Mr. Straight Up No Chaser: Baes of Juneteenth

by Sherelle Green

After opening a cultural community center in the heart of Chicago, Porter Crowne is determined to make The Blackout Fest the best Juneteenth celebration yet. Especially when chosen as Mr. Black Chicago. Partnering with influential members of the community will ensure its success. However, if you aren’t following the plan, you’re in his way just like the curvy, feisty vlogger who argues with every suggestion he has.

Popular influencer, Alanna Raven, has had much success as a body positive educator. When she gets the call to join The Blackout Fest planning committee, she’s all in. With a new strategic partnership on the line, she has one chance to shoot her shot. However, she has a deep secret. One that could threaten everything she’s worked so hard for. And unfortunately, the one person who can help seal the deal is a man whose mind and body infuriates her more than it should.

Make sure you read the extended bonus at the end of the story.

In the Baes of Juneteenth multi-author series, we invite you to journey to different cities to celebrate Juneteenth with the men of Mr. Black, an organization honoring Black love, Black culture, and Black history.

Genres: Romance, Novella, African American Romance, Audiobook, Short Stories, Fiction

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Sherelle Green crafts brutal worlds where lust and danger collide. Known for her addictive, high-stakes mafia romances, she’s built an entire dark empire through her books—a place where ruthless antiheroes and complex heroines navigate twisted loyalties, betrayal, and forbidden passion.

With a deep fascination for the darker corners of love, she dives into themes of power, lust, vulnerability, and redemption, blending suspense and sensuality to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

From intricate family sagas and compelling love affairs, to thought-provoking fiction and romantic crime thrillers, her novels touch on how experiences & environment impact the way her beautifully flawed and relatable protagonists view life and love.

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dang, this book started off really good…Porter (Poe) is Pharaoh Crown’s son…I had high hopes….

[WellReadRuby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby we backkkkkk!!! Crowne’s are back and what a pleasant surprise! We get to see the life of Porter Crowne aka Pharaoh's oldest son! We see Porter going through life trying to live up to his father’s expectations but knowing that he always wanted something different for his life. The first thing he truly wanted to go against his dad on was denying himself Alanna. Body-positive blogger Alanna needs something major and wagers to help Porter with the Juneteenth celebration to get what she wants! Understanding the why behind why they didn’t work and seeing their second chance at love was nice! I also understand Porter’s transformation in this book not only led him to the Mr. Blacks, an organization on bettering the community and teaching the truth around Juneteenth, it also led him back to his first love that got away because he was being true to himself. Everyone assumed Porter would follow in his father's footsteps, even him, and it took some help from his uncles to show him a different path and connection to the family. Listen, Porter being a Crowne I knew what to expect! Him being Pharaoh’s son I knew the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Porter was not playing around with Alanna ok! He was on her like white on rice when she said go lol! I know I’m talking a lot about Porter but it seemed like this was his book, his celebration to lead the Juneteenth celebration, his love, and his life transitions. Alanna we got a little on her life but mainly that she wanted to be back in Porter’s life! She knew what she wanted! Cause listen I may play the same hand she did! 😆🔥 Overall I enjoyed this book! It was a good short, a little nasty 🤭🔥, and gave me some patience in waiting for the next book in the Crowne Series! I love the real Juneteenth history intertwined with the Mr. Black organization and the Crowne's history with the organization. This a fun and short Juneteenth read that I would recommend!

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[JBucky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Being reminded of the history of Juneteenth was great to read! It is a reminder about how important that day is, especially given the time! This book was riddled with facts about Juneteenth.

Porter Crowne & Alanna Raven made a beautiful couple! The attraction was magnetic 🧲, especially because they have loved one another since grade school! The fact that they ended up together was a plus for them both. This was a good, quick, & short story. Being that the book was so heavy on given the background and history behind Juneteenth, the romance portion was so quick and breezed over that if you blinked you missed it. Let’s see what the next story holds.!

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5…. i enjoyed it a lot!! it wasn’t nearly enough. i realize its a novella but my point still stands.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of facts

The story was an interesting read with lots of facts about Juneteenth. I liked that part a lot. I was not as enamored with the constant Crowne this and Crowne that. I wanted more about Mr. Straight up No Chaser and his relationship with the love of his life, Alanna.

[Danielle Book Boss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. This book is three stars because it felt like the author didn’t know what genre she wanted to write or maybe during the writing process the characters took her in a different direction than where it started. First, it felt like it could be a bit of a romantic suspense with the secret families. Then the male MC was written like an urban lit character. Then it was a romance and then finally an erotica. It just felt a bit thrown together and didn’t mesh. I think it would have come together better had it not been a novella.

This was an interesting and very different characterization than I’ve read from Sherelle Green before. I’m interested in reading more.

[Katie ratherbereadinggg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars The pacing felt off and, in the end, the story felt incomplete. It took me a minute to get invested and then when I finally was, the book ended.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this Mr. Black was seriously no chaser!

Porter aka Poe was truly a man of enterprise and a man of the streets! Alanna, a social media influencer had her roots in that street life as well both of them coming from families who were known crime bosses! The premise of these stories to educate our people about all of the aspects of Juneteenth is humbling to me! There is a saying that you can't know where you are going until you know where you've been is very true for us as a people! One of the reasons I believe why our people as a whole are so easy to be manipulated is because of lack of knowledge of who we truly are! As a result we allow a people who have stolen everything about us as a people and fed us lies about ourselves to keep us accepting their oppression and even gatekeeping to assuage their white fragility! We need more truth about ourselves to be taught to our people and the world! Thank you ladies for addressing to an extent the meaning and importance of Juneteenth! !!!!!!

[R · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing. I had a hard time getting into it and I was going to give up. But since I'm not a quitter I pushed through and finished it. The stories are short but this one was incomplete. There was nothing to tie everything together at the end. The 2nd epilogue was unnecessary and made no sense. If you're going to read the whole series, just skip this one. 😕

[KarynReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Crowne family being in this one! Juneteenth references and knowledge was really good. Started off good, but the ending was odd. It didnt fit for me. Audio was good.

[H (sosheescapes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

went in blind. pleasantly surprised to see the Crowne's

[Cheryl Jamai · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title, Mr. Straight, No Chaser is fitting for this story. Porter Crowne was groomed to be an integral part of the family business. As the oldest son of Pharaoh Crowne, it was expected of him. Five years ago, Porter was at a crossroads and knew “the life” was no longer for him. He opened the Rooted Collective, a community center and multi-purpose venue. Porter represents the Crowne family as “Mr. Black Chicago” and his major task was to organize the Juneteenth celebration.

In comes Alanna Raven, a body positive blogger and influencer. She recently relocated back to Chicago and Porter kicked her off the planning committee for Juneteenth, because she was too distracting, however a fellow committee member asked for her help. Porter loved her jasmine and rose scent and the energy changed when she was around. He referred to her as half librarian, half sexy vixen. He’s had a soft spot for her since they attended high school. However, Pharaoh and her father didn’t get along so she was off limits. Alanna had a unique request that caught Porter off guard, but he couldn’t deny her if he tried. Porter’s aura and swag was just her type and he was the perfect person to prepare her for her fellowship with Black Lush, yes, that Black Lush. Porter didn’t waste any time honoring Alanna’s request (again the title is very fitting). Let’s just say a lot of sexy play can be done in a vehicle. There were many sexy elements throughout the book. For those that are interested in extra spice, there is a bonus “quickie” called Juiced Up On You that focuses on the couples participation in a sexy competition.

I enjoyed how Ms. Green incorporated history of Juneteenth. Mr. Straight No Chaser, was a great start to the Baes of Juneteenth series, and I highly recommend it.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book of the Baes of Juneteenth definitely is straight up no chaser. Porter Crowne and Alanna Raven's love is quick and immediate. Their story is sweet and sexy but there's not much to it. It's truly like taking a shot of liquor straight, no chaser. I know that these stories will be centered around the celebration of Juneteenth, but there were a few too many facts for me. To me, it took up space where more about this couples' story could have been added. One thing I will say is that I loved the black father and son representation. Pharaoh, one of my favorite Crownes, is a man with many children, and he understands the importance of not only being a father but a black father. Qualities Pharaoh instilled this in his eldest son, Porter. Couple that with the importance and history of Juneteenth, it gave black excellence, and I loved it.

Bonus Content: Juiced Up On You - now this! This is fire! Loved to bonus content! The stories of Alanna and Porter and their friends are sexy, sensual, and a little...well read and see for yourself

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Straight Up No Chaser

Porter Crowned was determined to be his own person and live his as he chose to. He was determined to have Alanna Raven not really realizing need him just as much.

[Brandon Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherelle had done it again!!!!!

Love this book!!! I love how the story revolves around a young man realizing his self worth and going after the woman he loves… But I also love that it involves a Crowne…If you haven’t read any of the Crowne Legacy. What are you waiting for!!!!

[NubianJoí · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blacked-Out

I get it, …historical black icons (from Chicago), black trailblazers, Mr. Black organization, Chicago cities, all black events, black love, black power, black community, black pride, favorite color is (I know 🤦🏾‍♀️) black, black tie & even a dang black eye🙄‼️ Unfortunately, “Mr. Straight Up No Chaser: Baes of Juneteenth” wasted three hours like we students in a Chicago Black Civics theory lecture. Thereafter we were inundated with more historical context about fathers, uncles, associates and every other couples (ah, I still don’t care) except Porter & Alanna until chapter six! Why now⁉️ Since 2022, I read approximately fifteen & twenty five books (possibly more) related to the Crowne’s & Madden’s. Porter was mention briefly as Pharaoh’s eldest son. However, Alanna was never mentioned. …Now, as thirty somethingers they going to hook up (for the first time in the back seat of a vehicle/SUV🥴⁉️ Worst (if that possible, these two hadn’t even established anything definitive by chapter six🙄🥴‼️There’s only seven chapters to the book🤦🏾‍♀️‼️…and let me not ruminate on the condom swap 🤬😡…I just 🤬blacked out‼️

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mr. Straight Up

Whew Chile…this book was super sexy and emotional. You got a history lesson amongst a love story. At first, the background information caused me to question where the author was going but I was glad I pressed on. The background info was critical to understanding Porter and Alanna. Once the foundation was laid, the story took off.

This couple have known each other since they were teens. Their families were rivals so their relationship was forbidden. They settled for friendship but their connection was so much stronger than that.

Poe is a complex man who’s finally finding his place. Alanna approaches him with a proposition that he quickly accepts. She knows that she’s sealed her faith when they hook up.

I loved the connection between Poe and Lana. Life may have separated them but life came full circle and reunited them. I love how liberated they were together and how they just fit. Alanna accepted Poe as he is. He needed that!

5 tantalizing stars!!!

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love that never died.

This book was everything and more. For the first book of Juneteenth I have to say I can't wait to read the rest of them. Porter had been in love with Alanna his whole life. But being a Crowne and family commitments came first. But The Blackfest would bring him closer the opportunity to be near and hopefully win the heart of his one true love. Well this reader says Porter and Alanna's reconnection and love journey was well thought out and an amazing read. The truths that Porter and Alanna with each other shared about themselves. Their pasts, their passion, the fire that they had for each other and their vulnerability was so deep that I couldn't put my kindle down until I finished the last lines of their story. Sherelle Green did that with this book. If you haven't read this series and don't know if you want to. I say do it! You will not be disappointed. This first book will have to wanting to read them all. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

•Second Chance Romance
•Virgin FMC
•Novella
•Accidental Pregnancy


Porter Crowne is trying to make this Juneteenth celebration the best one they’ve ever had due to him being chosen as Mr. Black Chicago. Alanna Raven is a popular influencer who just signed a deal with a local spicy club the only thing is she needs to take care of something before jumping into that journey and she decides only Porter Crowne can help her.


I enjoyed this book for the most part, it was very informative which I liked. I enjoyed both characters. I would’ve liked a little more build up to their relationship and the ending felt a little abrupt. Instead of the 2 epilogues it definitely felt like the story could’ve been just a bit longer.


I thought the male narrator of the audiobook brought the story to life however the female narrator talked very robotically 🙈 she would randomly pause where there shouldn’t have been a pause and it pulled me out of the story every time. So if you’re wanting to read this maybe avoid the audiobook and go for the ebook/physical book.

[shadiedaze · Rating 2 out of 5]

The narrators were good, but I couldn't keep up with all of the changes happening in this three hour 46 minute story. There was lots of unnecessary and not needed back story about Porter. The introduction of all of Alanna's friends, her sister, the planning committee members and Porter's friends was a lot. There was a few scenes with Porter and Alanna and then it was back to Porter's past, his relationship with is father and then two epilogues. The first epilogue was the next step in Porter and Alanna's HEA. However, the second epilogue sounded like some kind of island challenge. I don't know how these two epilogues were connected. I wanted this story to be more concise since it was short and part of a anthology. I think the true story of Porter and Alanna is about 1 hour worth of this novel. This novel is not a standalone, although the author attempted to make it a standalone for the anthology.

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

My First Time Reading About The Crownes

I had a hard time getting into this book at first. But, when I start a book, I like to see where it goes! I’m glad I did! Porter was a torn man. As his father’s oldest son, he was expected to take over the family business one day. He later decided that he didn’t want that life. He wanted a life with Alanna, the only woman he ever truly loved. When they were younger, they couldn’t be together, because of the rivalry between their fathers. Once Porter left that life behind, Alanna propositioned him. They finally got together. They were It for each other. I also loved the Juneteenth celebration! I can’t stop laughing about the old ladies in the closet though! Thank you for a great read Ms. Green! I’m definitely going to have to go back and read about the Crowne family! 💔🔥

[Angellica · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Book Review: Mr. Straight Up No Chaser by Sheree Green

This was a nice, short read with just the right mix of heart and history. I really loved how Juneteenth was highlighted in the story—it gave the book cultural depth and made it feel rooted in something real and important.

Porter and lani long-lost love finally coming full circle? Whew, that was beautiful. Their reunion felt earned, sweet, and just the kind of love story that makes you smile. The pacing was quick, but it didn’t miss the mark—it delivered exactly what it needed to: love, legacy, and a little bit of that grown folks’ truth.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(For the love story, the Juneteenth touch, and a short read that still leaves an impact)
“Some loves don’t fade with time—they wait, and when they return, it’s sweeter than ever. ✨🖤”

[Matysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Black Chicago

I enjoyed this story because it gave me what I thought a Juneteenth book should give and this coming from someone who if 50/50 when it comes to this holiday. I learned new AA about Chicago but I still got a Sherelle Green book sex in the unexpected places and a love worth waiting for. My favorite secondary characters had to be Scar and Guttermouth. I was glad to see the whole squad get boo’ed in the bonus scene! I definitely would like to see more of them in future books! My most favorite love story in this tale was Pharaoh and Porter! That black father/black son representation definitely warmth my heart. I hope to see more Crowne offspring stories. I have high hopes for the rest of this anthology.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not feeling this one. As much as I wanted to like it, I couldn't get into the story. There was nothing interesting going on. The life Poe was leading wasn't interesting.

I don't like the style of writing where we have to keep going back and forth in time. I find it to be distracting. I didn't feel like Poe and Alanna had any chemistry.

Tbh, from when Poe met with the other Mr. Black's it seemed to me like I didn't know where this storyline was going. The flow of the book felt choppy. Didn't seem like there was a smooth segue going on at any point in the book.

Should I focus on the gang, the executions, the relationship with the father, Alanna, the Black's, or his boys? At some point early in the book, I didn't care about any of them.

[Geri Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Beginning to a Great Series!! 🥰

The bar has been set high for the first book to this series!! We get to see Juneteenth from Chicago’s perspective! The history was astounding! Porter’s and Alana’s relationship was beautiful to watch! A love established as kids but never brought to fruition until now! This story comprised of a young man truly coming into his own, a family that exhibits love for each other, a young lady finally being able to release her love and have it reciprocated, and so much more!!

Be sure you have your copy and take the time to read and enjoy!! You’ll be glad you did!! Kudos, Sherelle!! 💜

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong can become right

Porter is the son of a real boss. His life was filled with much that could have corrupted his life in total. However the legacy of his forefather leads him to want to make a decision to want more. Alanna Raven changed his life in grade school and she became his dream . He knew he craved her attention. The shock of her reentering his life offered great hope and uncertainty. However, Alanna had a motive and only Porter could help her success. Read in this book a reunion celebration that achieved both of their dreams. Great read..will be following up on Crown dynasty.

[Chareese H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed yet another story of Baes of Juneteenth. This was a really good story as it involved the Crown Family. I loved how 2 people who really liked each other as young people got it right as adults and made it what it was supposed to be had they both not tried to hide their feelings. Really a plus with the bonus rounds and those couples ( Tia & Hassan/Rye & Eddie/ Skatlet & Gino) names are probably spelled wrong due to listening to the audiobook. This was a really good audiobook and worth a second listen. Narration Job well done by 2 of my favorite narrators. Ms. Sherrell Green thank you for another great story.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Porter Crowne!

I loved this book. Porter came into his own and found he could create his own path that didn’t have to mimic and follow in his footsteps. I loved the second chance at love for Porter and Alanna that was taken from them as teenagers. I also enjoyed all of the Juneteenth facts that were included in the story. The facts were a nice touch since the series focuses on the holiday. I also enjoyed the bonus scene and seeing their friends together. I look forward to what comes next from this author.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Porter and Alanna!!!

I really loved Porter and Alanna's story. They were attracted to each when they were younger but were prohibited from seeing each other by their fathers due to their business dealings. As they got older, they kept an eye on each other from afar. Once the planning for the Juneteenth holiday began, they didn't waste any time letting their feelings for each other blaze out of control. Ms. Green did a wonderful job combining the Juneteenth facts with the sexy vibes. As usual, she didn't disappoint with the bonus story either. Great job!!!

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not familiar with the Crowne series but the constant overviews and histories were overwhelming and unnecessary to the story. Shoo I wish we saw more of Porter and Alanna actually planning the Blackout Fest, rather than skipping it and then unloading all the Juneteenth facts on us.

Porter was a stalker😂and all the guys were so thirsty🤣

The spicy scenes were fire! And the scenes with their friends was interesting as I thought the story was gonna be mostly focused on Porter and Alanna’s story. I wish there was more romance too.