis for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.
In These Streets centers around Derrick, Ricky and Jamal. The 3 friends had a tough life growing up. Each guy has achieved various levels of success in their life, some legal and some not.
The book explores male friendships, their relationships with significant others, careers choices, moral choices and more. I really liked that the author explored the multidimensional character of each person. No one is perfect. Each person’s reasoning, behind their actions, was explained so you understood them even if you didn’t agree with their choices. I also enjoyed the diverse representation. Also a gay male black character is in the book, which isn’t always talked about. I was really invested in the stories and enjoyed reading them.
However, some of the romantic relationships were unfaithful. And you know me, I’m not a fan of that. But mostly, people are good human beings.
Overall, a very enjoyable and in depth read. Loved the character exploration and development. Highly recommend!
In These Streets centers around Derrick, Ricky and Jamal. The 3 friends had a tough life growing up. Each guy has achieved various levels of success in their life, some legal and some not.
The book explores male friendships, their relationships with significant others, careers choices, moral choices and more. I really liked that the author explored the multidimensional character of each person. No one is perfect. Each person’s reasoning, behind their actions, was explained so you understood them even if you didn’t agree with their choices. I also enjoyed the diverse representation. Also a gay male black character is in the book, which isn’t always talked about. I was really invested in the stories and enjoyed reading them.
However, some of the romantic relationships were unfaithful. And you know me, I’m not a fan of that. But mostly, people are good human beings.
Overall, a very enjoyable and in depth read. Loved the character exploration and development. Highly recommend!
September 26, 2018
Does one past stay with them always. Derrick uses his past to help other boys as he was helped. Ricky and Jamal try to remove themselves from their past, especially Jamal but realize aspects of their past is always with them. Ricky tries to me legitimate. Jamal was legitimate. Ricky's business partner pulls him down. Jamal realizes , if you can't beat them, join them.
In the end, a woman seems to influence what happens to them. Derrick is confused or torn by 2 women. Ricky is brought down by a woman and Jamal lets a woman's pushing and later another's rejection push him to join them.
Can't wait to read the next installment.
In the end, a woman seems to influence what happens to them. Derrick is confused or torn by 2 women. Ricky is brought down by a woman and Jamal lets a woman's pushing and later another's rejection push him to join them.
Can't wait to read the next installment.
December 13, 2018
Shelly Ellis has done it again, she has wrote another 5 star book in my opinion, these three guys grew up together and are starting to grow apart since they all now are leading totally different lives. This was different from other books since it was more urban than the others but I quite enjoyed it. I knew this was part of a series but I never would have imagined that end. Patiently waiting on the next installment.
December 3, 2018
"In These Street" is about three friends, Derrick, Jamal, and Ricky, who met and became close while they were sentenced to the Branch Avenue Boys’ Youth Institute. As adults they are all on different successful paths, and still managed to stay close. That is until certain people entered their lives. Things start to change, secrets come out, relationships get tested, and some relationships end. This read is definitely filled with suspense and lots of drama.
I enjoyed this read. It is so hard to write a review without giving away too much so I will say this...
I think the author did a great job on the first installment to this book series. It started off somewhat strong. It kept me interested and I think the characters were described very well. In my opinion, the title fits with only some of the characters in the book. It wasn’t based on the streets entirely which was very refreshing for me. So far, I don’t have a favorite character as of yet. I believe that will change as I read on. There were definitely some characters that had me in my feelings, and as usual I have so many questions that I’m sure will be answered in the next book. I can’t wait to get to the next one!
I enjoyed this read. It is so hard to write a review without giving away too much so I will say this...
I think the author did a great job on the first installment to this book series. It started off somewhat strong. It kept me interested and I think the characters were described very well. In my opinion, the title fits with only some of the characters in the book. It wasn’t based on the streets entirely which was very refreshing for me. So far, I don’t have a favorite character as of yet. I believe that will change as I read on. There were definitely some characters that had me in my feelings, and as usual I have so many questions that I’m sure will be answered in the next book. I can’t wait to get to the next one!
November 27, 2018
It's not surprising that I enjoyed this book. The author tends to take you on an emotional roller coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The characters were well developed, and there were a couple of people that I wanted to knock into the year 2050 they pissed me off so much, especially Bridget AKA Becky. I was through with that something or other. I did not want this story to end. While I enjoyed seeing the growth of the three friends, Ricky's growth was probably the most emotional and shocking. I was not expecting that ending, and I can't wait for the next book in the series
Thanks to Net Galley, Shelly Ellis, Honey Magnolia PR and Kensington for an ARC of this book.
Thanks to Net Galley, Shelly Ellis, Honey Magnolia PR and Kensington for an ARC of this book.
October 16, 2018
I love how,you brought these guys together. One is a assistance to the mayor, one a street thug and other trying to save other like them. I love how one fail for a cop ,one fail a woman that want frames and other one have issues about here parents. I cam wait to see how all this play out. Derrick feel like the close to his fiancee father is calling his relationship to fall a part, Rickey fall for cop tired to help her and he get burned and Jamal been black mail and the king ping run the whole thing . Can wait to see what happened to them next. Love this book. Keep writing your stories are getting better and better.(:
October 11, 2018
No sure what i was expecting but this turned out to be a very good read. I found myself keep rushing back to it at every opportunity.
The story is about 3 black men who have been through school and grown up together Jamal Derrick & Ricky. The chapters are named after each man making it easy to follow the story.
Ricky part owns a nightclub with local kingpin Dolla Dolla. He meets up with Simone who is a cop whose sister Skylar is being held by dolla dolla. He feels close to her because his sister died many years ago and doesn't want the same to happen to Skylar.
Derrick is in charge of an institute for boys he is struggling with his relationship with Melissa, they argue all of the time. Then Morgan is interviewed by him for a job in the woodwork class and she seems to soothe his damaged life.
Jamal is deputy mayor, who discovers mayor Johnson is a dodgy character. Jamal's girlfriend Bridget is above herself and tries to reinvent him, she asks him to separate himself from Ricky & Derrick as they are not the sort of people she feels he should be associating with, she also encourages him to use his middle name Sinclair as it sounds better than Jamal.
It is an easy to follow story and i really enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity.
The story is about 3 black men who have been through school and grown up together Jamal Derrick & Ricky. The chapters are named after each man making it easy to follow the story.
Ricky part owns a nightclub with local kingpin Dolla Dolla. He meets up with Simone who is a cop whose sister Skylar is being held by dolla dolla. He feels close to her because his sister died many years ago and doesn't want the same to happen to Skylar.
Derrick is in charge of an institute for boys he is struggling with his relationship with Melissa, they argue all of the time. Then Morgan is interviewed by him for a job in the woodwork class and she seems to soothe his damaged life.
Jamal is deputy mayor, who discovers mayor Johnson is a dodgy character. Jamal's girlfriend Bridget is above herself and tries to reinvent him, she asks him to separate himself from Ricky & Derrick as they are not the sort of people she feels he should be associating with, she also encourages him to use his middle name Sinclair as it sounds better than Jamal.
It is an easy to follow story and i really enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity.
September 12, 2018
Amazing read! It's hard to review without giving away to many spoilers! All I will say is that the drama, lies, secrets and loyalty being tested is turned way up in this novel! Shelly, really came through with a different twist for her readers this time! This was a page turner for real. My emotions ran from anger, sadness, laughter- everything in between! Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this jaw dropping book! Great job Mrs. Ellis!
December 15, 2018
GRIPPING tale of three long time best friends Derrick Ricky and Jamal who are journeying on different paths in their lives...yet somehow their lives still intertwine w/one another to a certain degree...even though one wants to sever those ties completely because of his career and his uppity girlfriend...a real gritty and intriguing drama...I can’t wait for the next book in this series. KUDOS on another page-turning drama Ms. Ellis!
January 12, 2019
I first spotted this book as part of a blog spotlight and was intrigued after reading the blurb and excerpt. Three guys who met while working off a petty crimes rap at an institute become fast friends and more like brothers. Fast forward to adulthood when lives, dreams, relationships, and choices complicate things pretty fast.
This was my first venture into Urban fiction and I found the suspense, drama, and colorful descriptions of this huge cast of characters sometimes frustrating, but also riveting when I was flippling pages fast to see what happened next. The story shifts POV review between Derrick, Ricky, and Jamal. I won't pretend to like the three guys equally or like any of them all the time. The author wrote them as flawed men. I think I was really cheering for Ricky the most once he began to really try to grow, but he was super entangled with a street gangster who isn't going to let Ricky's changes interfere with his power and profits.
Now, the entanglements with women left my head spinning. First of all, Bridget? Yeah, Jamal needed to deep six her quick. I couldn't stand her from the first encounter and that never changed, but, then again, Jamal was no prize the way things were headed. And, Derrick, getting himself stuck between loving two different women? Not a fan of the love triangles and this one's a true one. He's dangling two good women though Melissa had a wild hair up her nose because she's afraid Derrick will turn into her father putting the Institute before all else.
But what had me gnashing my teeth was the cliffie. Thank goodness there is a book two. Lots of things were left dangling on purpose, but they weren't startling and are slow build stuff, but that cliffie reveal is a game-changer with repercussions for all the guys and more.
Whew, this was emotional and exciting. I enjoyed the author's writing and the beginning of this series. Those who want flawed characters, dramatic relationships, and an urban storyscape should give this one a go.
This was my first venture into Urban fiction and I found the suspense, drama, and colorful descriptions of this huge cast of characters sometimes frustrating, but also riveting when I was flippling pages fast to see what happened next. The story shifts POV review between Derrick, Ricky, and Jamal. I won't pretend to like the three guys equally or like any of them all the time. The author wrote them as flawed men. I think I was really cheering for Ricky the most once he began to really try to grow, but he was super entangled with a street gangster who isn't going to let Ricky's changes interfere with his power and profits.
Now, the entanglements with women left my head spinning. First of all, Bridget? Yeah, Jamal needed to deep six her quick. I couldn't stand her from the first encounter and that never changed, but, then again, Jamal was no prize the way things were headed. And, Derrick, getting himself stuck between loving two different women? Not a fan of the love triangles and this one's a true one. He's dangling two good women though Melissa had a wild hair up her nose because she's afraid Derrick will turn into her father putting the Institute before all else.
But what had me gnashing my teeth was the cliffie. Thank goodness there is a book two. Lots of things were left dangling on purpose, but they weren't startling and are slow build stuff, but that cliffie reveal is a game-changer with repercussions for all the guys and more.
Whew, this was emotional and exciting. I enjoyed the author's writing and the beginning of this series. Those who want flawed characters, dramatic relationships, and an urban storyscape should give this one a go.
June 12, 2019
In These Streets is about three friends being tested by temptation, deception and ambition, which is a recipe for some good reading.
This Urban fiction book has drama and suspense with well-developed characters in intense situations. Derrick, Ricky and Jamal bring different dynamics to the story, which kept me turning the pages. The characters relationships and interactions with others made me question their intentions until I made it to the third act of the book.
Ricky brings suspense with his close calls and business decisions. Derrick brings drama with the issues he's having at his job and at home, which causes him to make hard decisions. Jamal's character irritated me the most because he wasn't being true to himself, but when you are on a career path and have people whispering in your ear, you have to face things sooner or later. When these friends finally choose to change their paths I was not prepared for the consequences.
Once again Shelly Ellis shares an intriguing story with powerful characters you can't help wanting to know. The ended of this book will have readers emailing the author to find out when book two will be available, I know am.
*This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.
ARBC Reviews
5 Stars= Non-stop Page Turner
This Urban fiction book has drama and suspense with well-developed characters in intense situations. Derrick, Ricky and Jamal bring different dynamics to the story, which kept me turning the pages. The characters relationships and interactions with others made me question their intentions until I made it to the third act of the book.
Ricky brings suspense with his close calls and business decisions. Derrick brings drama with the issues he's having at his job and at home, which causes him to make hard decisions. Jamal's character irritated me the most because he wasn't being true to himself, but when you are on a career path and have people whispering in your ear, you have to face things sooner or later. When these friends finally choose to change their paths I was not prepared for the consequences.
Once again Shelly Ellis shares an intriguing story with powerful characters you can't help wanting to know. The ended of this book will have readers emailing the author to find out when book two will be available, I know am.
*This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.
ARBC Reviews
5 Stars= Non-stop Page Turner
March 14, 2022
Upon reading this book in the beginning the author introduces these characters in the book. The major males in this book, start off as good friends from childhood. All three of the friends are into different businesses and have a lover or a partner.
I found this book to be little slow and very hard to keep my attention. I laid it down a few times, because I became bored with it. I finally finished it because things stated to get interesting, especially with love interests, police raids and cocaine stashing in legitimate businesses. I wasn't going to go on to the next book in this series until all of the friends started to have negative things happen to them in different ways. On to the next book in this series.
I found this book to be little slow and very hard to keep my attention. I laid it down a few times, because I became bored with it. I finally finished it because things stated to get interesting, especially with love interests, police raids and cocaine stashing in legitimate businesses. I wasn't going to go on to the next book in this series until all of the friends started to have negative things happen to them in different ways. On to the next book in this series.
July 2, 2019
This book shows why I don't like people. Really this was a good book though. Like I was mad that the book was finished. I enjoyed listening to this book. I feel like I know the people in this one.
September 11, 2019
In These Streets Bk 1[They beat the odds and turned their lives around. But now three best friends will go head-to-head with ambition, deception--and each other . . . Derrick (responsible one). Ricky (still a player) and Jamal (the upwardly-mobile one). Sentenced to the Branch Avenue Boys' Youth Institute at twelve, they grabbed the chance for better futures. They stayed tight even when their lives diverged--but the times . . . they are a-changing. New (deputy mayor) Jamal Sinclair Lighty is anti-corruption, which means severing ties with Ricky Reynaud, now a "criminally-adjacent" businessman with a strip club and restaurant. But political power plays and unrequited love will lead Jamal to a lethal choice . . . Ricky doesn't mind running a front for DC's biggest drug dealer Dolla Dolla, but when he pursues a sexy customer at his strip club and discovers she's a cop, Simone Fuller, any wrong move could end Ricky's good times permanently . . . Now the Institute's new leader, Derrick Miller is torn between his job and his fiancée, Melissa. But when a cute new instructor, Morgan Owens, carpentry instructor, who supports him and his mission arrives, he wonders if he should leave Melissa Stone behind, not the Institute. However, this dilemma is nothing compared to a problem brewing right under his nose, and the fallout will strike at the heart of the three friends' bond--and put more than their survival on the line . . .]
pissed that that you’re required to read the next book in order to find out the conclusions; hence the rating
pissed that that you’re required to read the next book in order to find out the conclusions; hence the rating
June 14, 2022
Shelly Ellis is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. This is my third novel by her and she has yet to leave me disappointed. “In the Streets” was a good read and I really enjoyed reading it! I seriously couldn’t not put it down. The book is about three friends, Ricky, Jamal, and Derrick who me at the age of 12 at the Boys Institute. As grown men, they each took different career paths.
Derrick is now the director of the boys institute and is engaged to Melissa (the daughter of the former director of the institute). They are having problems as she doesn’t support him working at the institute. When he meets Morgan (a teacher at the institute) who shows him attention, he started to question his relationships with Melissa and is now torn between the two women.
Ricky, is an owner of a restaurant and part-owner of a strip club with King Pin (Dolla Dolla). A player, he meet a cop, and quickly fell in love with her, risking his life to help her find her younger sister that’s his partner, Dolla Dolla) has turn trick.
Jamal a political career and the mayor’s assistant. Desperate to make something of himself and move up in the world, he cut ties with his friends because he feels their lifestyle won’t look good for his career.
Lies, secrets, deceit…are all within the pages of this book. It will make you laugh, angers you and piss you off! A great read. Highly recommends this book and Shelly Ellis as sn author to look up!
Derrick is now the director of the boys institute and is engaged to Melissa (the daughter of the former director of the institute). They are having problems as she doesn’t support him working at the institute. When he meets Morgan (a teacher at the institute) who shows him attention, he started to question his relationships with Melissa and is now torn between the two women.
Ricky, is an owner of a restaurant and part-owner of a strip club with King Pin (Dolla Dolla). A player, he meet a cop, and quickly fell in love with her, risking his life to help her find her younger sister that’s his partner, Dolla Dolla) has turn trick.
Jamal a political career and the mayor’s assistant. Desperate to make something of himself and move up in the world, he cut ties with his friends because he feels their lifestyle won’t look good for his career.
Lies, secrets, deceit…are all within the pages of this book. It will make you laugh, angers you and piss you off! A great read. Highly recommends this book and Shelly Ellis as sn author to look up!
January 23, 2019
Just when you try to better yourself and leave your old life behind, you find out you need your old life to progress in your future.
You cant lose yourself trying to help others.
You never know another person's true intentions.
Sometimes you have to be such a friend that you allow your friends to live their life and figure it out, even if it hurts you. You have to allow them to grow.
Great story and with the synopsis, it is way more than you actually expect.
When reading, dig deeper, you might learn something.
This was a page turner and you really wanna know what's next.
You cant lose yourself trying to help others.
You never know another person's true intentions.
Sometimes you have to be such a friend that you allow your friends to live their life and figure it out, even if it hurts you. You have to allow them to grow.
Great story and with the synopsis, it is way more than you actually expect.
When reading, dig deeper, you might learn something.
This was a page turner and you really wanna know what's next.
March 23, 2019
Don’t get me wrong I love Shelly Ellis’ writing but I just couldn’t get into this book. I would say it’s more my fault, I lean toward romance books and really enjoyed another one of her books so I decided to pick up this one but I just couldn’t get into the plot and all the names and nick names had me annoyed and I didn’t see the plot going anywhere so I decided to DNF- however really good writing and a solid idea of each of the characters.
April 17, 2020
Behavioral issues brought them together at the age of 12 to the Branch Avenue Institute but friendship, trust, and brotherhood stayed with them through adulthood. Now, at the age of 30, life seems to be hitting them all differently and will take a toll, not only on their bond, but also their relationships and career choices. This was a good read. It pulls you in from the start and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Moving on to book 2!
January 2, 2019
Come on Part 2!!! The author knocked this beginning to a series out of the park. Good character development due to outstanding writing. Very smooth read, easy to follow. The ending is OMG!!!! Highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not effect my opinion of this book nor my review.
January 20, 2019
Very good read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The characters were easy to follow and the story flowed smoothly. There were no grammatical errors. I can't wait for part 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The characters were easy to follow and the story flowed smoothly. There were no grammatical errors. I can't wait for part 2.
July 12, 2019
Three friend find themselves growing up from kids to grown men. When their careers take different paths will they still hold on to their friendship?
This was a very slow read for me with some shocking moments.The cliff hanger will have me continue on to part 2.
This was a very slow read for me with some shocking moments.The cliff hanger will have me continue on to part 2.
October 7, 2019
Let down at the end! It seemed unfinished. There was no closure and I was left wondering what happened at the end. I was very disappointed because I didn't realize this was book 1 in the series. Now that I know, I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
January 11, 2019
Hated the ending, solid read nevertheless. Part 2?!
May 3, 2019
This was a great read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 18, 2019
This book was awesome; I listened to this on audio and the narrator made these characters come to life especially Ricky who is my favorite character and bae. Loved it.
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