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Protected By A Gangster: Mishelle's Story: Standalone

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At 14 years of age, Mishelle would give anything to stay in a child’s place. However,it is difficult for her to do since she takes care of her household along with heryounger brother and her mother. The cruelty of the world is shown to themon a daily basis, from their neighbors to their school to their own family. But whenthe finest dude in their hood comes to her aid, Mishelle is thrown off by his kindnessand protectiveness but welcomes it wholeheartedly.When she turns 15, Mishelle’s world is turned upside down, with pieces shatteredso badly that they are hard to mend. Committed to taking care of her brother byany means, she discovers a trusted life lesson that sometimes your family is notalways your blood family and that blood is not always thicker than water. On theflip side, her gangster protector shows her the definition of love and care.Fast-forward years later, Mishelle learns the hard way between a real man and a grown little boy. Life turns her every which way but loose, but she is still holding on for dear life. In this soul-searching and heart-wrenching urban fiction African American novel, best-selling author Dedra B. brings you a story where art imitates real life, offering unwavering love, hope, protectiveness, and security in a world full of struggle, cruelty, hardships, and misfortune in this full length standalone.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2023

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25 people want to read

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Dedra B.

61 books85 followers

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5 stars
560 (83%)
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77 (11%)
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30 (4%)
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3 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for LaTanya Garry.
2,037 reviews40 followers
October 14, 2023
Must Read

There's a lot to unpack about this book. I've read multiple book's by this Author and they've all been great. She knows how to pen a story that'll have you interested, intrigued, and on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. This Author stepped outside of her comfort zone with this one. It definitely show's her steady growth in the Literary Industry. This isn't the normal hood book but it is gritty, will have you emotional, and may even trigger some who have suffered from bullying, physical abuse, molestation/rape, and/or homophobic slander of any kind. This book also shows a person Perseverance and Strength. The Author penned a book that delved into real life situations and a General Curse that have plagued many households for not Decades but Centuries. I wholeheartedly understood why Sabrina didn't want her daughter Mishelle and son Munchy around her family. Sabrina mother Addie was wicked, evil, delusional, trifling, and turned a blind eye to what Thomas perverted ass was doing. One thing I love about Sabrina was the relationship she had with her children. Sadly when Sabrina past away. Mishelle and Munchy was placed in hell having to go live with their grandmother Addie. The bullying and abused was heartbreaking. Mishelle learned to have tough skin and didn't mind putting hands on anybody about her brother and herself. However Addie looked at Mishelle and Munchy as a paycheck and showed favoritism when it came to her other grandchildren Brit, Monica, and Jessica. She also knew Thomas was a pedophile. He targeted Mishelle but that child last straw was when she caught Thomas trying to molest Munchie. Ruby was Mishelle and Munchy saving grace. I knew Ruby had a story when she told Mishelle her story was similar to hers. It was shocked learning who Ruby really was. The love Ruby showed Munchy and Mishelle. I believe their mother spirit had a hand in. Ruby was a beast though underneath that good heart. She wasn't the average woman. I was glad to see Munchy living and being his true Authentic self. He was no longer the shy and timid child. Munchy kept me laughing but one thing I loved about him was he was blunt and lived his life unapologetic. Bunz and his family as well was more family to Mishelle and Munchy family were. Bunz and Mishelle might've played that best friend role but as young as they were. They knew feelings were there. Bunz life changed as well when he protected his mother from his abusive and deadbeat father. Bunz lost 6 years of his life. Boog being another person in the friendship with Bunz and Mishelle life changed when his mother overdosed and his grandmother passed away. Boog found himself down and out. Even as a grown woman. Mishelle still needed guidance and Ruby was there every step of the way. However some thing's no matter how heartbreaking they were. Ruby had to allow Mishelle to learn the hard way on her own. Memphis was a wolf in sheep clothing but Mishelle head was in the clouds and she ignored every red flag that was waving in her face. The first was running into Boog and helping him clean himself up. Mishelle should've noticed Memphis attitude toward her helping her friend/brother wasn't normal. It should've had her running the other way but again she had to learn the hard way. Secondly when Munchy told her the bs he witnessed Memphis doing. Mishelle let that go in one ear and out the other while neglecting her responsibility for a man that was arrogant, a coke head, lowkey abusive, and narcissistic as hell. A black eye and busted lip is what had Mishelle realizing Memphis was not where it was at. She also realized that everything Ruby and Munchy tried to tell her about Memphis was true. I was thoroughly disappointed at Brit at how she treated Mishelle. That was the only cousin Mishelle was closed to growing up. Brit ended up being a follower behind her two sister's Monica and Jessica. Monica should've learned that just because they were grown. Ain't nothing change and kept her mouth shut. She should've been tired of Mishelle putting hands and feet on her since the were young. I knew when Bunz got out of prison that Nikki was going to be a problem and she was. Memphis became a problem too when he showed up and got knocked out by Bunz and found out Bunz and Mishelle have a past together. That really put him in his feelings and he wanted revenge. Memphis was embarrassed that Bunz dropped his ass in front of a block full of people and Mishelle left him completely alone after he put his hands on her. Nikki had been in a relationship with Memphis for year's but was obsessed with Bunz. It was crazy how her and Kayla was cousin's. Kayla grew up with Mishelle and turned out to be a hater. Kayla was also mad because Mishelle had whooped her ass too. The amount of people who hated on him and Mishelle was ridiculous. Nikki, Memphis, Kayla, Jessica, Monica. In the end every person that hurt Mishelle. She got her lick back. Including Thomas and old Grandma Addie.
Profile Image for TuraReads.
371 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2023
Theeee Pretty Pen Pusha!!

Words can’t describe how I felt reading this book. Firstly… Mishelle went THROUGH it! You hear me? Baby girl was given so many lemons in life, but there was always something about her that kept her moving forward. Sis didn’t let up! I love how Bunz was in her corner from day 1. He saw all that thickness and continuously applied pressure. Mishelle had a lot of growing up to do, and at one point I thought sis was going to be that typical “naive brainwashed chick” but she surprised me. I enjoyed her development and I especially adored Munchie and Ruby. Ruby was THAT! Auntie didn’t play about her family and she remained loyal through and through. I wish there was a part 2 because I didn’t want this story to end! Hopefully Pen Pusha sees this and bless us with an encore 😩

Once again, Theee Pen Pusha has outdone herself ‼️‼️
Profile Image for Tianna Marie.
72 reviews
April 17, 2024
Karma

This book follows Mishelle a young and overweight young lady who experiences bullying from others around her and is mistreated horribly by her family: that is until Bunz steps in and provides her a space of comfort. However, her relationship of safety is shattered when a life event takes Bunz away. From there she is thrust into a world of unrelenting family members who abuse her. Her life seems to always be in shambles despite how hard she works to make improvements. The book takes you on Mishelle's journey as she transitions from a young girl to a young woman. Overall, the premise of the book was absolutely great. The delivery could use some adjustments because the plot progressed in a choppy fashion, and the logic of some of the decisions/events was not fully explained. The book also had many grammatical and mechanical issues, making it hard to follow at times. I would rate this book three out of five simply due to the plot progression and the errors. The book, if edited, has five star potential.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,511 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Tha Pretty Pen Pusha did her big one with this book. I loved everything about this story even tho it kept my eyes leaking throughout the read. Mishelle is such a strong woman. A lot of women would have folded halfway through the journey that was Mishelle's life. I loved the bond she had with her mother, her brother Munchy and especially Buns, Boog and Ruby. Buns and Boog were true friends and their loyalty was unmatched when it came to the three of them. Their aunt was was heaven sent. I'm glad everyone the cause Mishelle harm or plotted her demise got exactly what they deserved, especially Thomas, Memphis and her sick, delusional evil grand mammy. Jessica, Monica, Kayla and Nikki was collateral damage for playing in Mishelle's face thanks to Ruby. I would love to hear more from these characters.💟💟
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,660 reviews16 followers
October 15, 2023
From fire to pressure to diamond

This story takes you on an emotional journey but it shows how some people goes through the fire, undergo the pressure, and comes out like the diamond that they are. This is Mishelle's story. Her and her brother endured so much but it didn't keep her down. She might have been bent but she definitely wasn't broken. This story will have you in your feelings, you can't help the tears shed and the laughs laughed. But you cheer when real love shows itself. You have to read about Mishelle and her story for yourself. I thoroughly recommend it. After reading someone else's journey through life, it'll make you appreciate yours, help you heal, and be more compassionate and show empathy for each other because you just never know what the next person is experiencing. Applause to the author for another grand stand.
Profile Image for Paula Milan.
1,291 reviews34 followers
October 15, 2023
Satisfied Reader

This book definitely had all my emotions showing. I laughed,cried and was angry. This book was a definite page turner and I’d read it again. Bunz was the fresh air that Michelle needed to breathe. Munchy and Mishelle went thru it coming up and she was indeed her brother’s protector. Thomas as scum and his time should’ve been up yrssssss ago. Addie was evil and I don’t blame Mishelle the way she left her. Ruby was indeed heaven sent and also a mastermind. I could go on cuz that’s how much i enjoyed reading this book.
182 reviews
October 30, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This book had me on a whirlwind of emotions laughing happy sad and crying. I love how strong willed Michelle was even though hit after hit was throwing at her through life and how she bossed up on everybody her and munchie. I wish her and buns had revealed their truth to each other sooner and wish there was more to the store but I'm glad everyone that hurt her got what they deserved. Ruby truly was a God sent angel to them both and I'm glad it all ended for the better everybody got their happy ending. Now we need a story on Brittany and Boog
Profile Image for fuquan holmes.
439 reviews
November 30, 2023
Small dog/Big dog

Mishelle and Munchy definitely experienced the rain to appreciate the rainbow. I see why her mom was careful about exposing her to her maternal grandmother . I'm glad her alleged dad received street justice and glad baby girl was Bunz and not his . Ruby was an angel on earth . Love the relationship and her get back . The world was to small that Bunz and Mishelle dealt with Nikki and Memphis. Loved the three amigos relationship from teenagers to young adults. You have to read it to understand. Strongly recommend.
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,020 reviews40 followers
October 13, 2023
When All You Get Is Dirt!

Dedra B. Good read. Lord, this read really was a strong read. Mischelle had such a hard road but all in all her journey has been many young women. Thank God he sent an angel. The growth she had was it for me. Thank you for letting Munchie be unapologetically who he is. I love how he loved. What can I say about Ruby? What a blessing and Bunz is the best!!! This read should be ten stars🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
102 reviews
October 14, 2023
Great story

The things Mishelle and Munchy went through after their mother died was heartbreaking. Their grandmother was an evil, nasty old woman. She put them through hell. An angel by the name of Bunz showed up and became their protecter until he faced his own tragedy. Another angel by the name of Ruby took over from there. Life turned around for the siblings and happiness was in view. Great Read!👍🏿
767 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2024
Gangster Ladies and their secrets

This book is amazing, it touches so many different aspects of life. Mishelle had a terrible childhood growing up but she was a fighter and she protected her brother by any means necessary. Her mom died when they were young but this made Mishelle grow up faster. Ruby was such a standup person from day she took them in and did what family should. I love this book please make a book 2 because her brother needs to tell his story
Profile Image for Tierra Hughes.
131 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2023
Must Read!!!

Dedra you did you thang once again. I love how Mishelle went through and her angel Bunz came along then she went through it again and then her second angel Ruby came along. I’m so glad she came to her senses about Memphis. I like how auntie came through with the karma on all of Mishelle hater. It was a great read and I can’t wait for your next book.
Profile Image for Denetta Banks.
3,784 reviews20 followers
October 14, 2023
Loved it

I loved reading this well written story. The title of this book definitely describes the story within. The drama and trauma Michelle dealt with growing up was too much. But her one of her true friends was just what she needed after his drama. I enjoyed every page and the ending of this story.
Profile Image for Carol.
2,052 reviews15 followers
October 17, 2023
Review

This book was oh so good. Mishelle and Munchie glowed up on those haters. Bunz didn’t care about size. He treated Mishelle and Munchie the way they were supposed to be treated. Ruby was the icing on the cake. She was their aunt, and she made them feel welcomed unlike others
Profile Image for Fanita Pendleton.
Author 11 books28 followers
October 26, 2023
Treat every man like a pup until he show you he a big dawg PERIOD

Girl you know you did the damn thang. I wanted to fight the grandma whole household I swear. There was a authenticity to what these characters were going through. If you don't cuss,cry or fight when you reading it ain't it. I hit every emotion........Moon
Profile Image for marla burage.
38 reviews
October 29, 2023
get comfortable and get ready for this ride

This book was good. I actually yelled out a few times at the hand mishelle was dealt... the love shared with her mom, herself and brother was great to see. After their tragic loss the siblings stuck together in spite of it all. Im glad she ended up with her HEA she deserved it
1,547 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2024
Loved It ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💞💞

I went through so many emotions reading this, sadness, anger, pain and hurt. This story touch on bullying, jealousy, rape, child abuse, and greed. The people that should love you and have your back didn't for the Michelle. Thank God for Bunz and his family and aunt Ruby. Awesome, kudos to the author👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Profile Image for Candace.
859 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2024
Really good read!

Whew, this one took me on an emotional roller coaster, but I just couldn't put it down. From the beginning until the very end, it tugged at my heart. I was so happy that Mishelle got the chance to write the ending to her own story and nobody else. She definitely deserved it!
Profile Image for Tonia.
3,520 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2024
Mishelle's Story

Mishelle family was wrong for how they treated her and her brother Munchy. I loved their bond that their shared. Ruby was a blessing for them. Bunz never gave up on his friends. I liked how they both looked out for Boog. I don't know if I would of forgave Brit that easy.
1,010 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2024
Hunny Bunz!

Dedra B. knows how to write a story! It was full of sadness and showed a darker side of hood life. The life struggles were real for Mishelle Grant and her brother, Munchy. They had their mother's unconditional love but they were mercilessly bullied by those around them. When their mother was snatched away, the world was against them. But they had Bunz.
40 reviews
September 8, 2024
Powerful

Hands down one of the best books I've read in 2024.🔥🔥🔥

Mishelle literally did it all she suffered at the hands of the people who were supposed to care for her the most. She overcame toxic friendships & relationships

Bunz - devoted & determined from womb he stood on what he believed not letting nobody tell him any different protecting anyone he truly loved.

Profile Image for K. Larry.
Author 25 books63 followers
October 13, 2023
man oh man!!

Mannnn Dedra done showed out once again!! Baby this story took me down through there, yet I could f stop reading!! It gave all the feels so go ahead and start reading because it’s so worth it!!
Profile Image for Syretta Hines Adams.
2,353 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2023
Good read!!

This was so good. Mishelle went the hell. But Bunz came and showed what love was about. Auntie Ruby was dope and I loved her the way she came and took care of her neice and nephew. Karma is a bad heiffa..
739 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2023
Good Read

The book started off slow for me but when it took off it flowed. Glad Mishelle and Bunz one night stand created Destini. Loved me some Munchy but Aunt Ruby was my favorite. Loved her words to Mishelle " Treat every nigga like a lil pup until he shows you he's a big dog"
360 reviews
October 15, 2023
🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯

This was fire 🔥 I love it from start to finish. I felt so bad for Mishelle and Munchy, their family treated them like shit. She bossed the hell up on them. Great story you won’t be disappointed❤️❤️❤️
264 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2023
Mishelle

Whew this book had me in tears at one moment and laughing Munchy the next. Great storyline. Watching Mishell grow up over the years and still be able to get past it and be successful was so beautiful. Ruby was the truth! I loved both Bunz and Boogs they were the truth.
Profile Image for Sonya Davis.
Author 50 books16 followers
October 16, 2023
🥰🥰🥰

Bunz was a good dude from day 1. Him and Mishelle were destined. I hate that she went through so much but this happens everyday in the real world🙄 Great read. Everyone got exactly what they deserved. Give Munchy his own book😫
107 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
A great quick read

I had just finished reading back to back series but wanted to read something without too many pages. This was a quick read that was well developed and wrapped up nicely. That Bunz is a real one!! Highly recommend!
760 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2023
Great read

Truly a great read from start to finish. Dedra B definitely delivered with this standalone. Poor Mishelle couldn't catch a break in life. The 3 friends all went through a struggle as youth but as adult all things fell in place. Great job Dedra
116 reviews
October 26, 2023
loved it

This book was well written and addressed issues that go on in families! This book was so good , I loved the brother sister relationship and Bunz for being a stand up person! Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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