Unprotected Sex, Murder, Disloyalty and Payoffs all included in this street-life thriller. Entangled is a Love Story between a Major drug trafficker and a history teacher. The subplots includes a Black DEA agent with divided loyalty. He wants to do his job and rid the streets of drugs but on the other hand he knows that the system is corrupt and it targets minorities, this story has all the elements of a major motion picture.
K. Elliott aka The Well Fed Black Writer, published his first novel, Entangled, in 2003. Although he was offered multiple signing deals, Elliott decided he had what it took to self-publish. With that, he founded Urban Lifestyle Press, printed his own books and went to work. Bookstore by bookstore, street vendor by street vendor, Elliott took to the road selling his story. His work did not go unnoticed as he sold 50,000 units in his first year and made the Essence Magazine Bestsellers list. Since Entangled, Elliott has published five titles of his own and two on behalf of authors signed to Urban Lifestyle Press. For one book, The Ski Mask Way, Elliott was selected to co-author with hip-hop superstar 50 Cent. Along the way, he has continued to look for innovative ways to push his books to his fans while keeping down his overhead. Not wanting to keep the finding of such valuable experiences to himself, Elliott did two things. First, in 2010 he forged his vision of low-cost publishing by founding 21 Black Street, an eBookstore to mirror a traditional African-American themed book store - accept it could totally cuts out printing costs. Not stopping there, Elliott created the Well-Fed Black Writer, a blog for authors to find life-hacking tips for more efficient, effective self-publishing. Now through podcasts, video and blog posts, Elliott is able to reach anyone interested tips that lead to efficient, cost effective self-publishing success.
It's been five years and Jamal Stewart was leaving Coleman, Florida heading to Charlotte, North Carolina. Jamal's stretch was spent looking at lavish mansions and luxury cars. The only plan he had was to live his life with an ordinary job. Imagine Jamal, big time hustler accustomed to having everything, now being apart of the working class.
Dream Nelson, a 24 year old opted to follow her parents footsteps as an educator. An only child, from a good neighborhood and a loving two parent household found that she was enticed by that notorious bad boy brand. Her current man was actually on lock serving time for vehicular homicide. Dating straight laced academic types just didn't work for her.
Agent Mark Pratt joined the Drug Enforcement Agency instead of the church like his father and father's father. His goal was to have a career that would impact other people lives. His lifelong dream was to rid the streets of drug dealers, get addicts into treatment and all would be good in the hood. Conflicted by his religion and job, Mark hated that his thoroughness usually targeted black men that lead to their jailing.
As shocking as it is to believe a black man who happens to be an ex-con is unable to find a job. And people wonder why prisons seem to have the revolving door affect. Forced to jump back to his reign on the streets Jamal is just trying to get some major money and then live legitimately. Yeah, that's how it works.
A trip to Miami to boast his freedom and a much needed vacation from visiting jail and teaching children Dream and Jamal lives become ENTANGLED.
Dress him up and take him out on a night with the folks and he comes dressed like an infamous pimp. Take her out and she's on her first official drug run. My days are cold without you, while I'm hurting while I'm with you. And though my heart can't take no more, I keep on running back to you.
At best I'd say the story was choppy. The impending shock factor was ruined by contradicting characters. The potential for a strong story with complex characters is there, but somehow it gets buried. Instead an intensified hood tale flops into HUMDRUM!
The best thing about this book was the important racial prejudices and hardships that were so well portrayed. It gave a very clear picture of a minority community and the cycle of drug abuse/traffincking that is destroying the culture. I didn't get into the relationships in the book though. It was sad how the black men hardly had a chance in society from the get-go. That said, the women in the story were seeking out thugs and putting themselves at risk, even though they knew better. It thought of unconditional acceptance was beautiful, but it didn't work for me after so much was exposed about the men & how selfish they were. Maybe it's because the emotions were sparse when it came to how the relationship was written in (you could tell it was a male writter!). It was hard to get that they were really that in love. The main character being a teacher was pretty messed up for me, because she didn't really care about her students well being by dating a drug dealer.
This novel is filled with romance, false hope, loyality. disloyality, trust qnd betrayal. The vicious cycle of making quick money or staying ahead of the game is a reality the average black male has to choice in the hood. Many are fortune enough to get out in time, while others are forsed out by the very people they trust. I enjoy this writers novels.
irst, I would like to say that this is my first book by this author. I one clicked the book based on the description and the four 1/2 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the book even though I thought that the characters needed more built up..because some chapters were lacking in areas, but overall it flowed well.
Although it took me a minute to read the book, I loved it. The visual was great, I could picture everything that was going on so clear. The story line was on point with a message. I look forward to reading more of this author work.
More often than not urban lit love stories involve hood rich, happily ever after couples and their friends showcasing all of the glitz and glamour of being in the game... Entangled gives the nitty-gritty REAL side of "When Drug Dealing and Love Go Bad".
Finished it in about 3 days. Wasn't too happy about the ending but I think I kind of expected it. I cried while reading this book, I laughed. I could definitely relate to the characters..
I began this story and simply couldn't put it down! This story is well written. The characters are well defined, and the plot pulls you in. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and plan on reading more of K Elliot's work. Great job by a great author!
I liked the plots and the story but I hated how it jumped from person to person without hesitations...I was confused sometimes but as long as you keep reading you will understand where the story is going
The characters made me a little upset with the choices they made and guess I expected a different ending. Overall it was interesting! Check it out! You might like it.
Great story K Elliott I really enjoy all your books that I have read. You always bring your books to life that's one of the reasons I read them. Keep up the great work.