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A Staten Island Love Story: Welcome to Shaolin #1
A Staten Island Love Story: Welcome to Shaolin
His father was taken from him too soon.
Struggle had become his life, always operating in survival mode in fear of ending up like his father.
Staten Island had been home until it wasn’t.
Moving back was the only solution.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan.
Being more than a Daddy’s girl has always been the goal.
Finding herself outside of being the baby proved itself to be the hardest thing.
He seemed familiar. Something safe, someone she knew she could let her guard down around.
A man that wasn’t just around because of what her last name could offer.
The car she drove wasn’t the only thing that moved fast. She wasn’t looking for something new.
He was looking for something real.
It was like their paths crossing was written in the stars.
Struggle had become his life, always operating in survival mode in fear of ending up like his father.
Staten Island had been home until it wasn’t.
Moving back was the only solution.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan.
Being more than a Daddy’s girl has always been the goal.
Finding herself outside of being the baby proved itself to be the hardest thing.
He seemed familiar. Something safe, someone she knew she could let her guard down around.
A man that wasn’t just around because of what her last name could offer.
The car she drove wasn’t the only thing that moved fast. She wasn’t looking for something new.
He was looking for something real.
It was like their paths crossing was written in the stars.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2023
2562 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
September 5, 2024
Messy and the women are slow 🤣
December 17, 2024
The best part was the ending but overall this story is boring .
March 7, 2025
Now I gotta read the rest of the series, but off this one alone??? who's love story is it supposed to be? Karter playing mind games with Star? ANNOYING! Wahkeem gaslighting tf out of his wife in favor of his best friend that he's clearly in love with? INFURIATING! And the ending???? I trust Jahquel and her pen, though, so on to book 2, I go.
January 5, 2026
Wait, this series is teaaaaaa. I like it so much better than a staten island love letter 🤭👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
March 30, 2025
The ending…..I screamed 😬
March 29, 2025
Multi-series review 34 books and counting. I'll only leave the review on book 1 of each series here.
Jahquel J has had me in a chokehold for the last few weeks. So this is a blanket review that will be shared across all the series and their books (38 so far) that I've read by her over the last 4 weeks. I've read the Delgatos (14 books) (, Casselli Family (1 book) , Inferno Gods (2 books) , Davis Family (5 books), Vanducci-Cromwell (3 books), The McKnights (5 books), Brownsville Bully (3books), Grizz and Sundaes spinoff.(3books), Rose in Harlem (1 book), Crossover Holiday Book (1 book).
Now, I love this world she's created and how the characters are connected. She's created a community that continues to grow and surprise me as a reader. The author does a great job with world building, character development and creating memorable moments i.e. Erin and those darn dolphins. Now she's pulling the kiddos in. I love the complexities of the characters and their "realness". For example layering serious medical conditions like epilepsy, mental illness, postpartum, stillborn births and more. She handles them like many of us in real life by getting help, but laughing to keep from crying. She has turned the flawed characters into ones that you can connect with to keep going and staying hopeful in your own life i.e. Tweeti going back to school and investing in herself. I mean her mouth is still untamed, but we love it and so does Jah.
I will be honest and say i didn't connect with the author's earlier writing when i found her, i wasn't the biggest fan of the slow burn and build. But, woah, did she shut my damn mouth. Now, I'm out here like a ...well never mind that analogy. Needless to say, the author has quickly become one of my favorite authors to read. I may be late to the party, but atleast I'm here. Right?
Jahquel J has had me in a chokehold for the last few weeks. So this is a blanket review that will be shared across all the series and their books (38 so far) that I've read by her over the last 4 weeks. I've read the Delgatos (14 books) (, Casselli Family (1 book) , Inferno Gods (2 books) , Davis Family (5 books), Vanducci-Cromwell (3 books), The McKnights (5 books), Brownsville Bully (3books), Grizz and Sundaes spinoff.(3books), Rose in Harlem (1 book), Crossover Holiday Book (1 book).
Now, I love this world she's created and how the characters are connected. She's created a community that continues to grow and surprise me as a reader. The author does a great job with world building, character development and creating memorable moments i.e. Erin and those darn dolphins. Now she's pulling the kiddos in. I love the complexities of the characters and their "realness". For example layering serious medical conditions like epilepsy, mental illness, postpartum, stillborn births and more. She handles them like many of us in real life by getting help, but laughing to keep from crying. She has turned the flawed characters into ones that you can connect with to keep going and staying hopeful in your own life i.e. Tweeti going back to school and investing in herself. I mean her mouth is still untamed, but we love it and so does Jah.
I will be honest and say i didn't connect with the author's earlier writing when i found her, i wasn't the biggest fan of the slow burn and build. But, woah, did she shut my damn mouth. Now, I'm out here like a ...well never mind that analogy. Needless to say, the author has quickly become one of my favorite authors to read. I may be late to the party, but atleast I'm here. Right?
November 14, 2024
The E N D I N G ! that's the review, leaves on a HUGE cliffhanger. Had my mouth OPEN!
September 9, 2024
3.5 stars, just Meh. 🫤
August 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ohhhh I am so happy to be back in Jahquel J’s writing!! This is a good set up for what is to come. I love Lennon and Wahkeem.
Ohhhh I am so happy to be back in Jahquel J’s writing!! This is a good set up for what is to come. I love Lennon and Wahkeem.
March 11, 2025
it was okay, not my fav
August 18, 2024
Nope…That Cliffhanger Does Not Make Up For The Girls Being Dumb
Okay, so the cliffhanger was everything. For once, I didn’t see it coming. Wow, I’m speechless. However, on a different note, I’m totally disappointed in ALL of the female characters in this book. Ms. Jahquel J went too far. How do you have 3 women allowing themselves to be disrespected and made a fool of by their men? All three have been cheated on and yet they all have taken each guy back, multiple times. Really? Where is their self respect? I can deal with the frustration and foolishness of one female character but not all of them. Skye, Lennon and Star are all giving women a bad name. I literally am side eyeing these women. Even though the book is well written that aspect alone is throwing off the whole vibe of the book.
Okay, so the cliffhanger was everything. For once, I didn’t see it coming. Wow, I’m speechless. However, on a different note, I’m totally disappointed in ALL of the female characters in this book. Ms. Jahquel J went too far. How do you have 3 women allowing themselves to be disrespected and made a fool of by their men? All three have been cheated on and yet they all have taken each guy back, multiple times. Really? Where is their self respect? I can deal with the frustration and foolishness of one female character but not all of them. Skye, Lennon and Star are all giving women a bad name. I literally am side eyeing these women. Even though the book is well written that aspect alone is throwing off the whole vibe of the book.
March 19, 2025
hard to respect any of the characters…
Even for a Jahquel J book, these characters were difficult. It’s hard to identify a protagonist to route for because all the FMCs from Lennon to Star to Skye, they’re all awful. The MMCs (Karter, Wah and Mo) are game players and not quite sure what they want.
The cliffhanger at the end was neither here nor there… I’m not really motivated to continue this series because there weren’t any character or plot arcs to really anchor on. I’m really “meh” about this series and for me it’s a first time I feel this way about a series from this author.
Even for a Jahquel J book, these characters were difficult. It’s hard to identify a protagonist to route for because all the FMCs from Lennon to Star to Skye, they’re all awful. The MMCs (Karter, Wah and Mo) are game players and not quite sure what they want.
The cliffhanger at the end was neither here nor there… I’m not really motivated to continue this series because there weren’t any character or plot arcs to really anchor on. I’m really “meh” about this series and for me it’s a first time I feel this way about a series from this author.
July 27, 2025
Now Ms. J is one of my favorite authors but this book didn't hit the same as her others. I've read Capone, Cappadonna, Capri, Menace and Don's books and it didn't compare to them at all. Butttttt the cliffhanger at the end has forced me to read Pt2 LOL
I was gaggggggggged
I was gaggggggggged
March 25, 2025
Star x Karter and Lennon x Wahkeem
What do you do after you read an amazing book and it puts you into a reading slump? Dive deeper into the author’s catalog. This is how I made my way to the Vanducci-Cromwell series.
Now, this book started out a bit slow, but I understand that it was mainly setting up a new set of characters….so I continued to trust the process. After a while, the storyline picked up and I started to tap in. Strained relationships, unresolved feelings and lots of secrets were laced in these pages. And in pure Jah fashion, she brought the mess! Down the rabbit hole I go!
3.75⭐️
What do you do after you read an amazing book and it puts you into a reading slump? Dive deeper into the author’s catalog. This is how I made my way to the Vanducci-Cromwell series.
Now, this book started out a bit slow, but I understand that it was mainly setting up a new set of characters….so I continued to trust the process. After a while, the storyline picked up and I started to tap in. Strained relationships, unresolved feelings and lots of secrets were laced in these pages. And in pure Jah fashion, she brought the mess! Down the rabbit hole I go!
3.75⭐️
October 1, 2024
😮
Well I’ll be damned!!! That is being was a damn good cliffhanger!! I mean what!!! She had what… I can’t say I don’t wanna spoil it for anyone else. I’m glade I decided to read this series!! Ok Jagquel you did your thang on this.
Well I’ll be damned!!! That is being was a damn good cliffhanger!! I mean what!!! She had what… I can’t say I don’t wanna spoil it for anyone else. I’m glade I decided to read this series!! Ok Jagquel you did your thang on this.
June 10, 2025
That ending…..
I’ve been meaning to start this series and I’m mad AF it took me so long. I was locked in immediately and the way it ended had my jaw on the floor!
I’m headed to book 2
I’ve been meaning to start this series and I’m mad AF it took me so long. I was locked in immediately and the way it ended had my jaw on the floor!
I’m headed to book 2
June 15, 2024
That ending tho....
December 13, 2024
😂🫣🤭🤣
I just can’t with these endings 🤭 That was straight out of the blue..😂 This was a quick enjoyable read.
I just can’t with these endings 🤭 That was straight out of the blue..😂 This was a quick enjoyable read.
December 29, 2024
A good set up for what’s to come. There’s soooo much drama brewing and I can’t wait for it all to start boiling over. The way this ended had my jaw on the floor 🤯
September 28, 2025
hard to follow
Is it me? So many characters and bouncing back and forth it was semi confusing.
That ending … The GAG!!!!
Is it me? So many characters and bouncing back and forth it was semi confusing.
That ending … The GAG!!!!
October 28, 2025
Ohhhhhh okayyyyyyy 😭
January 31, 2026
The character introduction started kinda slow and dragged a little bit, but once it started to flow it flowed...
July 31, 2025
Now why the hell it ended like that!?!?
September 28, 2025
I genuinely hate All the Staten Island characters.
November 11, 2025
After seeing this family being mentioned throughout the Delgato series, to finally getting to know who the Vanducci and Cromwell are. The Vanduccis got some shit with them. Both the twins bout as slow as two nickels. Star is trying to figure out who she is but stuck on a bum. The Cromwells have secrets that they aren’t really open to sharing at first, especially Karter. Seeing all the bs Arika accepted from her husband made me pray to never be that oblivious to all the signs ever.
September 19, 2025
So far Lennon is annoying, complaining but won’t take the help she’s offered.
Was is kind of lame, “ I can imagine moving away from my parents” yet he talked into moving away from hers. Then he knows she’s bothered by his unusual close friendship with Lennon but doesn’t care. Why did he pull her in as a placeholder. Mad disrespectful. And he gas lighting Arika, acting like she’s irrational mean while he calling out his fest friend name during sex.
Lennon, Star and skye are driving me crazy with how they have these losers treating them.
Me and Wah shared room bc it was easier. Mmmkay.🙄 oh the middle name stands Lennon and wan Keem. The disrespect doesn’t end. Shame on both of them for dragging others into their nonsense. I’m so disgusted that he’s telling his wife’s personal business. When these two eventually get together I won’t care for them. I hope the baby is his and it doesn’t turn into Arika was a cheater but we shall see.
I’m feeling Karter so far. Something about him that intrigues me.
I’m enjoying this story and can’t wait to learn more about the Cromwell Vanducci clans
Was is kind of lame, “ I can imagine moving away from my parents” yet he talked into moving away from hers. Then he knows she’s bothered by his unusual close friendship with Lennon but doesn’t care. Why did he pull her in as a placeholder. Mad disrespectful. And he gas lighting Arika, acting like she’s irrational mean while he calling out his fest friend name during sex.
Lennon, Star and skye are driving me crazy with how they have these losers treating them.
Me and Wah shared room bc it was easier. Mmmkay.🙄 oh the middle name stands Lennon and wan Keem. The disrespect doesn’t end. Shame on both of them for dragging others into their nonsense. I’m so disgusted that he’s telling his wife’s personal business. When these two eventually get together I won’t care for them. I hope the baby is his and it doesn’t turn into Arika was a cheater but we shall see.
I’m feeling Karter so far. Something about him that intrigues me.
I’m enjoying this story and can’t wait to learn more about the Cromwell Vanducci clans
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
SAY WHAT NOW 😳😳😳👀👀👀
SOOOO, JAH WHY MUST YOU DO US LIKE THIS 🤔🤔🤔🤦🏽♀️
YES I’M ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO ENDED UP READING CAPONE, CAPODONNA, AND CAPRI BOOK FIRST, IDK. ALTHOUGH IT WAS A VERY SLOW START
AZZLAND DONE DROP A 💣 AND BAY-BE I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HOW THIS ISH PLAYS OUT
SKYE BABY 👀👀👀
VITA 19 YEARS🤬🙏🏽
WHAT TF IS GOING ON WITH MEL AND JAMEL CAUSE THEY SEEMED REAL FAMILIAR AT THE LAKE HOUSE🤔🤔🤔
KARTER😍 THAT MAN RIGHT THERE. KNOWING HIS BACKGROUND AND HOW HE AND STAR GOT STARTED, I LOVE HIM EVEN MORE❤️🔥
RAH IS THE EPITOME OF A BLACK MAN STANDING ON FAMILY AND BUSINESS AND I LOVE IT! DESPITE LOSING ISH HE PUSHED THROUGH AND MADE SURE NONE OF THEIR CHILDREN HAD EVER STRUGGLE LIKE THEY DID.
LENNOX, LENNON, AND STAR HAS TO THE BLUEPRINT FOR TRUE UNCONDITIONAL BLACK LOVE AND THEY STILL ENDED UP IN TOXIC SITUATIONSHIPS🙄🤦🏽♀️
I DON’T LIKE ARIKA, GAVIN, SKAI OR LARK CONNIVING TOXIC AZZ
SO GLAD I DON’T HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S NEXT FOR THESE COUPLES
SOOOO, JAH WHY MUST YOU DO US LIKE THIS 🤔🤔🤔🤦🏽♀️
YES I’M ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO ENDED UP READING CAPONE, CAPODONNA, AND CAPRI BOOK FIRST, IDK. ALTHOUGH IT WAS A VERY SLOW START
AZZLAND DONE DROP A 💣 AND BAY-BE I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HOW THIS ISH PLAYS OUT
SKYE BABY 👀👀👀
VITA 19 YEARS🤬🙏🏽
WHAT TF IS GOING ON WITH MEL AND JAMEL CAUSE THEY SEEMED REAL FAMILIAR AT THE LAKE HOUSE🤔🤔🤔
KARTER😍 THAT MAN RIGHT THERE. KNOWING HIS BACKGROUND AND HOW HE AND STAR GOT STARTED, I LOVE HIM EVEN MORE❤️🔥
RAH IS THE EPITOME OF A BLACK MAN STANDING ON FAMILY AND BUSINESS AND I LOVE IT! DESPITE LOSING ISH HE PUSHED THROUGH AND MADE SURE NONE OF THEIR CHILDREN HAD EVER STRUGGLE LIKE THEY DID.
LENNOX, LENNON, AND STAR HAS TO THE BLUEPRINT FOR TRUE UNCONDITIONAL BLACK LOVE AND THEY STILL ENDED UP IN TOXIC SITUATIONSHIPS🙄🤦🏽♀️
I DON’T LIKE ARIKA, GAVIN, SKAI OR LARK CONNIVING TOXIC AZZ
SO GLAD I DON’T HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S NEXT FOR THESE COUPLES
June 11, 2025
This was a great read. I’ve read about the Delgatos/Infernos/Casellis so I wanted to read about The Vanducci-Cromwells since they are mentioned in some of those books.
I unintentionally spoiled some things of the series for myself prior to even thinking about picking up this series so I already knew about the bomb that was dropped at the end 😅 I am excited to see how it plays out though due to the fact it’s uncommon to have someone like Skye be a main character in an urban book (which I fully support & would love to see more of!)
Now Lennon & Wahkeem, whewww that’s goin be a mess! I’m rooting for them lowkey, but the way they going about it is the bad part. Karter finna show Star some shit she ain’t neverrr seen 🙂↕️ She not use to a man like him, but baby I’m here for it! Skye needs to just let Mo love on her, but I’m sensing that she has a past that’s preventing her from allowing it. All in all I enjoyed this book & can’t wait to see how these stories play out!
I unintentionally spoiled some things of the series for myself prior to even thinking about picking up this series so I already knew about the bomb that was dropped at the end 😅 I am excited to see how it plays out though due to the fact it’s uncommon to have someone like Skye be a main character in an urban book (which I fully support & would love to see more of!)
Now Lennon & Wahkeem, whewww that’s goin be a mess! I’m rooting for them lowkey, but the way they going about it is the bad part. Karter finna show Star some shit she ain’t neverrr seen 🙂↕️ She not use to a man like him, but baby I’m here for it! Skye needs to just let Mo love on her, but I’m sensing that she has a past that’s preventing her from allowing it. All in all I enjoyed this book & can’t wait to see how these stories play out!
November 2, 2024
whew chile!!!
What an introduction into the Vanducci-Cromwell family!!! From the beginning Gavin and Lark pissed me off. Lennox even tho he has a whole fiancé, he out in the club heauxing. His fiancé Shai quiet right now but I feel like ish is gonna hot the fan soon. Lennon and Wah have a crazy best friend relationship. Wah’s wife Arika gets on my last nerves on how she’s so jealous of their friendship. Karter Cromwell!!! Love him down with his bluntness and cocky demeanor and I think he is perfect for Star!!! And this cliffhanger!! It’s always the cliffhangers that Jahquel hit me with that leaves me screaming IKYFL AND WTF!!!!
What an introduction into the Vanducci-Cromwell family!!! From the beginning Gavin and Lark pissed me off. Lennox even tho he has a whole fiancé, he out in the club heauxing. His fiancé Shai quiet right now but I feel like ish is gonna hot the fan soon. Lennon and Wah have a crazy best friend relationship. Wah’s wife Arika gets on my last nerves on how she’s so jealous of their friendship. Karter Cromwell!!! Love him down with his bluntness and cocky demeanor and I think he is perfect for Star!!! And this cliffhanger!! It’s always the cliffhangers that Jahquel hit me with that leaves me screaming IKYFL AND WTF!!!!
April 6, 2025
Jahquel did not disappoint…
I’m a huge fan of Jahquel, the Delgato and Infernos series had me curious about the beginning saga of the crime families. So during my wait for new releases, i went investigating and I am happy I read Staten Island. Now, I am anxiously awaiting Quasim 3 and Menace. I am secretly wanting all of the families to be a part of a streaming series with some great actors and actresses. I enjoyed the humor, romance and wisdom.
I’m a huge fan of Jahquel, the Delgato and Infernos series had me curious about the beginning saga of the crime families. So during my wait for new releases, i went investigating and I am happy I read Staten Island. Now, I am anxiously awaiting Quasim 3 and Menace. I am secretly wanting all of the families to be a part of a streaming series with some great actors and actresses. I enjoyed the humor, romance and wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews