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Last Stop from Innocence
A nostalgic tale of first love, first loss, and the budding womanhood of a black girl in the 90s. Tragedy flips Amore Brown’s world on its axis before she heads off to college. Having to sit tight for the summer, she chooses Jersey City, New Jersey – the home of her estranged father - to pass time. Here in urban grit, a stark contrast from the comfort of the suburbia, she reconnects with a long-lost cousin for some final months of summer excursions, enrooting, and evolving. But it could never be so simple - even if it were all so simple then. Girls just want to have fun transforms into a kindling of summer romance tucked into the crust of good times, tribulations, close calls, and one hot summer in Jersey. Amore meets THE guy, finds solace for fresh wounds, and battles the thorny relationship with her father; all while learning heartache has no limits. But how much will Amore have to lose to find herself? On the road to the woman she’s becoming and removed from the girl she is no more; one stop changes her path forever. Last Stop from Innocence should really 'shake the table' for some people, because it's a real moment, it's genuine raw emotions with the grit and the grime…that dust that people don't know if they are really seeing. It's there and it's coating the skin in such a way that all you desire is a good tub of hot water and soap, just to get it off of you, and scrub until you wash the layers off, piece by irritating piece. The manipulation of Takerra’s innate creativity stuns the foe as well as the fan, she always brings that forgotten card to the game and trust and believe that captivation is a given with each new TA Production. “It’s not games, baby. It’s art. The art of love and war.” – Tamela
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2020
248 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Takerra Allen
33 books733 followersTakerra Allen was born in Jersey City, NJ and resides in Somerset, NJ. In addition to being an author, the 25 year old is the CEO of an all female Entertainment Company entitled Heaven Inc., and the half sister to the late renowned Tupac Shakur (sharing the same biological father, former Black Panther, William Garland).
Takerra and her business partner of Heaven Inc., have launched Angelic Script Publishing to give new edgy writers a chance to demonstrate their talent and to give readers and lovers of Contemporary Fiction, new and exciting books to fall in love with. Writing continues to be Takerra's first love however, and her work has been appraised by many veteran African-American writers.
Her first novel, Thicker Than Water, has become an underground success making it's way into mainstream recognition. Look forward to more works and projects from Takerra!
Takerra and her business partner of Heaven Inc., have launched Angelic Script Publishing to give new edgy writers a chance to demonstrate their talent and to give readers and lovers of Contemporary Fiction, new and exciting books to fall in love with. Writing continues to be Takerra's first love however, and her work has been appraised by many veteran African-American writers.
Her first novel, Thicker Than Water, has become an underground success making it's way into mainstream recognition. Look forward to more works and projects from Takerra!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
May 2, 2023
Amore had her whole life ahead of her! She graduated high school and is off to Howard in the fall! The only thing standing in her way is what would be the best and worst summer of her life. After loosing her mother to Cancer, she has no choice but to move in with her estranged father and she is counting down the days until she is on her own.
The rainbow in her gloomy summer came in the form of her cousin Tammy who she doesn’t get to see often! Tammy and Amore are tight like new micro braids freshly done by the Africans! They use this summer to catch up, talk about all the plans they have for life and bond like never before. One of these things high up on the list is losing their virginity!
After bumping into each other at the local bodega, Amore had no idea that fine âss Gabriel Akbar was going to turn her world completely upside down in the best way possible! These two together experienced some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but their bond was stronger than that gorilla glue ole girl put in her hair a few years back 😩😩
Listen this story touched my soul so deeply that I’ll be thinking about it for weeks!! It was so raw and emotional and deep and just riveting! This was my introduction to Ms. Takerra Allen and I can’t wait to see what else her catalog has to offer because she did that! You will not be disappointed with this read! Please read all trigger warnings because there was one scene that was rough to get through. Outside of that, it really was a beautiful story. ❤️❤️❤️
The rainbow in her gloomy summer came in the form of her cousin Tammy who she doesn’t get to see often! Tammy and Amore are tight like new micro braids freshly done by the Africans! They use this summer to catch up, talk about all the plans they have for life and bond like never before. One of these things high up on the list is losing their virginity!
After bumping into each other at the local bodega, Amore had no idea that fine âss Gabriel Akbar was going to turn her world completely upside down in the best way possible! These two together experienced some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but their bond was stronger than that gorilla glue ole girl put in her hair a few years back 😩😩
Listen this story touched my soul so deeply that I’ll be thinking about it for weeks!! It was so raw and emotional and deep and just riveting! This was my introduction to Ms. Takerra Allen and I can’t wait to see what else her catalog has to offer because she did that! You will not be disappointed with this read! Please read all trigger warnings because there was one scene that was rough to get through. Outside of that, it really was a beautiful story. ❤️❤️❤️
February 11, 2025
Last Stop from Innocence is one of them ones.
I was like man ain’t shit sad about this book then BOOM!
Takerra Allen fucked me up with this book. This is the best book I read by her so far.
♾️⭐️
I was like man ain’t shit sad about this book then BOOM!
Takerra Allen fucked me up with this book. This is the best book I read by her so far.
♾️⭐️
June 30, 2023
Speechless..
This was just..wow. It’s been a long time since a book made me really REALLY feel. I laughed, I blushed, i reminisced, I cried.
I don’t want to give too much away but I do want to say that Amore referenced Tammy not being a “fighter” a few times throughout the book. Tammy, girl you fought as hard as you could. This book tore me up towards the end and although the remaining pieces came together - the hurt is still there. I felt this.
In my opinion- this was more than a 5 star read. It was everything. Love, Joy, Pain. Read it!
This was just..wow. It’s been a long time since a book made me really REALLY feel. I laughed, I blushed, i reminisced, I cried.
I don’t want to give too much away but I do want to say that Amore referenced Tammy not being a “fighter” a few times throughout the book. Tammy, girl you fought as hard as you could. This book tore me up towards the end and although the remaining pieces came together - the hurt is still there. I felt this.
In my opinion- this was more than a 5 star read. It was everything. Love, Joy, Pain. Read it!
October 21, 2020
Reading a Takerra Allen novel is equivalent to taking a bite of mac and cheese with your yams. It’s reading for your soul and should definitely be required. In my opinion, Takerra Allen is one of the most undervalued authors in the urban lit world. I’ve never read a book by her that didn’t extract just about every emotion under the sun. Last Stop from Innocence wasn’t any different. In this story Allen takes you back to the '90s, a highly coveted time for just about every millennial. This book is a summer love story that will make you fall in love, but has just a splash of the TA effect to leave you reeling afterwards.
Amore "Ammo" Brown isn't your average high school graduate, she's a girl with a vision and a plan. She's going to Howard University. But even as a thriving young black queen with goals, she can't escape the aftershocks of her mother's death, a passing that slings her from Somerville straight in to Chilltown. Amore is now forced to stay with a father that she barely knows. "Amore Brown, you have grown into a splendid young lady who I am so proud to be able to call my daughter... with absolutely no credit to that splendor." But all isn't lost for Amore, she has her cousin/best friend, Tammy, to help with her transition. That is until she meets the young man that will change her life forever, Gabriel "Guap" Akbar. "He was the darkest hue of brown she became on the last day of summer - a blemish-free fudge swirl of a brownie. Skimming past black boy features, she fastened on the eyes - almond and poignant. The type of eyes you could get lost in and not find your way out of."
Gabriel "Guap" Akbar is a god among kings. He's young, fly and guap'd up. His father's death places him at the head of his family, a position that turns him to unsavory acts ensuring his mom and little brother never have to do without. Guap is fine with his place on the hood spectrum, that is until he meets Amore. "Let me find out young smooth-ass Guap scared of a shorty wit' some ambition." Guap, also known as The Chickenhead Killer, is intrigued by shorty with the braids, which quickly lays that moniker to rest. "'Amore, you're more than my girl. You're my hope.' He fell back into his seat, rocking his head from side to side in a tension - relieving stretch. 'A nigga was out here real-life hopeless.'"
This summer will be remembered by every single character in the book, along with every single reader. This story is an unconventional love story that is so beautifully written, so amazingly crafted, that it will definitely have you feeling aftershocks. The nostalgia felt in this book had me wanting to flip through old photo albums just so I could take this trip with Amore. "She'd received an experience from Chilltown college could never offer - A degree straight from the school of hard knocks. Without venturing in to the world yet something told Amore this summer would be the highest and the lowest of her existence." Big Ammo from Somerville went to Chilltown a kid and left a woman. This book touches on a vast array of underlying issues in the black community. You don't want to speed read through this book. There are dozens of gems dropped throughout this story, some of which you may have even experienced. From colorism all the way down to the mistreatment of black people by the police. If Takerra Allen wasn't your favorite author before, you will definitely find yourself promoting her after this riveting read.
Amore "Ammo" Brown isn't your average high school graduate, she's a girl with a vision and a plan. She's going to Howard University. But even as a thriving young black queen with goals, she can't escape the aftershocks of her mother's death, a passing that slings her from Somerville straight in to Chilltown. Amore is now forced to stay with a father that she barely knows. "Amore Brown, you have grown into a splendid young lady who I am so proud to be able to call my daughter... with absolutely no credit to that splendor." But all isn't lost for Amore, she has her cousin/best friend, Tammy, to help with her transition. That is until she meets the young man that will change her life forever, Gabriel "Guap" Akbar. "He was the darkest hue of brown she became on the last day of summer - a blemish-free fudge swirl of a brownie. Skimming past black boy features, she fastened on the eyes - almond and poignant. The type of eyes you could get lost in and not find your way out of."
Gabriel "Guap" Akbar is a god among kings. He's young, fly and guap'd up. His father's death places him at the head of his family, a position that turns him to unsavory acts ensuring his mom and little brother never have to do without. Guap is fine with his place on the hood spectrum, that is until he meets Amore. "Let me find out young smooth-ass Guap scared of a shorty wit' some ambition." Guap, also known as The Chickenhead Killer, is intrigued by shorty with the braids, which quickly lays that moniker to rest. "'Amore, you're more than my girl. You're my hope.' He fell back into his seat, rocking his head from side to side in a tension - relieving stretch. 'A nigga was out here real-life hopeless.'"
This summer will be remembered by every single character in the book, along with every single reader. This story is an unconventional love story that is so beautifully written, so amazingly crafted, that it will definitely have you feeling aftershocks. The nostalgia felt in this book had me wanting to flip through old photo albums just so I could take this trip with Amore. "She'd received an experience from Chilltown college could never offer - A degree straight from the school of hard knocks. Without venturing in to the world yet something told Amore this summer would be the highest and the lowest of her existence." Big Ammo from Somerville went to Chilltown a kid and left a woman. This book touches on a vast array of underlying issues in the black community. You don't want to speed read through this book. There are dozens of gems dropped throughout this story, some of which you may have even experienced. From colorism all the way down to the mistreatment of black people by the police. If Takerra Allen wasn't your favorite author before, you will definitely find yourself promoting her after this riveting read.
June 14, 2024
WOW! This is one of them books I know I’m going to be thinking about for awhile. I see why everyone has been raving about. TA never disappoints. I’ll always read her book. My heart at 77% of the book 💔🥺. But we get a HEA 🥰
Does anybody have Amore’s Luv Letter?!?!?!? I missed it when TA had it on her website.
Does anybody have Amore’s Luv Letter?!?!?!? I missed it when TA had it on her website.
March 13, 2021
My favorite book of 2021 so far!!!!
The late 90's, summertime, family, fun, thrills, young love, danger, pain, heartache, pleasure.......this book has it all!!! I fell in love with Amore, Tammy, and Guacamole (lol). This book is so well written it's like I could FEEL the passion between Amore and Guap. I could feel the sadness and hurt too which is why I had to hold back tears twice while reading(I won't say why because I'd be spoiling it). Amore and Guap took me down memory lane to a similar love at 18. I appreciated Amores dads efforts (no matter how late) because every girl needs her dad at some point. There's sooooo much I want to say, but I don't like spoilers in reviews..... Just know that Takerra NEVER disappoints!
The late 90's, summertime, family, fun, thrills, young love, danger, pain, heartache, pleasure.......this book has it all!!! I fell in love with Amore, Tammy, and Guacamole (lol). This book is so well written it's like I could FEEL the passion between Amore and Guap. I could feel the sadness and hurt too which is why I had to hold back tears twice while reading(I won't say why because I'd be spoiling it). Amore and Guap took me down memory lane to a similar love at 18. I appreciated Amores dads efforts (no matter how late) because every girl needs her dad at some point. There's sooooo much I want to say, but I don't like spoilers in reviews..... Just know that Takerra NEVER disappoints!
January 25, 2024
There is no better place than the 90’s, especially the Summer of 1998. I enjoyed taking this trip back to my favorite era in life. The vivid memories this book pulled from me had me in a trance. This book was such a beautiful experience, I took my time reading it to make sure I didn’t miss a thing. This makes book #4 that made me cry tears of sadness and joy. I won’t spoil a thing about this book just know these characters are worth the journey. TA 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
August 10, 2024
Loss and Love
Listen this book took me through so many emotions and I just don't even know where to begin 😩😩
Amore was accepted to the illustrious Howard University and what should have been a time of celebration was overshadowed with loss. A loss that forced her to spend the summer before college with her father she was alienated from.
It would be a summer that she would never forget😔. That summer, as she was trying to grieve and heal she found familial love with her crazy cousin Tammy. These girls were thick as thieves and I loved that they did not play about one another. I will not ever forget Tammy in that ninja stance 🥷🏾🤣🤣 These girls bonded over being grown, but not quite as they still had to answer to their parents. On top of that they were good girls that were ready to be a little bad. It was a joy reading about their adventures.
She also found sweet love with Gabe. Chillle he was the epitome of tall, dark, handsome, and dangerous. Despite all the ish he was into he had a caring heart and didn't play about the people he loved. Including Amore. With Gabe she got to be a little bad, but she also learned how to be vulnerable and got to experience real love and heartbreak.
In the background of this love story Ms. Allen addressed so much.... PTSD, racial profiling, abuse, parental abandonment, grief, and the lack of support when black girls are murdered. When I tell you I broke down 😭😭😭 I was extremely worried about Amore. She was braver than I ever could be.
Listen I realize I'm all over the place, but this book told so many stories without being overwhelmed by the sub characters. It was just enough and the ending was chef's kiss.
Listen this book took me through so many emotions and I just don't even know where to begin 😩😩
Amore was accepted to the illustrious Howard University and what should have been a time of celebration was overshadowed with loss. A loss that forced her to spend the summer before college with her father she was alienated from.
It would be a summer that she would never forget😔. That summer, as she was trying to grieve and heal she found familial love with her crazy cousin Tammy. These girls were thick as thieves and I loved that they did not play about one another. I will not ever forget Tammy in that ninja stance 🥷🏾🤣🤣 These girls bonded over being grown, but not quite as they still had to answer to their parents. On top of that they were good girls that were ready to be a little bad. It was a joy reading about their adventures.
She also found sweet love with Gabe. Chillle he was the epitome of tall, dark, handsome, and dangerous. Despite all the ish he was into he had a caring heart and didn't play about the people he loved. Including Amore. With Gabe she got to be a little bad, but she also learned how to be vulnerable and got to experience real love and heartbreak.
In the background of this love story Ms. Allen addressed so much.... PTSD, racial profiling, abuse, parental abandonment, grief, and the lack of support when black girls are murdered. When I tell you I broke down 😭😭😭 I was extremely worried about Amore. She was braver than I ever could be.
Listen I realize I'm all over the place, but this book told so many stories without being overwhelmed by the sub characters. It was just enough and the ending was chef's kiss.
August 29, 2021
Amazing 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I am left with a book hangover. This is definitely being added to my all time favorites list.
The summer before Amore is supposed to start her freshman year at Howard University, her dream school, tragedy strikes and she is thrust into a Jersey City to live with her estranged father. Jersey City is drastically different than the suburban town she grew up and she joins up with Gabe, a somewhat shady guy who straddles the fence of the law.
This was a superb coming of age tale of what it was like to be a black person in the 1990s. It was an extraordinary story, and I felt transported back to that era, my personal coming of age era. But this wasn't my coming of age story, and it was humbling to see (hear) the differences between white suburbia and black urban Jersey City.
I was rooting for the the unlikely pairing of Amore and Gabe. Two young people in love from different pasts.
This book shows us that people are more more complex than their actions. This quote captures it perfectly "Sometimes you have to look at not what a person does but why they do it"
There are some pretty spicy 🔥 moments so this is getting 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 on the spice-o-meter
This was a fantastic audio book production. This people, is how audiobooks should be done. AMAZING NARATION by Shayna Small who nailed all the female AND male voices. And those spicy scenes I mentioned above. Wow! I was blushing big time. There was one time I was walking with the ear buds in and I seriously looked around to make sure nobody was near. I was freaking out that people could hear the spiciness 😳
I am left with a book hangover. This is definitely being added to my all time favorites list.
The summer before Amore is supposed to start her freshman year at Howard University, her dream school, tragedy strikes and she is thrust into a Jersey City to live with her estranged father. Jersey City is drastically different than the suburban town she grew up and she joins up with Gabe, a somewhat shady guy who straddles the fence of the law.
This was a superb coming of age tale of what it was like to be a black person in the 1990s. It was an extraordinary story, and I felt transported back to that era, my personal coming of age era. But this wasn't my coming of age story, and it was humbling to see (hear) the differences between white suburbia and black urban Jersey City.
I was rooting for the the unlikely pairing of Amore and Gabe. Two young people in love from different pasts.
This book shows us that people are more more complex than their actions. This quote captures it perfectly "Sometimes you have to look at not what a person does but why they do it"
There are some pretty spicy 🔥 moments so this is getting 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 on the spice-o-meter
This was a fantastic audio book production. This people, is how audiobooks should be done. AMAZING NARATION by Shayna Small who nailed all the female AND male voices. And those spicy scenes I mentioned above. Wow! I was blushing big time. There was one time I was walking with the ear buds in and I seriously looked around to make sure nobody was near. I was freaking out that people could hear the spiciness 😳
June 14, 2024
What a beautiful love story. This broke me and put me back together ❤️
October 6, 2024
Wow…I’ll never forget this book, it’s engrained in my bones now! The 90s nostalgia alone was 5 stars for me, but the writing, how she captured the love that Gabe & Ammo developed, her relationship with Tammy, it was everything to me. The music! I’m someone that plays a song when it’s mentioned in the book, and the vibes just made it that much better. So so good, the book had me in tears.
June 8, 2024
Wowww! I truly understand why this is an all time favorite for my book girlies. Shout out to my girlies!
I don’t know how I made it through the last 23% of this book because Takerra ripped my heart out and stomped on it so hard throughout the last part of this book. But knowing that something GOOD happened at the end made that pain worth it.
I loved this book from the beginning to the end! Everything about it screamed the 90s, laughter, first time love, joy, heart ache and pain, and so much more.
The title, Last Stop from Innocence, truly depicts this book and the story of Amore Brown and the events that follow her summer in its entirety.
Also, I just want to say Tammy .. ugh … I love you, baby girl. 🥹🫶🏽
Whew! If you haven’t read any book by Takerra yet, read this one, honestly.
I don’t know how I made it through the last 23% of this book because Takerra ripped my heart out and stomped on it so hard throughout the last part of this book. But knowing that something GOOD happened at the end made that pain worth it.
I loved this book from the beginning to the end! Everything about it screamed the 90s, laughter, first time love, joy, heart ache and pain, and so much more.
The title, Last Stop from Innocence, truly depicts this book and the story of Amore Brown and the events that follow her summer in its entirety.
Also, I just want to say Tammy .. ugh … I love you, baby girl. 🥹🫶🏽
Whew! If you haven’t read any book by Takerra yet, read this one, honestly.
January 19, 2024
5 ⭐️s
If I could read this book for the first time all over again, I would take all the joy and pain it brought just to be transported into this world again.
TA took me through the highs and lows of love and loss.
Tammy, man oh man, my heart breaks for her story…I didn’t think I could finish the book. She deserved her HEA.
But the ending was worth it, like I said, I would read it all over again and push through those painful moments to feel the love.
I never write reviews but whew! These characters right here, they’re going to be on my mind for a minute.
I’m confidently saying this will be my top read for 2024.
Definetly going to read more from TA, but let me get my emotions together first.
PS: this was on my tbr since summer, I couldn’t get myself to read it because I knew it was going to destroy me, but I don’t regret it, not one bit.
If I could read this book for the first time all over again, I would take all the joy and pain it brought just to be transported into this world again.
TA took me through the highs and lows of love and loss.
Tammy, man oh man, my heart breaks for her story…I didn’t think I could finish the book. She deserved her HEA.
But the ending was worth it, like I said, I would read it all over again and push through those painful moments to feel the love.
I never write reviews but whew! These characters right here, they’re going to be on my mind for a minute.
I’m confidently saying this will be my top read for 2024.
Definetly going to read more from TA, but let me get my emotions together first.
PS: this was on my tbr since summer, I couldn’t get myself to read it because I knew it was going to destroy me, but I don’t regret it, not one bit.
August 10, 2021
📆 90’s Flash Back ⏰
Picture it : DMX is on the radio, beepers are tucked in Tommy Hilfiger ( although most of us are pronouncing it “HilfIgure”) jeans, the girls are popping with their burgundy lips & smelling as sweet as their cucumber melon body spray from Bath & Body Works. You’re in the 90’s. Were you Brandy or Monica when you sang “The Boy is Mine?”
Amore’s ( obsessed with this name) mom passed away & she has to move in with her “barely there” father for the rest of the summer before attending Howard for school in the fall. But, Jersey City, NJ is nothing like what she is used to. The city streets are dangerous & you never know what to expect when you turn the corner. There’s a wanted man out there right now for kidnapping, raping & murdering between 4-6 women.
She starts hanging out with her cousin Tammy whom she absolutely adores (so do I) & throughout their journey she runs into Gabriel aka “Guapo Guapo” which she automatically assumes stands for handsome as would most, but actually means $$. He’s nothing short of extraordinary in the eyes of every girl he passes by, including Amore. But when he sees her time stands still.
But Gabe runs with the wrong crowd in order to take care of his baby brother & parents, to make ends meet. But what 18-year old girl would care what a guy does for a living if he’s THAT hot , makes bank, takes her out on motorcycle rides & adores her like no one ever has. It’s just a summer fling anyway, right? What’s the worst that can happen?
But soon tragedy strikes not once but twice in their own little circle of the world & Amore if left devastated. In this thriller meets romance novel, you will be sweating from the heat under the sheets but also looking over your shoulder for what happens next. This book moved at breakneck speed for me.
I’m from NJ so that made me enjoy this book that much more & although I was young in the 90’s I wasn’t TOO small to remember everything I mentioned. I also enjoyed Gabe’s & Tammy’s Interludes.
5 ⭐️
Thank you BookSparks, Netgalley, Podium Audio & Takkera Allen my #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. This was title #3 of 4 on the #src2021 Audiobook Track!
Picture it : DMX is on the radio, beepers are tucked in Tommy Hilfiger ( although most of us are pronouncing it “HilfIgure”) jeans, the girls are popping with their burgundy lips & smelling as sweet as their cucumber melon body spray from Bath & Body Works. You’re in the 90’s. Were you Brandy or Monica when you sang “The Boy is Mine?”
Amore’s ( obsessed with this name) mom passed away & she has to move in with her “barely there” father for the rest of the summer before attending Howard for school in the fall. But, Jersey City, NJ is nothing like what she is used to. The city streets are dangerous & you never know what to expect when you turn the corner. There’s a wanted man out there right now for kidnapping, raping & murdering between 4-6 women.
She starts hanging out with her cousin Tammy whom she absolutely adores (so do I) & throughout their journey she runs into Gabriel aka “Guapo Guapo” which she automatically assumes stands for handsome as would most, but actually means $$. He’s nothing short of extraordinary in the eyes of every girl he passes by, including Amore. But when he sees her time stands still.
But Gabe runs with the wrong crowd in order to take care of his baby brother & parents, to make ends meet. But what 18-year old girl would care what a guy does for a living if he’s THAT hot , makes bank, takes her out on motorcycle rides & adores her like no one ever has. It’s just a summer fling anyway, right? What’s the worst that can happen?
But soon tragedy strikes not once but twice in their own little circle of the world & Amore if left devastated. In this thriller meets romance novel, you will be sweating from the heat under the sheets but also looking over your shoulder for what happens next. This book moved at breakneck speed for me.
I’m from NJ so that made me enjoy this book that much more & although I was young in the 90’s I wasn’t TOO small to remember everything I mentioned. I also enjoyed Gabe’s & Tammy’s Interludes.
5 ⭐️
Thank you BookSparks, Netgalley, Podium Audio & Takkera Allen my #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. This was title #3 of 4 on the #src2021 Audiobook Track!
September 5, 2023
Amore is going through a recent, life event that has rocked her world. She has to spend the summer before ‘H-U, YOU KNOW!’ with her father, who’s been absent from her life, in Jersey City. She’s unfamiliar to this new place but she has her same-age cousin, Tammy, and her aunt, Jackie. Oh, and she has a Ghetto God!
Last Stop from Innocence had me stuck and full of butterflies for a few hours after finishing. The writing and storytelling was so well-written, and the characters so perfectly imperfect. The descriptions and nostalgia was so good, I just knew I was there in the shadows. I felt every emotion reading Last Stop, I’m still sad and I’m still happy as I write this review. Takerra knew just how to build you up, knock you down, and then build again into the most perfect piece. A true experience of losing something and gaining something else; losing adolescent innocence, connections and gaining self-awareness, love, healing, and a life. My hope is that all the Tammies receive peace and may they never be forgotten. 🤎
January 1, 2021
The Last Stop was the best stop! You ever read a book and you never want it to end. Only because you know once it does you’ll never get to experience it for the first time ever again. That’s how I felt while reading this book. I read fast as hell but I kept putting it down because I needed to soak it all in slowly before I reached that last stop.
This author had me in my feelings, in my bag, perpetually reminiscing on memory bliss and on edge. The story was effortless and flowed so well I felt like I was back in time. The way she created well developed beings in Amore and Gabe as well as the supporting cast that it felt like I was back in my neighborhood with my fam.
The nostalgia of the Papi stores, the clothes, the lingo, the music, the Shelley’s, Piru’s and the Tammy’s was perfection and one I know I’ll be reading this over and over again. Dope first read and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
This author had me in my feelings, in my bag, perpetually reminiscing on memory bliss and on edge. The story was effortless and flowed so well I felt like I was back in time. The way she created well developed beings in Amore and Gabe as well as the supporting cast that it felt like I was back in my neighborhood with my fam.
The nostalgia of the Papi stores, the clothes, the lingo, the music, the Shelley’s, Piru’s and the Tammy’s was perfection and one I know I’ll be reading this over and over again. Dope first read and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
July 29, 2021
This was such a great coming of age story...after losing her mother unexpectedly, Amore goes to live with her estranged father. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Amore and her father. Amore rekindles the relationship with her cousin Tammy, who she didn't see that often...but, when the two got together...it was like they never left one another....An unexpected meeting at a local bodega is where Amore will meet Gabe (Guap)...who will turn out to be the love of her life....The development of this relationship was great to me...this young couple was able to really teach one another things...that was beautiful to me...There is an incident that occurs that was too graphic for me...and because this was an audiobook....I politely used the skip button a few times to get passed the incident...because I already knew the outcome....Shayna Small did an awesome job with the narration of this eclectic cast of characters.
April 4, 2023
This book was good! I would highly recommend if you grew up in the 90’s
October 19, 2020
This ranks in one of my top favorite reads of 2020
I always struggle with communicating how my heart and my head feel about a book especially when it is beyond exceptional. I feel that as soon as I open my mouth it doesn't articulate the full extent of the impact made. This is my follow on read by this author after reading Seasons of Fidelity series. While I can't fully compare her other works I will share why this story worked for me. The author forced us on the entire spectrum of emotions with indepth character development and an engaging storyline. There were moments where my heart was legitimately racing, a talent only few writers possess. I believe in the love between Gabe and Amore. When they said I love you for the first time, it was authentic and genuine. The writer took me pleasantly back to the 90s and I felt every vibe from the music to the hairstyles and clothes. This is the best I have read from this author. She has raised the bar extremely high. I look forward to more by her. This is the book to read but hold on tight for the guaranteed emotional ride.
I always struggle with communicating how my heart and my head feel about a book especially when it is beyond exceptional. I feel that as soon as I open my mouth it doesn't articulate the full extent of the impact made. This is my follow on read by this author after reading Seasons of Fidelity series. While I can't fully compare her other works I will share why this story worked for me. The author forced us on the entire spectrum of emotions with indepth character development and an engaging storyline. There were moments where my heart was legitimately racing, a talent only few writers possess. I believe in the love between Gabe and Amore. When they said I love you for the first time, it was authentic and genuine. The writer took me pleasantly back to the 90s and I felt every vibe from the music to the hairstyles and clothes. This is the best I have read from this author. She has raised the bar extremely high. I look forward to more by her. This is the book to read but hold on tight for the guaranteed emotional ride.
October 11, 2024
4.5⭐️ for the story
5⭐️ for the narration!
After several reading slumps, this was really good. I think it would be amazing on the big screens 🥹❤️
Amore, Gabe, Tammy, and Marvin hold a special little place in my heart now.
5⭐️ for the narration!
After several reading slumps, this was really good. I think it would be amazing on the big screens 🥹❤️
Amore, Gabe, Tammy, and Marvin hold a special little place in my heart now.
December 18, 2020
Survivor from Innocence
Last Stop from Innocence by Takerra Allen is a interesting and amazing story. Takerra Allen does a good job. I decide to take my time to reading this book. This story is about women environment and safety. It’s well written and it’s phenomenal page.
Amore is a smart and amazing woman but she has difficulty to listening and having hard time to dealing with her mom and Tammy’s death. Amore was having hard time dealing with her father in the beginning. I understand that her father wasn’t there for her but her father was protected her from bad to good. I love the 90s scene from this book because I grew up in 90s. I’m happy that Amore was there for her father and his health. Amore was survivor from innocence.
Gabe is a handsome and streetwise man. He’s totally opposite to Amore. He’s young, native and smart. His mind wasn’t working properly at this time because he was dealing with his brother’s situation, his father’s death and helping his mom’s financial situation. I love the way how Gabe changes from immature man to mature man. He shows his love and his adore to Amore. He wants her trust and loyalty.
My heart goes to Tammy, Ashley and rest of females from this book. I wish Tammy could listening to her mom, and focus on her goal and become a better person for herself before this situation happens to her.
I’ll definitely continue to support and read more books from this author.
Good read:
Book Nerd
Survivor from innocence
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Last Stop from Innocence by Takerra Allen is a interesting and amazing story. Takerra Allen does a good job. I decide to take my time to reading this book. This story is about women environment and safety. It’s well written and it’s phenomenal page.
Amore is a smart and amazing woman but she has difficulty to listening and having hard time to dealing with her mom and Tammy’s death. Amore was having hard time dealing with her father in the beginning. I understand that her father wasn’t there for her but her father was protected her from bad to good. I love the 90s scene from this book because I grew up in 90s. I’m happy that Amore was there for her father and his health. Amore was survivor from innocence.
Gabe is a handsome and streetwise man. He’s totally opposite to Amore. He’s young, native and smart. His mind wasn’t working properly at this time because he was dealing with his brother’s situation, his father’s death and helping his mom’s financial situation. I love the way how Gabe changes from immature man to mature man. He shows his love and his adore to Amore. He wants her trust and loyalty.
My heart goes to Tammy, Ashley and rest of females from this book. I wish Tammy could listening to her mom, and focus on her goal and become a better person for herself before this situation happens to her.
I’ll definitely continue to support and read more books from this author.
Good read:
Book Nerd
Survivor from innocence
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
February 9, 2023
I debated whether to give this a 4 or 5 star review, but I have the glow of just finishing a good read so I’m going with 5. I really appreciated the emotional punch of this book. I had thought this was a YA book about a summer romance, with a little drama thrown in. It’s actually an adult novel blending romance, mystery, thriller, social commentary and family drama. I would describe the writing as intelligent escapism. It has the huge emotional swings, and big dramatic plot points of so many ‘escapism’ reads, but this book had more thoughtfulness and social awareness than most. I believe that Allen really loved these characters that she has created, there is a compassion to the way she’s brought them to life. This is also a proud depiction of Black culture in the US. The book brings nuance to the image of “urban” Black youth, and the reality of life in a country built on white supremacy and the patriarchy.
There is real trauma in this book, so check the CW; Allen brought me to tears a couple times. There is also a passionate romance (🌶️), and witty interactions.
This is set in the 90s and a few comments made by the characters were homophobic. This is a very cis gender heterosexual and heteronormative book. The MC has an awareness of sexism, sets boundaries, and challenges some of the sexist behaviour. But for the most part the feminist focus is on the treatment of (cishet) women, while not challenging hyper masculinity, heteronormative gender roles, or including any queerness. These are the points that were going to lead to 4 stars instead of 5.
I’m glad I read this.
There is real trauma in this book, so check the CW; Allen brought me to tears a couple times. There is also a passionate romance (🌶️), and witty interactions.
This is set in the 90s and a few comments made by the characters were homophobic. This is a very cis gender heterosexual and heteronormative book. The MC has an awareness of sexism, sets boundaries, and challenges some of the sexist behaviour. But for the most part the feminist focus is on the treatment of (cishet) women, while not challenging hyper masculinity, heteronormative gender roles, or including any queerness. These are the points that were going to lead to 4 stars instead of 5.
I’m glad I read this.
October 14, 2024
“But if this summer had taught her anything-if Tammy or Gabe had taught her anything-it was that time didn't decree how deep you allowed yourself to go with someone.”
Whew ❤️🥰😍🥹😭💔❤️🩹
Takerra Allen took me through ALL the emotions with Amore. Her summer before her freshman year at Howard was such a heartbreakingly beautiful poetic story.
Allen crafted beautiful, nuanced and intricate bonds. For example, Amore and Tammy. The two young women become far more than cousins , more like twin sisters almost. Their relationship was so pure and sweet.
Amore and Gabe’s bond is more than just a first love. It’s so deep, panicked, emotional and beautiful. They see each other so deeply and nothing makes sense, yet it all makes sense. They have one summer together before she starts her new life. The urgency of their love is palpable.
Then the relationship between Amore and her father. Often absent but merely two weeks after her mother’s death they’re forced together. This bond is also beautiful to watch unfold. The raw gritty emotions and some of the interactions are just… cathartic.
And Amore’s relationship with herself. She’s brilliant, full of so many beautiful emotions, and her mother’s voice, heart and love.
Absolutely recommend this book. But heed the trigger warnings because this was rough.
And that epilogue… chef’s kiss! That’s how YOU DO AN EPILOGUE!
Whew ❤️🥰😍🥹😭💔❤️🩹
Takerra Allen took me through ALL the emotions with Amore. Her summer before her freshman year at Howard was such a heartbreakingly beautiful poetic story.
Allen crafted beautiful, nuanced and intricate bonds. For example, Amore and Tammy. The two young women become far more than cousins , more like twin sisters almost. Their relationship was so pure and sweet.
Amore and Gabe’s bond is more than just a first love. It’s so deep, panicked, emotional and beautiful. They see each other so deeply and nothing makes sense, yet it all makes sense. They have one summer together before she starts her new life. The urgency of their love is palpable.
Then the relationship between Amore and her father. Often absent but merely two weeks after her mother’s death they’re forced together. This bond is also beautiful to watch unfold. The raw gritty emotions and some of the interactions are just… cathartic.
And Amore’s relationship with herself. She’s brilliant, full of so many beautiful emotions, and her mother’s voice, heart and love.
Absolutely recommend this book. But heed the trigger warnings because this was rough.
And that epilogue… chef’s kiss! That’s how YOU DO AN EPILOGUE!
June 28, 2023
A nostalgic tale of first love, first loss, and the budding womanhood of a Black girl in the '90s.
I felt so many things while listening to this book. Now that I'm in my 50's, I seem to have forgotten how wreckless and crazy being 18 and experiencing your first love and lover can make you feel. I was yelling at Amore and Tammy like they could actually hear me.
Amore has just lost her mom to cancer, graduated high school and is now gone to live with the father she never knew. She will be going to Howard in the fall and wants to make this a hot girl summer with the help of her cousin Tammy. Tammy is an only child of stay-in-church momma, who can't cut the apron strings, you know how church kids are 🤔
Before the summer is over they will experience great love and loss. Highly recommend.
I felt so many things while listening to this book. Now that I'm in my 50's, I seem to have forgotten how wreckless and crazy being 18 and experiencing your first love and lover can make you feel. I was yelling at Amore and Tammy like they could actually hear me.
Amore has just lost her mom to cancer, graduated high school and is now gone to live with the father she never knew. She will be going to Howard in the fall and wants to make this a hot girl summer with the help of her cousin Tammy. Tammy is an only child of stay-in-church momma, who can't cut the apron strings, you know how church kids are 🤔
Before the summer is over they will experience great love and loss. Highly recommend.
September 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
😭😭👏🏿👏🏿
😭😭👏🏿👏🏿
December 8, 2024
4.5 ⭐️s
June 18, 2024
OH MY GOD!!! This book was EVERYTHING! I cannot believe how long it took me to read this 😭😭 Now I’m about to binge TA land
October 16, 2020
“Real girls ain’t perfect & perfect girls ain’t real…Girl, I choose you…No Question…”
One short summer, a young man, a young lady and her cousin, the streets of Jersey City, the watchful eyes of a stranger that’s new to fatherhood and a mother that knows the pitfalls that await young impressionable girls.
Young and inspired…fearless and courageous…broken yet hopeful…defiant yet expecting…beautiful and unshamed…naïve yet bold. Amore Brown, a high school graduate is on the cusp of adulthood in the midst of a tragic life altering moment that has her suspended in time and a myriad of emotions. Trying to govern her emotional flare-ups, Amore finds herself in a new city, a foreign environment, all while staying with a father that aspires to be familial. Her saving grace is the reconnect between she and her free-spirited cousin, Tammy. The two share their hopes, dreams and girlish aspirations without inhibition and a loyalty that is heightened by the vivacity of their youthfulness. The girls’ mentality that ‘bad boys ain’t no good, but good boys ain’t no fun…they allow their curiosity to align them with men that their parents wouldn’t approve of. Gabriel, ‘Guapo’ Akbar, member of the notorious GMR bike gang, has captured Amore’s attention and although he wants to run, he’s locked into the magnetism that’s ‘So Ammo’. The structuring and building of a soul tie so lyrically inperfect, her innocence and his unjustifiable career sing a love song so poetically justified, so enticing and chivalrous at its finest. Daring yet sweet, kind and compassionate is Tammy, sheltered and shielded by Christian upbringing, yet her inquisitive nature prods her to delve into prohibited and dangerous territory that could prove to be hazardous and chasten her back to all that she berated. Summertime, late nights, acronyms, risqué behavior, spontaneous love, devotion amid apprehension, and like all hoods, danger masks itself in the cloaks of what should stand out as a flashing light.
Last Stop From Innocence should really 'shake the table' for some people, because it's a real moment, it's genuine raw emotions with the grit and the grime…that dust that people don't know if it’s a figment of their imagination. But…it's there and it's coating the skin in such a way that all you desire is a good tub of hot water and soap, just to get it off of you, and scrub until you wash the layers off, piece by irritating piece. The manipulation of Takerra’s innate creativity stuns the foe as well as the fan, she always brings that forgotten card to the game and trust and believe that captivation is a given with each new TA Production. “It’s not games, baby. It’s art. The art of love and war.”
Takerra Allen. Takerra Allen. Takerra Allen. #GameChanger #Unpredictable #Bold #UnParalleled Takerra Allen, ‘Last Stop From Innocence’…get you some!!! It’s real! 5*****
One short summer, a young man, a young lady and her cousin, the streets of Jersey City, the watchful eyes of a stranger that’s new to fatherhood and a mother that knows the pitfalls that await young impressionable girls.
Young and inspired…fearless and courageous…broken yet hopeful…defiant yet expecting…beautiful and unshamed…naïve yet bold. Amore Brown, a high school graduate is on the cusp of adulthood in the midst of a tragic life altering moment that has her suspended in time and a myriad of emotions. Trying to govern her emotional flare-ups, Amore finds herself in a new city, a foreign environment, all while staying with a father that aspires to be familial. Her saving grace is the reconnect between she and her free-spirited cousin, Tammy. The two share their hopes, dreams and girlish aspirations without inhibition and a loyalty that is heightened by the vivacity of their youthfulness. The girls’ mentality that ‘bad boys ain’t no good, but good boys ain’t no fun…they allow their curiosity to align them with men that their parents wouldn’t approve of. Gabriel, ‘Guapo’ Akbar, member of the notorious GMR bike gang, has captured Amore’s attention and although he wants to run, he’s locked into the magnetism that’s ‘So Ammo’. The structuring and building of a soul tie so lyrically inperfect, her innocence and his unjustifiable career sing a love song so poetically justified, so enticing and chivalrous at its finest. Daring yet sweet, kind and compassionate is Tammy, sheltered and shielded by Christian upbringing, yet her inquisitive nature prods her to delve into prohibited and dangerous territory that could prove to be hazardous and chasten her back to all that she berated. Summertime, late nights, acronyms, risqué behavior, spontaneous love, devotion amid apprehension, and like all hoods, danger masks itself in the cloaks of what should stand out as a flashing light.
Last Stop From Innocence should really 'shake the table' for some people, because it's a real moment, it's genuine raw emotions with the grit and the grime…that dust that people don't know if it’s a figment of their imagination. But…it's there and it's coating the skin in such a way that all you desire is a good tub of hot water and soap, just to get it off of you, and scrub until you wash the layers off, piece by irritating piece. The manipulation of Takerra’s innate creativity stuns the foe as well as the fan, she always brings that forgotten card to the game and trust and believe that captivation is a given with each new TA Production. “It’s not games, baby. It’s art. The art of love and war.”
Takerra Allen. Takerra Allen. Takerra Allen. #GameChanger #Unpredictable #Bold #UnParalleled Takerra Allen, ‘Last Stop From Innocence’…get you some!!! It’s real! 5*****
October 23, 2020
“Last Stop from Innocence” is the latest offering from my favorite author, Takerra Allen. It is a coming of age tale that focuses on Amore. After the death of her mother and awaiting her departure to Howard University, Amore goes to stay with her estranged father in Jersey City (aka Chilltown) where she experiences a summer she will never forget.
“Last Stop from Innocence” was such an emotional read. It featured many different themes and topics including grief, colorism, police brutality, the effects of single parenting, healing, and so much more. Being that this book is set in the late 90’s, it definitely took me back. There were so many elements that I could relate to from the songs that were mentioned to the clothes they wore and how they talked. It was such a nostalgic read.
This book is definitely one that made me forget that I was even reading. I was fully immersed into the pages, wrapped up in the storyline. Everything was described vividly. Amore and Gabe were well developed, multidimensional characters that had me rooting for them until the very last page. They were not perfect or without flaws as they tried so hard to navigate the world around them. I just loved them so much. Beyond them, every character in this book served a purpose and were needed. From Marvin to Papi and everyone in between.
“Last Stop from Innocence” is one of my favorite books by Takerra Allen. It’s raw, it’s in your face , it’s blackity black, and it is a hell of a good story. It is heavy but hopeful, nostalgic and familiar. Even though I am finished reading, these characters will stay with me for quite some time. As with all of Takerra Allen’s novels, I took my time reading this one. I needed it to last forever ( in this case, forever was about a week). I was apprehensive while reading. If you are familiar with Takerra Allen’s work, you definitely know why. This is a well deserving five star read.
“Last Stop from Innocence” was such an emotional read. It featured many different themes and topics including grief, colorism, police brutality, the effects of single parenting, healing, and so much more. Being that this book is set in the late 90’s, it definitely took me back. There were so many elements that I could relate to from the songs that were mentioned to the clothes they wore and how they talked. It was such a nostalgic read.
This book is definitely one that made me forget that I was even reading. I was fully immersed into the pages, wrapped up in the storyline. Everything was described vividly. Amore and Gabe were well developed, multidimensional characters that had me rooting for them until the very last page. They were not perfect or without flaws as they tried so hard to navigate the world around them. I just loved them so much. Beyond them, every character in this book served a purpose and were needed. From Marvin to Papi and everyone in between.
“Last Stop from Innocence” is one of my favorite books by Takerra Allen. It’s raw, it’s in your face , it’s blackity black, and it is a hell of a good story. It is heavy but hopeful, nostalgic and familiar. Even though I am finished reading, these characters will stay with me for quite some time. As with all of Takerra Allen’s novels, I took my time reading this one. I needed it to last forever ( in this case, forever was about a week). I was apprehensive while reading. If you are familiar with Takerra Allen’s work, you definitely know why. This is a well deserving five star read.
January 18, 2021
It was only suppose to be a summer. After the sudden passing of Amore’s mother she goes to live with her father. A father that has been absent in her life up until now. It’s a whole different life living with him and while she’s there, she meets Gabe.
All I felt were emotions, emotions, emotions while reading this well written story.
This book is set in the 90s. It’s carefree and intense at the same time.
Loved every single chapter.
All I felt were emotions, emotions, emotions while reading this well written story.
This book is set in the 90s. It’s carefree and intense at the same time.
Loved every single chapter.
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