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American Gunner
Imaginatively rendered and a gripping debut, a young man’s dance with the criminal underworld lands him in international hot water and left vying for his life in this crime thriller mash-up of American Gangster and The Bourne Identity.
Raphael Waters grew up accustomed to being in a constant state of survival. When he becomes the muscle for known street figure, Rah, he believes his life has taken a turn for the better. That is until a string of unfortunate circumstances leave Rah missing and Raphael grasping for answers in the streets of the concrete jungle—once again. A chance encounter with the intriguing Alex Gatts promises to be the life-changing turnaround he needs.
Alex Gatts is the perfect mixture of beauty and brawn. She rules the nightlife of South Bend with every click of her sky-high stilettos. When she hires Raphael as her bodyguard, an unexpected friendship develops, sparking a lucrative business proposition that could give Alex the edge she desires.
Raphael lets his guard down and breaks his cardinal Never trust a woman. Together they embark on a series of real estate deals that solidifies their standing amongst the country’s elite and most powerful syndicate. When an international business deal of a lifetime goes awry, Raphael is left holding the bag in enemy territory.
“This story hooked me from the very first page . . . all the twists and turns you need in a suspense story, including a romance you never expected to happen! I highly recommend it for fans of crime thrillers. You won’t be disappointed.” —Shakir Rashaan, bestselling author of Neverwraith
Raphael Waters grew up accustomed to being in a constant state of survival. When he becomes the muscle for known street figure, Rah, he believes his life has taken a turn for the better. That is until a string of unfortunate circumstances leave Rah missing and Raphael grasping for answers in the streets of the concrete jungle—once again. A chance encounter with the intriguing Alex Gatts promises to be the life-changing turnaround he needs.
Alex Gatts is the perfect mixture of beauty and brawn. She rules the nightlife of South Bend with every click of her sky-high stilettos. When she hires Raphael as her bodyguard, an unexpected friendship develops, sparking a lucrative business proposition that could give Alex the edge she desires.
Raphael lets his guard down and breaks his cardinal Never trust a woman. Together they embark on a series of real estate deals that solidifies their standing amongst the country’s elite and most powerful syndicate. When an international business deal of a lifetime goes awry, Raphael is left holding the bag in enemy territory.
“This story hooked me from the very first page . . . all the twists and turns you need in a suspense story, including a romance you never expected to happen! I highly recommend it for fans of crime thrillers. You won’t be disappointed.” —Shakir Rashaan, bestselling author of Neverwraith
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 30, 2023
I received this book as an Arc from the publisher and really enjoyed it! The writing was fluid, the story was intriguing and most of the characters were like-able. I think the only parts that seemed forced for me was how quickly the main male character fell in love with a woman he’d met less than 48 hours before and that that woman was willing to go to the lengths she did for a complete stranger. I think the storyline switched completely around 60-70 percent through the book and lost me a bit but overall it was a great read I would recommend!
April 26, 2024
The twists in this book really had me feeling like I was watching a movie!! I love an action movie with a plot but a book like this, is top tier!!! I can’t wait till book 2 comes out!
April 15, 2023
NOTE: WARNINGS
Inappropriate sexual behavior, childhood trauma, violence
I don't know who I gasped for more, Raphael or Alex. Their relationship was so toxic. You can love someone and hate them at the same time, just know its not them, its the choices they make is what you hate. Both of them had such a harsh upbringing, things no kids should ever experience. I would have thought that their similarities would have been what truly made them close. But that Alex, is a whole vibe of toxicity all by herself and extremely manipulative to get whatever she wants.
A great read to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Inappropriate sexual behavior, childhood trauma, violence
I don't know who I gasped for more, Raphael or Alex. Their relationship was so toxic. You can love someone and hate them at the same time, just know its not them, its the choices they make is what you hate. Both of them had such a harsh upbringing, things no kids should ever experience. I would have thought that their similarities would have been what truly made them close. But that Alex, is a whole vibe of toxicity all by herself and extremely manipulative to get whatever she wants.
A great read to keep you on the edge of your seat.
April 24, 2023
I thought it was very well written it kept you glued in because these things actually happen everyday when people are victims of sexual abuse and no one believes them and they end up turning into a bad person by living two different lives from being a family person to a killer it will keep tuned in to see what’s going to happen next
I recommend this book very good
I recommend this book very good
July 5, 2023
I received a free copy of this book. I am providing an honest review.
The basics:
Raphael is living paycheck to paycheck, trying to keep his father’s home and food on the table. Blessed with incredible fighting skills, Raphael turns to the street to supplement his income. Alex is a wealthy nightclub owner seeking new security. After witnessing Raphael in action, Alex works tirelessly to convince him to accept the position as her head of security. After the two enter a business partnership, Alex begins to engage in questionable business practices. Alex goes to prison for her actions, but emerges with an even bigger plan.
My thoughts:
This novel has strong themes of betrayal, corruption, greed, and self-sufficiency. In addition, it addresses a topic that is very prevalent in our current political landscape: generational wealth. Alex is a particularly interesting character. She is manipulative, cunning, and quick witted. Her backstory is utterly heartbreaking, but she is determined to control her own fate. Raphael is very grounded and brings a grounded perspective to the table. She and Raphael have a very toxic and turbulent business relationship. Neither of them can survive without the other, but both struggle to find loyalty and trust in the other person.
Though I was interested in the plot line and generally liked the book, I did feel like Raphael’s later relationship was extremely rushed. After a weekend together, the woman he just met seems willing to betray her entire family to support Raphael. I know the woman rationalizes why she is willing to abandon her family (outside the climatic events), but her decision still did not add up for me. She is betraying her family and leaving her home for someone she met… less than three days ago. Then, upon her arrival in the United States, she willingly adopts a child she has never met with the man she has only known for four total days. Overall, it felt unrealistic and very rushed. I wish that aspect of the story had been a little more refined. I did enjoy the novel as a whole, however.
I would recommend this novel to people that are interested in themes of generational wealth, greed, or corruption.
The basics:
Raphael is living paycheck to paycheck, trying to keep his father’s home and food on the table. Blessed with incredible fighting skills, Raphael turns to the street to supplement his income. Alex is a wealthy nightclub owner seeking new security. After witnessing Raphael in action, Alex works tirelessly to convince him to accept the position as her head of security. After the two enter a business partnership, Alex begins to engage in questionable business practices. Alex goes to prison for her actions, but emerges with an even bigger plan.
My thoughts:
This novel has strong themes of betrayal, corruption, greed, and self-sufficiency. In addition, it addresses a topic that is very prevalent in our current political landscape: generational wealth. Alex is a particularly interesting character. She is manipulative, cunning, and quick witted. Her backstory is utterly heartbreaking, but she is determined to control her own fate. Raphael is very grounded and brings a grounded perspective to the table. She and Raphael have a very toxic and turbulent business relationship. Neither of them can survive without the other, but both struggle to find loyalty and trust in the other person.
Though I was interested in the plot line and generally liked the book, I did feel like Raphael’s later relationship was extremely rushed. After a weekend together, the woman he just met seems willing to betray her entire family to support Raphael. I know the woman rationalizes why she is willing to abandon her family (outside the climatic events), but her decision still did not add up for me. She is betraying her family and leaving her home for someone she met… less than three days ago. Then, upon her arrival in the United States, she willingly adopts a child she has never met with the man she has only known for four total days. Overall, it felt unrealistic and very rushed. I wish that aspect of the story had been a little more refined. I did enjoy the novel as a whole, however.
I would recommend this novel to people that are interested in themes of generational wealth, greed, or corruption.
July 17, 2023
Raphael Waters has been a survivor his whole life. Things seem to be getting better for Raphael when he becomes the muscle for a leader of a criminal enterprise name Rah. But when Rah suddenly disappears, Raphael has no one to turn to. Enter Alex Gatts. Alex is the queen of South Bend’s nightlife. When Alex offers Raphael the job of being her bodyguard, he sees an offer that he can’t refuse. However, Raphael & Alex will get more than they bargained for when an international business deal goes south.
This story starts off as your typical street tale. But readers will soon find out that’s not the case. Eddy Clark & D. Andrea Whitfield brought us a fast-paced, gritty tale filled with action packed scenes and plot twists. Clark & Whitfield brought a hard hitting debut novel that will make you want to read more from these authors in the future. Crime, drama, and a little romance is what you find in American Gunner.
This story starts off as your typical street tale. But readers will soon find out that’s not the case. Eddy Clark & D. Andrea Whitfield brought us a fast-paced, gritty tale filled with action packed scenes and plot twists. Clark & Whitfield brought a hard hitting debut novel that will make you want to read more from these authors in the future. Crime, drama, and a little romance is what you find in American Gunner.
June 12, 2023
This book was the true definition of Urban fiction and I loved it. The relationship between Alex and her family gave me a better understand on how a person can turn into a savage. The book kept me entertained and on edge wanting more from this story. This book brings me back to reading classic Urban Fiction like True to the Game by Teri Woods. I enjoy reading this book and I can not wait to read more books from the authors.
October 30, 2024
Now, my fellow book lovers, this is my type of book. It has action, suspense, twists, turns, and romance. This book had everything that I needed when I needed it. It is highly recommended, and I will definitely be reading part 2.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review
February 1, 2024
This did start a little slow for me but it quickly picked up. By chapter 3 I was literally glued wanting to know more. Loved this read
April 5, 2024
This was a real adventurous, catchy love story! It kept me on edge from beginning to end! Very good read!
April 26, 2026
Excellently written and hard to put down. Action packed, keeps you locked in till the last page.
April 10, 2023
This book has action and suspense involved in it. You will meet Raphael and Alex and learn who they are individually and how their lives intertwine. In the prologue, the FBI stops Raphael and Alex with no explanation. You will learn how they met and how they are connected. You must continue reading to discover why they were arrested and what happens next. This book is filled with suspense and action, so you don't want to put it down because you will want to know what happens next. You will learn if they both find love or how their lives will end up. I enjoyed reading this book because I got into the characters, especially seeing a woman in power. I give this book five stars.
Denise Hadnot
Denise Hadnot
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews