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Where There's Smoke #1
Where There's Smoke
In the beginning, there was a drug dealer named Smoke, and Breanne Phillips was one of his most faithful customers. She was smoking crack cocaine to block out an existence she wanted to escape from. Smoke was just money-hungry enough to take her cash—and anything else she had to offer—in exchange for the magic rocks he had. It was a mutually satisfying arrangement, one he forgot about as soon as he got out of the game, dropped the nickname Smoke and started answering to the name Alec.
Fast forward sixteen years, and Breanne Phillips is back in his life. These days, she's a businesswoman who goes by the name of Anne. She's dragging a sixteen-year-old hoodlum behind her, claiming Alec is the boy's father and demanding that he straighten out their son. And as if dealing with an unwelcome ghost from his past isn't enough, his son is mixed up in the kind of foolishness Alec is all too familiar with, which means he'll have to step in and rearrange some things. A door opens, and Smoke is suddenly back on the scene, ready to put some heads to bed, including Anne's. After that, he'll deal with the son he never knew he had.
Fast forward sixteen years, and Breanne Phillips is back in his life. These days, she's a businesswoman who goes by the name of Anne. She's dragging a sixteen-year-old hoodlum behind her, claiming Alec is the boy's father and demanding that he straighten out their son. And as if dealing with an unwelcome ghost from his past isn't enough, his son is mixed up in the kind of foolishness Alec is all too familiar with, which means he'll have to step in and rearrange some things. A door opens, and Smoke is suddenly back on the scene, ready to put some heads to bed, including Anne's. After that, he'll deal with the son he never knew he had.
326 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
1052 people want to read
About the author
Terra Little
15 books105 followersTerra Little debuted on the literary scene in 2008, with the national re-release of her self-published novel, Running from Mercy. Since then, she continues to do exactly what she set out to do - craft well-written stories that resonate with readers and provide the ultimate escape. Her work has been critically acclaimed by numerous literary venues, including The Romantic Times, Kirkus Reviews, The San Francisco Book Review, and Fresh Fiction; and in 2009, Terra's second novel, Where There's Smoke, was named a 2009 Best Book by Library Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 6, 2013
I will be honest, I was highly surprised in this book, thinking that it was going to be just another "hood tale",not at all what I expected but I loved it ! I thought the story line was original, and I loved the characters, although Anne DID get on my nerves too. The story dragged out a little bit but it made up by picking back up towards the end. On the back of the book, it makes it sound as if something more devasting or dangerous, besides the secret love child, is coming back to get Alec, when it was nothing...really, besides learning of Isaiah.... My favorite line was somewhere in the beginning when Smoke first met his son and he yoked him up for getting disrespectful "just on GP". I thought the sh*t was so funny. Having the story told through each of them, Anne, Alec & Isaiah made the book even more enjoyable. I would have liked the ending if it had continued more and not just cut off the way that it did. Searching right now to see if there is a sequel... :-D
July 24, 2009
Where There’s Smoke is not only captivating...but author Terra Little makes you want to be in the pages. I am so going to miss these characters. The story line was a fresh breathe because this is not your typical romance novel. It is street, urban, love, soulful, and all that and more. Little writes about a man who discovers he has a son after sixteen years, and so not the typical stereo type of black men not taking care of their kids, the author depicts a life that seems to be on cloud nine. The man becomes the father he never knew he wanted to be and in the mist finds love in the person he least expects it. I could nto put this book down. From page one this book had me. I feel like I am back in the zone with good reads now, because this book was FIRE!...I am adding Terra Little to my list of favorite authors.
Tamika Newhouse
AAMBC Reviewer
Tamika Newhouse
AAMBC Reviewer
January 11, 2009
Time Changes Things
Today, looking at Anne Phillips it's hard to believe that she's a former crackheard. Sixteen years ago, drugs were her only friend. That was until she found out she was pregnant by the local drug dealer with whom she traded sex for drugs. Now the mother of a sixteen-year-old that is smelling himself, Anne does something she thought she'd never do - look to her past for help. At wit's end, Anne contacts the father of her child, Smoke, via child support court in the hopes that he's a changed man and can prevent their son - a son he has no knowledge of - from making the bad choices they both did.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE is a solid read carried by good writing, You root for the characters as Little has made their emotions and struggles tangible. You can probably guess how the novel will end, but Little makes the reading enjoyable.
Reviewed by: Toni
Today, looking at Anne Phillips it's hard to believe that she's a former crackheard. Sixteen years ago, drugs were her only friend. That was until she found out she was pregnant by the local drug dealer with whom she traded sex for drugs. Now the mother of a sixteen-year-old that is smelling himself, Anne does something she thought she'd never do - look to her past for help. At wit's end, Anne contacts the father of her child, Smoke, via child support court in the hopes that he's a changed man and can prevent their son - a son he has no knowledge of - from making the bad choices they both did.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE is a solid read carried by good writing, You root for the characters as Little has made their emotions and struggles tangible. You can probably guess how the novel will end, but Little makes the reading enjoyable.
Reviewed by: Toni
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December 3, 2010this book is about a ex drug dealer named smoke gets one of his costermers pregnant and she was a laughing stoke. she moves and has the baby ,she never planned on telling smoke she was pregnant she planned on taking care of the baby by herself. this plans doesnt work when admir turns 16 and gwets out of control so she fills for child suport. she really whants smoke to play his part in admirs life. he comes from inda and gets involed in the kids life but on the way admir is hesitant becouse this man who clams is his father hasnt beein around for all 16 years if his life is his dad but what he doesnt no wont hurt him his mom thought.
i like this book its interstaning and diffrent from the books i am used to reading
i like this book its interstaning and diffrent from the books i am used to reading
August 28, 2012
Good book
July 24, 2014
One of the best books I've read in a while! I fell in love with the characters and I really connected with each of them. The dialogue was perfect .
April 2, 2020
Well, Isiah just found out who his dad is and he is happy to have family so open and willing to accept him. One thing for sure is you DON'T mess with people's children. SMOKE, the dad, is well out the streets and into sum legit money making as a math teacher. Don't confuse it cause when his newly found child is in danger; off to the streets he goes! Well, I want spoil it all.You will just have to read it.
As for the performance I have two stars only because sounded boring at first. The voices sounded alike. Wasn't enough enthusiasm,but that's my opinion.
As for the performance I have two stars only because sounded boring at first. The voices sounded alike. Wasn't enough enthusiasm,but that's my opinion.
January 12, 2023
This book had me so happy! Read the entire thing less than a day because I simply couldn't put it down. A great story about addiction, redemption, love and looking forward the future. Anne and Smoke are truly remarkable characters and I wish them the best in the future. Very excited to see what Terra Little has included in the sequel.
May 27, 2022
I don't usually like to read urban books, BUT THIS. my comfort read of all time. The way I inhaled this book. I loved the different point of view and I loved the storyline.. some of the character were a bit insufferable but I still enjoyed Alec and Anne. oh And Zayyyyy. I loved how real this situation could be. I loved how vulnerable Isaiah was able to be. He's a black teen so of course its going to be hard expressing how he feels, but I thought it was so important on how he really missed and wanted his father in his life. I loved his character development.
August 30, 2016
Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover!
That saying rings true, especially when it comes to this title. From the cover, I automatically assumed this novel will be like an other street fiction novel that I'd read in the past. I thought less of it to the point that I've been sleeping on it for the past three or four years. What a grave mistake, and I'm glad I finally woke the hell up. "When There's Smoke" was a breath of fresh air of me. It was a contemporary romance novel with a hint of street elements (but not really) which made into a GREAT read. I haven't been able to say this lately, but I fell in love with the characters. The subtle jabs between Smoke (Alec) and Anne were extremely cute. I found myself smiling throughout most of the book and not wanting it to end.
If Terra Little's other novels compare to this one or turns out to be better, she will have a committed fan in me. I can't wait to read the sequel to this installment.
That saying rings true, especially when it comes to this title. From the cover, I automatically assumed this novel will be like an other street fiction novel that I'd read in the past. I thought less of it to the point that I've been sleeping on it for the past three or four years. What a grave mistake, and I'm glad I finally woke the hell up. "When There's Smoke" was a breath of fresh air of me. It was a contemporary romance novel with a hint of street elements (but not really) which made into a GREAT read. I haven't been able to say this lately, but I fell in love with the characters. The subtle jabs between Smoke (Alec) and Anne were extremely cute. I found myself smiling throughout most of the book and not wanting it to end.
If Terra Little's other novels compare to this one or turns out to be better, she will have a committed fan in me. I can't wait to read the sequel to this installment.
March 21, 2009
I was given a copy of this book by the author (through goodreads) to read. I normally wouldn't pick up a book like this from the bookstore to read, but I read the story line and it sounded good.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I liked how the author developed and created depth in each of the characters. They drew me in until I found myself rooting for each of them. There are several sexually graphic scenes, but they were in line with the characters of the book.
I can see this book being turned into a good movie with the right scripting, actors, and director.
Now I want to read Running from Mercy by the same author.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I liked how the author developed and created depth in each of the characters. They drew me in until I found myself rooting for each of them. There are several sexually graphic scenes, but they were in line with the characters of the book.
I can see this book being turned into a good movie with the right scripting, actors, and director.
Now I want to read Running from Mercy by the same author.
February 15, 2009
Author Terra Little's Where There's Smoke has an excellent story line that's fast paced and driven by her witty wordplay. The story is told in the voice of each character adding depth and excellent character development. Each character is believable and readers will not only relate to each character but root for them as they attempt to overcome their pasts and prevent their son from making the same mistakes.
June 12, 2012
I had this book sitting on my shelf forever....my Kindle was down and I finally decided to dust it off and read it! Why did I wait so long to pick read it....SMH! I was pleasantly surprised by the book, it was nothing that I expected it to be. I instantly feel in love with these characters, from page 1 I was hooked and I didn't want to let go. I SUUPPPPEERRR LOVE SMOKE and I am so looking forward to reading part 2!!!!!!
June 12, 2012
While this book was an interesting read, but I liked her other book "Running from Mercy" much better. This book had a rougher story line, which wasn't bad in itself, but sometimes it felt like it was trying too hard. Also, if I heard about Anne not wearing a bra one more time, I was going to scream. It was sort of annoying and pointless.
June 25, 2009
This book was funny and I loved it, it was what I needed after reading the darkest child, I recommend this book to anyone who knows how hard life is and after making bad decisions and horrible mistakes how hard it is to find that most just wont let sleeping dogs lie nor let you forget about your past, and I'm guessing that's everyone who's breathing at this moment.
July 31, 2017
Read this book years ago. Great Read!!! To find out that you have a baby(Isaiah)by a former customer(Anne-former crackhead).I think Anne and Alec (Smoke) will make it and he was right if she can forgive him she can forgive her mother. Time to read part 2 might have to re-read 1 to refresh my memory.
April 7, 2016
This book was EXCELLENT!!! I can't wait to read this authors first book. I think it's called Running from Mercy. I am adding Terra Little to my list of favorite authors because I just lover her writing style and the story was that good!
December 3, 2024
This was surprisingly enjoyable. My only complaint (which took it from 5 stars down to 4) was that it ended literally in the middle of a conversation. Who does that? Someone who wants to turn a 1-book story into 2, obviously. Well, mission accomplished. Point: Terra Little
February 16, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. I actually read it in one afternoon. It was funny, but gave good insight. Enjoyed the story line.
July 6, 2010
♥ Good Read ♥
January 24, 2011
This novel held my attention from start to finish. I definitely recommend that everyone read it.
July 9, 2010
I really like this book just enough dram to make it a true page turner! Great author I will be sure to look for more of her titles
December 9, 2010
3.5 stars
December 13, 2010
This story was great can't wait to read the next one....
February 13, 2011
brilliant
May 17, 2011
superb most amazing and incredible
August 6, 2011
Love the how Father taking care of his business and his son. Family is so important than street for that young man.
Praise to Alec "Smoke" Avery for doing his job!
Praise to Alec "Smoke" Avery for doing his job!
August 25, 2012
This is a great read ....!!!!!!
December 27, 2013
Great book
October 26, 2014
ready for part 2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews