Your access is Restricted! In a world of restriction, sometimes seduction outweighs loyalty, lust blurs the lines of boundaries, and every now and then, sex is stronger than love... Reigning king of the streets Julez Payne traded in his banger for the briefcase, and couldn't be more content. And when he puts a ring on the pretty little finger of the irresistible Noelle, life seems to be perfect. Sounds too good to be true? That's because it is. Noelle's far from the ideal housewife and Julez secretly has his own battle of temptation that he's fighting in the dark. So when the mansion walls come tumbling down, all of the skeletons lurking in the closets come spilling out for all to see! And who's there to witness? Enter scene Slim and Jordin. This couple's had their share of rough times and things don't seem to be looking up. Fresh out of prison, Slim struggles to stay on the straight and narrow while Jordin deals with her own insecurities and a hidden desire for the passion that Slim leaves her lacking. Praying for a miracle, Jordin hopes to live a life as lurid and luxurious as her gorgeous best friend Noelle and wealthy husband Julez. But when suppressed desires from the past resurface, Jordin finds out in a Restricted world, everyone has ulterior motives, even her! This sophisticated novel gives you your own personal magnifying glass, allowing you to take a close look into the lives of four dynamic heroines who are all bound by their lies, restricted by desires, and freed by indulgence...The soaps have been revamped and brought to life in the pages of this love thriller! Proceed with caution, you are now Unrestricted!
Takerra 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!
4.5⭐️ Talk about messy right out the gate?!?! You gone be like did I just read that? Yes, yes you did. Everybody’s in the book is delusional. There’s no likable character, well maybe one. Everybody’s out for themselves. But it makes for a great book! On to Restricted Too!
The unmitigated gall those two had was sick!!!! Noelle and slim were the worst, I literally had to take breaks while reading because them and their selfishness and deceit had me angry!! I felt bad for Jordin the most because she was so mice and sweet and loyal and whole time being betrayed by the two most important people in her life! Juelz was bae! I have never wanted two people to cheat so bad before 😂😂 I'm glad they went about it the right way, Jordin started annoying me near the end but I'm glad they got it together!! Noelle was so damn jealous of Jordin it was sick!!
4.5 stars. Remember how your grandma used to watch “As The World Turns”? Well, this was “As The Ghetto World Turns”! This was truly like an urban soap opera.
Married couple - Noelle & Julez allow Noelle’s best friend Jordin and her long term boyfriend Slim to come and live with them until they get back on their feet. Jordin was without a job and Slim had been recently released from prison and was working a construction job. How nice of Noelle, right? To look out for her bestie like that, right? Chile… that’s all I’m going to say. When you think things can’t get any worse in this story - oh, they do. These four individuals find themselves in a very tangled web of deceit and betrayal. Slim and Noelle were beyond trifling. Noelle was a master manipulator! They just kept getting worse 😩
You can tell that this was an early body of work from TA but it didn’t take away from the story and I was entertained. I fell asleep on my iPad last night because I wanted to see what was going to happen next 😂 if you absolutely hate cheating tropes- skip this one. I can’t wait to see how this all ends in book 2.
If Restricted wasn’t serving telenovela realness then I don’t know what it was serving because the twists and turns started right after 1 finished chapter 1.
Lies, secrets, and everything in between begin to unfold after married couple Noelle and Juelz allow Noelle’s best friend Jordin and her boyfriend, Slim, to move into their home so that the couple can get on their feet after Slim is released from prison.
Now let’s discuss these people and their messiness.
Noelle - I’m sorry, but I have nothing nice to say about Noelle. I really don’t understand how you can literally have it all, and still want more. Then, once you get more, that still isn’t enough for you. Noelle was the epitome of a woman who was gorgeous on the outside, but dark and nasty on the inside. I hate her more then I hate Meme from SOF. 🙄
Juelz - What a mighty good man! Juelz was everything and more. 🤤 He certainly is trying to push Ray out of his number 1 spot. Now, I will say, I’m still mad about that whole ordeal with Kira. I don’t know what he was doing, but I’ll look past that. LOL!
Jordin - I was introduced to Jordin in SOF so I have always been curious to read her story once I was told she was in the Restricted series, but damn! No one told me that she was going to get dragged through the mud like this. I don’t want to spoil it, but I believe she and … deserve one another. I hope that in Restricted Too things get better for her because she did not deserve anything that happened in this book. 🥹
Slim - Oh, boy it’s f*ck you. Slim has got to be the most disgusting man in TA’s catalog. I hope he gets what’s coming in the next book.🖕🏽
Just when I thought Takerra wouldn’t hit us with another cliffhanger, she drops an even bigger bomb at the end of Restricted. I’m so pissed because I know Takerra doesn’t believe in traditional happily ever afters, BUT DAMN!
I know this is Takerra’s early work, but let me just say this .. BABY TA STILL EATS! As someone who’s read her newer work, you can tell how her writing has improved dramatically. There is a reason why many of us call her the GOAT of writing. 🫶🏽
Umm it was a good story , but i did not agree with the twist ...it made for a good story...not one i would agree or condone...i was torn between feeling sorry for jordin...but then seeing her in the same light as noelle...it felt to me that jordan wanted noelles life from the begining...i mean she cleaned her house...cooked...kept her daughter...and fantasized about her man....noelle was wrong for what she did to jordan,but jordan should of got her own man...if she was such a good friend...im just saying why do what noelle did...i felt like she was a hypocrite..not the good girl the story tried to make her out to be....but i still enjoyed it either way!
I can’t Believe I skipped over this book all these years. This was not my first book by this author and I really wish I would have read it years ago. The deceit, the drama, the backstabbing, the love, the lust....Everything was perfect!! On to part 2
Restricted by Takerra Allen is a story of best friends and their lives. Noelle is married to Julez. Jordin is dating Slim. Noelle and Jordin are best friends.
Noelle is a high maintenance woman who has her priorities in the wrong order. She is also trying to deal with her daughter's father. Noelle has it all at her disposal but, is that enough? What else does she need or want?
Because of circumstances, Jordin and Slim are living with her best friend until they get back on their feet. Slim is working hard at trying to make his life better but, he has other distractions getting in the way. Jordin is working at getting her dream job.
Then, there is Julez. Julez is a hustler turned legit businessman who works hard for his family. He has it all and can't see the forest for the trees. Secrets from the past emerge and secrets of the present develop within their lives.
I really enjoyed this book. Parts were predictable but then there were the twists that I just didn't see coming. Very well written and edited. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I first stumbled across Takerra Allen by reading her series " Thicker Than Water" for a book club I belonged to and I haven't looked back since. " Restricted"...wow, where do I begin? Juelz, Noelle, Jordin, and Slim are four friends whose friendship might just prove deadly. Juelz and Noelle are married and living the high life. A gorgeous house, shopping sprees galore, a man who loves her...Noelle should be happy right? Wrong! Jordin & Slim have been together for ten years. Jordin's been there when Slim had no one else to depend on but Jordin will soon discover that the one you love doesn't always neccessarily love you back! " Restricted " played out like an Urban Soap Opera in my mind. The scenes were so vivid and each page was drama laced. I wanted to reach in and shake Noelle a few times myself. Keeping my fingers crossed for a part 2 to this 5 star read. Keep the good reads coming Takerra Allen!
I am a big fan of Takerra Allen and she did an awesome job in this novel! She takes us into the lives of Noelle and Juelz a married couple who have taken in Noelles best friend and her boyfriend after falling on hard times upon his release from prison! We watch how friendships are tested, lies begin and turmoil starts to brew! I never spoil a book but I have to say this is a must read and an add to your collection! This is a roller coaster ride through friendship, marriage, death, deceit, loyalty, honor, and the ultimate betrayal! Takerra's ability to make you feel the characters emotion as if you are them is outstanding! This is not your typical uraban fiction novel, this book has a fantastic storyline, with characters you can identify and feel! look forward to her future work as she has become a true fan on mine! If you have not picked up the Thicker Than Water series by Takerra Allen you must do so now! If I could give her more than a 5 star review I would!
This book was a good read. I thought it was going to be a 5 star book based upon the reviews that I'd read but I will have to give it 3.5 stars. It had all of the necessaty elements to get 5 stars but it was missing that OVER THE TOP shock and awe thing. Over all it was enjoyable but I was able to put it down for a long time and then pick it up again so that could finish it and move on to the next book in line. 5 Star books for me are the ones that I HATE to put down and go running back to as soon as I can. Even when I put a 5 Star book down the characters and the story are both weighing heavily on my mind! 5 Star books make me yell out loud, laugh out loud, sometimes shed a tear. This book did not do any of the above, but it was interesting.
Y’all I got too much to say 😑 That b*tch Noelle till the end she was evil girl grow tf up And Slim damn I hope Julez gonna kill his punk ass that man too dumb for himself ! Those demons better pay in part two. The way I cried twice for Jordin craaaaazy 😭 my girl deserves her happy ending damn 😞 (It was definitely a GREAT read)
Oooh this book had me on the edge of my seat. Sooo much damn drama! I was rooting for Julez and Naomi but when she started being a little hoe, I wanted him to leave her sooo bad. Naomi is trifling as hell. It’s sad because I had a “friend” like her. The relationship I was in, my so-called friend cheated and got pregnant with the guy I was with. I know women don’t owe you any loyalty and it’s your man you should check but this girl was so close to me. To this day I find it hard to trust any females. I don’t ever get to close. I know exactly how Jordin felt to find out that her best friend was pregnant by her boyfriend. Or shit, who knows who the daddy was. I love how Jordin seeked revenge.
Although Naomi shouldnt have cheated on Julez, he allowed his assistant to suck him off while he was still with Naomi. He was a cheater also. I just knew that him and Jordin were going to have something. It was predictable. Jordin was such a great friend to Naomi and Naomi shitted on her. Naomi tried to commit suicide and Jordin was right by her side. If i was Jordin, I would not have even went to the hospital. I know that sounds harsh but people only have one time to show me who they really are, and ima take it and run with it. I feel bad for Naomi’s daughter; having a hoe for a mom has to be tough. How your daughter walk in on you and your bestfriends boyfriend having sex? And then you lie about it. Im so glad her daughter snitched and told Jordin. Some kids are nosey for the right reasons. Naomi was so bold having sex with Jordins boyfriend in the same house that Jordin slept in. I was so ready for her ass to get caught!
When shit hit the fan, i smiled because that was one part I was waiting for! All the drama, all the tea; i loved it all! And when Jordin found out she was pregnant with Julez’s baby. I was shook. Jordin’s ex boyfriend Slim was soo obsessed with Julez; he wanted to be just like him. I kinda figured that things wouldnt go well with them. The ending was sad but it did get better. Julez assistant was soooo obsessed with him and she was desperate to make everyone around her feel less than when it came to Julez. Crazy thing is, he didnt want her. She was just a piece of ass to him. You cant tell delusional ass women that though. This book was one of the messiest yet best books Ive read in awhile. Some parts were predictable but overall the book is on my list of 5 star books this year!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was so deep that the twists burned me from within. My anxiety did not let up off me.
Noelle just couldn't be content; she's the really queen of envy, green like poison ivy. Her character was flaw but she knew how to keep up appearances throughout the book. She had everyone else fooled even herself but not Julez mama and granny. He'll, she still got the one idiot fooled and once you read it, you'll find out.
Julez was an enigma. Charming, successful and real enough to know his limits until there weren't any. I do feel like it took longer to the peeks of King Julez, ruthless and unashamed so when he does show up it's enough to son Mr. Payne. He so desperately wanted what he thought he could manifest with Noe but in reality his honest approach to life brought him a greater blessing despite the chaos.
Jordin was my girl from the beginning. Her pure nature embodied the texture of love and grace. She stood in supremacy, not lacking or slipping from her moral compass by much, I wanted her to win big. Her complicated relationships crafted her to be able to complement her king.
Slim was just as raggedy as a too full toddler's diaper. His personality spelled walking disaster. I had hoped for a love rival between her and Jordin but he was already too far gone. I really hope Julez brings peace to all his confusion. He was a perfect match for Noelle and I can't wait to see his demise.
I'm ready for book two because this is just too good to stop now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all the twist and turns, the happiness after the pain & friends to enemies!!!… First off, how are the very ppl that started the game of deception so angry that the ppl they hurt the most found comfort in each other!!!… They wanted to be together, but want to control the lives of others and what they accomplish together!!!… Noelle loved the sneakiness that came from being with Slim, because once she could have him, all she wanted was Julez!!!…I was so happy that Julez let Mackenzie know he had her and would always love her!!!…Poor baby was caught in the middle of adult issues her selfish mother created!!!… Slim thought his words to Jordin would keep her down, but he found out real quick how Jordin’s rise would bring him to his knees!!!…His unsuccessful attempt on her life, really sent him in a tail spin because her knows Julez is not going to let it go!!!… It’s crazy how he didn’t understand what the Connect attempted to relay to him about his character!!!… I’m so ready for part 2, especially knowing that Jordon is going to make it!!!… Kira irked my nerves!!!…Again, another person with a person, but hurt by the fact that someone else don’t want her as theirs!!!…The jealousy and envy is real!!!…I’m soooo sure she has a plan up her sleeve too!!!… I hope Julez is staying on his business because Kira can be the cause of its collapse!!!…
This book was the bomb from the first page. Noelle was truly no friends to Jordin. Noelle has alternative moves from the beginning. Slim was a scum bag. In the beginning I thought things would turn ugly and baby it did in a major way. Julze was a good dude he tried his hardest to be their for his ratchet wife Noelle but she had Slim on her mind all the time. All I can say is a Karma is a bitch and everything that happens for a reason. I just sad that poor Jordin got shot and now it’s bout to be fireworks. Slim and Noelle are two of the most ratchet people ever. Noelle was a fool to let Julez get away from her. Great read really enjoyed this book. Now on to part two.
I can tell this is one of Takerra’s earlier works but she still wowed me. I think some of the decisions the characters made were illogical. Like why would Noel risk it all when it’s never really clear what motivated her to cheat on her husband and then sleep with her best friend’s boyfriend. The reader can assume and maybe that was intentional but nothing about Slim was appealing when she had a boss like Julez. Then to just up and leave your child with no back history on why she is so illogical is strange too. So it still gets a 5 star for being a well developed story but maybe part 2 will explain what I felt part 1 didn’t.
Whooooo! Takerra this is my first read by you and I am sold! This was definitely a real life soap opera. Kira was just trifling. I wonder if Jordin had of told Noelle the truth about how she knew Julez would it had of made a difference to her. And vice versa, if Noelle had of told Jordin the truth about how she really knew Slim would she have gotten involved with him. Noelle and Slim were meant for each other because they are both grimy as all get out. Jordin could have definitely been in Noelle's shoes had she not stood by Slim's side during his bid.
Restricted is the extreme and explosive tale of what happens when friends are both jealous and selfish. The story of Juelz, Noelle, Jordin and Slim will leave you questioning your own friendships. The levels of treachery and dangerous acts of betrayal left us at the edge of our seat. And as twisted as it sounds, you end up rooting for a wrong situation because of true love and your own need for a little revenge. Can’t wait to read part two and hope that two of these characters get their just rewards.
The novel was definitely captivating and held my attention but the depravity of the characters (all of them) was a bit disturbing. I mean every last one of them seemed to lack a moral compass. For me, I had to choose the less of the evils and that was Juelz (who supposedly was so smart but made some dumb decisions) e.g. look no further than Kira. I rooted for Jordin but her low self esteem, naïveté, and self deprecation wore my nerves thin. Good book and writing but with troubled characters that never really redeemed themselves.
This book was a hot soap opera mess! But what else would you expect from the title and subtitle? It served it's purpose on that front and was a page turner until the very end. And just like with any good soap opera...I can't wait to see what happens next! TA's growth as a writer is very evident as I make my way through her earlier releases. But fine tuning their craft is what any good writer should do!
There were no restrictions in this book! Noelle and Jordin were best friends and shared more than each other knew. Once you start reading, you will not want to put this book down. The author did an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged in this scandalous drama filled book. A must read.
Where does one begin with a story full of shenanigans...like my mouth was opened the entire time. Protagonists/Antagonists lines felt blurred at some points...this definitely felt like an urban soap opera. What's next for Slim, Noelle, Jordin, and Juelz? I am going to book two to find out.