What would you do if you found a duffle bag full of 7 kilos of pure cocaine, $80,000, and 3 guns under your porch?
For Romeo Washington, a 16-year old unpopular high school kid from Clarksville, TN, with dreams of winning the heart of Zara Brown, the most popular girl at school, the answer was simple.....Get Money By Any Means.
Romeo's never sold a drug in his life so when his friends, Lil Tim and Ace, decide they down' want any part of helping him sell the drugs he found, he decides to become a dopeboy all on his own.
It doesn't take long for the reality of the street life to set in for Romeo. He he learns that what started out as a chance to get the attention of the girl of his dreams, and the respect of his peers who never knew he existed, throws him in the middle of a street war, which eventually brings him the wrong attention from Javion, a street hustler looking to take over the city, as well as the attention of another street hustler, Lazy, who's on a mission to find out who stole his duffle bag that he stashed while running from the police.
After living a life at the bottom and being treated like a nobody, Romeo gets a taste of a better life and his entire world takes on a drastic change. But is it, for better or worse?
Romeo must find a way to survive the streets as he tries to take on a lifestyle that most people don't survive, especially when they're NEW TO THE STREETS...
I can say that I have yet to read an urban street novel as detailed, as intense, as realistic as this one. I did read at the end that the author had done a 23-year bid, and it shows that he put his time, sweat, tears, and life experience in his novel. I loved reading about Romeo's come up and his fight to stay on top. The spice scenes had me fanning myself and pausing for a shower, lol. This novel had true grit. Learning that this was his debut novel amazes me. I can not wait to read "Heart Of The Streets," which is book two in this new series. I am so excited to see more black men writing, and I am so proud of you, Author KOLD. Great Read!
This book is the real deal!!! I can’t believe people are sleeping on it. It’s such an excellent read. The author takes his time in telling us about the streets with various characters and in their individual perspectives. Drug peddling, sex and gang life seems to be the order of the day and we get to see how these youngsters navigate this hard life. Romeo Washington?! Boy, what are we ever going to do with you?! You know how they say, behind every successful man is an even more successful woman? Well, have you met Zara? This book is packed with action and I love how intentional the author is in helping readers paint a vivid picture of the various characters and events in the mind’s eye. Kold is a solid writer and best believe that I am so invested in this story 👏🏽👏🏽
Romeo was just a regular teenager, trying to get his weight up in the cool department. His mom couldn’t afford to buy him the freshest fits, and he knew he needed to step his game up if he wanted a shot with his crush. But how was he supposed to do that with no money in his pockets?
Well, whether it was fate or just the universe working in his favor, his whole situation changed when somebody stashed a duffel bag under his porch. And just like that, he was in the game.
Now, let’s be real—his moves were messy at first, but they were still moves. And when Zara, the same girl he’d been crushing on, stepped in to put him on game? That’s when he really started seeing what the streets were all about. But while he’s out here stacking, he doesn’t even realize how much heat he’s bringing to his own doorstep.
This book had me hooked from start to finish. Watching Romeo navigate money, loyalty, and the dangers that come with the streets was a ride! Every decision had a consequence, and I was right there, flipping pages, waiting to see how it all played out.
If you haven’t read this one yet, you’re definitely missing out. And trust me, I’m (impatiently) waiting for Book Two because I need to see how all these choices come back around!
This story has action from start to finish! There are so many plot twists and I love that I didn’t see them al l coming. Romeo has a once in a lifetime come up and the way he handles is speaks to his character. There are many times that he could’ve alienated his people or screwed up his change due to ego or naïveté. Zara is a real one. She could’ve steered Romeo wrong or went to Javion and gave him up but instead she helped build his empire. Lazy fumbled the bag literally and figuratively so what came to him was him own fault. That cliffhanger tho!! I cant wait for book 2!
Kold, this was so raw and real. From the beginning to the end you sucked me right on into this book. I can’t wait for the next installment because Romeo coming up the way he did and learning the game in such a short amount of time and doing his thing is crazy work! This book has its drama, and it’s full of street life that gives us what it’s supposed to give!
I really enjoyed Romeo’s come up. Zara was the cherry on top that he needed. I like the cliffhanger, that’s how you keep your readers wanting more. Which I will definitely tune in for. Now on the other hand, when reading and then the characters mention the author, it kinda throws the connection with the character off. Overall, this is an urban story that you need to read if you enjoy them.
This book will definitely be one of my favorite reads this year. I couldn't put it down. Romeo got in the streets and, with the help of Zara, made a name for himself. Zara was about her bag and nothing else. These two together were powerful. Zara and Romeo's friends were riders for sure. They were right there helping them build their clientele. The enemies these two made along the way were determined to knock them off. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2 because that ending had my jaw on the floor.
This was such an amazing read. I was kind of skeptical when Romeo came across that bag of $80,000 but once I saw the way the started flipping the money and putting his friends on as well I had nothing but the upmost respect for him. Even though he was driving me insane with some of the decisions he made and some of the tuff situations he found himself in but he came out on top evey single TIME!🖤✨
Great read. Kold created a realistic view of drug life on the streets. By him letting us get into the minds of his characters, created a great and thoughtful reading experience. Wondering what will happen to Romeo creates tension and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is a real page turner. Looking forward to reading the sequel. Keep up the good work.
I appreciate how the author takes the time to help you clearly imagine the characters and scenes. What really stood out to me was how raw and real Kold made the whole street drug scene look. Romeo was getting on my nerves with his decisions but hey, that’s just typical teenage stuff, right? (lol) The come up was real!
Now this true Street (urban) Fiction!!!! Thank you so much Kold for blessing us with your pen game!!! It’s been a minute since I’ve read anything THIS street! Had me feeling like my first time reading the Coldest Winter Ever!!! I can’t wait to jump into the next one!
I loved this book it had a nice flow to it it was very detailed I would highly recommend this book it had a few errors but nothing major I give it 5 pens