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A Hustler's Promise
Some promises won't be broken.
Rayshawn and Jaicyn never make a promise that they can't keep. As the pair take on the streets as the new age Bonnie and Clyde, earning money the old fashion way...guns & drugs, their lives are full of highs and lows. A Hustler's Promise is the story of two young hustlers committed to each other, family, and to their dream.
Rayshawn and Jaicyn never make a promise that they can't keep. As the pair take on the streets as the new age Bonnie and Clyde, earning money the old fashion way...guns & drugs, their lives are full of highs and lows. A Hustler's Promise is the story of two young hustlers committed to each other, family, and to their dream.
- GenresAfrican AmericanUrban
ebook
First published January 1, 2011
75 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Chanel
43 books118 followers"When Life Gives You Lemons, Throw Them Back and Scream, "Limes, Motherf&%$er, I Want Limes!"
It's not my quote but I live by it. *rebel*. Music and writing are my everything. Music influences everything that I do and write about. Without books and music, I could not breathe.
That's me in a nutshell.
And wine. Can't live without that either.
It's not my quote but I live by it. *rebel*. Music and writing are my everything. Music influences everything that I do and write about. Without books and music, I could not breathe.
That's me in a nutshell.
And wine. Can't live without that either.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 29, 2015
RayShawn, Jaicyn was head over heels in love Jaicyn always had a special bond with her sister's now she is a full legal guardian of both her sister's & RayShawn loved them just as much RayShawn being in the dope game came with a lot of responsibilities which he had to go to Atlanta to expand there business which that brought in Jaicyn to take over the business & once things was set & in motion things came together & she was a BOSS now that RayShawn is back from Atlanta things took a big turn I'm definitely ready to read part 2 of this juicy read
April 18, 2012
Box Office Hit
Jaicyn Jones’ story is not uncommon from a lot of others living in the hood thanks to the crack epidemic. As the oldest, Jaicyn is responsible for the care of her younger sisters, Rickie and Bobbie. At times her mother is off chasing crack and Jaicyn is trying to figure out a way to provide food, clothes and rent. At fifteen she should be chasing boys and hanging out with friends. Instead, Jaicyn is the adult in her home.
Rayshawn Moore also has an interesting family dynamic. He and his twin live with their father’s family. Rayshawn is hungry for a better life for him and his brother. He goes to King, the neighborhood drug dealer, seeking employment. While King is adamant about Rayshawn remaining in school, he does offer him odd jobs enough to keep his pockets laced.
Jaicyn and Rayshawn soon find themselves intertwined. It seems as it’s so easy to talk to the other about their lives and hopes for the future. Both are consumed with desperately trying to fix their current situation. When Rayshawn is given the opportunity to step into the big leagues, he, Jaicyn and the kids are living happily ever after. That’s until DFCS steps in and drugs are found. Does this couple have what it takes to withstand the odds?
A HUSTLER’S PROMISE: SOME PROMISES WON’T BE BROKEN by Jackie Chanel is pretty much the same formula of most urban street novels these days. What I thoroughly enjoyed was the sisterly bond as well as the relationship between the main characters. You couldn’t help rooting for them against the odds. What didn’t work was this book's lack of copy and developmental editing. There is no way anyone reading this didn’t find the missing words or wrong word usage disturbing. If that weren’t bad enough, the characters contradict themselves repeatedly. In one instance, the author is trying to get you to see this girl as hardcore; in the very next she’s supposed to be naive. Also, the timeline is nonexistent and events are being referred to as if they are still affecting a certain situation. The street aspect of this story is filled with too many unlikely variables. With that being said, this story still does offer an air of uniqueness which is needed these days. It is my belief that with the right assistance, Chanel could have a promising future.
Also, and this is very important, it’s 2012, I, a Real Reader, understand what Sister Souljah did for urban books with THE COLDEST WINTER EVER. But anyone still comparing their book to that story should probably update their library.
Jaicyn Jones’ story is not uncommon from a lot of others living in the hood thanks to the crack epidemic. As the oldest, Jaicyn is responsible for the care of her younger sisters, Rickie and Bobbie. At times her mother is off chasing crack and Jaicyn is trying to figure out a way to provide food, clothes and rent. At fifteen she should be chasing boys and hanging out with friends. Instead, Jaicyn is the adult in her home.
Rayshawn Moore also has an interesting family dynamic. He and his twin live with their father’s family. Rayshawn is hungry for a better life for him and his brother. He goes to King, the neighborhood drug dealer, seeking employment. While King is adamant about Rayshawn remaining in school, he does offer him odd jobs enough to keep his pockets laced.
Jaicyn and Rayshawn soon find themselves intertwined. It seems as it’s so easy to talk to the other about their lives and hopes for the future. Both are consumed with desperately trying to fix their current situation. When Rayshawn is given the opportunity to step into the big leagues, he, Jaicyn and the kids are living happily ever after. That’s until DFCS steps in and drugs are found. Does this couple have what it takes to withstand the odds?
A HUSTLER’S PROMISE: SOME PROMISES WON’T BE BROKEN by Jackie Chanel is pretty much the same formula of most urban street novels these days. What I thoroughly enjoyed was the sisterly bond as well as the relationship between the main characters. You couldn’t help rooting for them against the odds. What didn’t work was this book's lack of copy and developmental editing. There is no way anyone reading this didn’t find the missing words or wrong word usage disturbing. If that weren’t bad enough, the characters contradict themselves repeatedly. In one instance, the author is trying to get you to see this girl as hardcore; in the very next she’s supposed to be naive. Also, the timeline is nonexistent and events are being referred to as if they are still affecting a certain situation. The street aspect of this story is filled with too many unlikely variables. With that being said, this story still does offer an air of uniqueness which is needed these days. It is my belief that with the right assistance, Chanel could have a promising future.
Also, and this is very important, it’s 2012, I, a Real Reader, understand what Sister Souljah did for urban books with THE COLDEST WINTER EVER. But anyone still comparing their book to that story should probably update their library.
November 20, 2022
Great story!
This book really read like a movie. I could actually visualize everything that was happening. Jaicyn and Rayshawn were real life couple goals. I love how they hustled together.
This book really read like a movie. I could actually visualize everything that was happening. Jaicyn and Rayshawn were real life couple goals. I love how they hustled together.
January 9, 2019
Good book
Looking for a book about a girl dressed as a guy to sell drugs. I think her name is Chance
Looking for a book about a girl dressed as a guy to sell drugs. I think her name is Chance
October 3, 2014
Group Review from Divas Read Too
Maddie: I’ve heard a lot of negative statements regarding the urban fiction genre which made me steer clear of it. I have read this author before though. She has a couple of romances out that I really enjoyed so when the Divas asked…begged me to give this book a chance, I didn’t put up too much of a fight. If I can speak directly to the author for just a moment.
Jackie, honey-baby, you wrote your ass off with this one! I love the way you tell a story. You write with the perfect mix of narrative and dialogue but it’s your dialogue that truly carries the story. I love that in a book because it’s through the spoken words that you give us true insight into what the characters are feeling and thinking. In A Hustler’s Promise, you gave us characters that even this down home country girl could relate to. You opened my eyes to a world that I’ve only seen portrayed in movies. And girl, you write so vividly that each scene played like a movie in my head. Not to give too much of the book away, but the scene between Jaicyn and Rayshawn in the hospital after “the incident” floored me. You caught the essence of true love right in that moment and I applaud your skills.
There were so many great moments and great characters in this book. Even the relationship between Jaicyn and her mother left me totally invested in these characters. Great read. Definitely worth a 5 star rating.
Ajai: I don’t have too much to add to what Maddie already said. This book is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. In a genre that is saturated with the same old storylines, A Hustler’s Promise was a refreshing rebirth of genre. It bothers me that this book and the author aren’t counted amongst the greatest like Treasure Blue, Wahida Clark, and Ashley and Jaquavis.
This is more than just a shoot em up, drug book. Jaicyn and Rayshawn always figured that the path they were heading down, when it came to violence and drugs, was one they had to go down in order to take care of the people that they loved. Every action, every decision, whether it be good or bad, ultimately ends up good because of the reasoning behind it. Jaicyn’s motivation was to provide for her little sisters. That’s it. Every thing she did up until the very end of the book was to provide a real life for her family. If she hadn’t met Rayshawn, I truly believe that she would have done the exact same thing.
A Hustler’s Promise is one of my favorite books. Kudos Ms. Jackie on a job well done. 5 Stars
Ari: If I could give A Hustler’s Promise 10 stars, I would do it without any hesitation. When I say I loved this book, I mean, I LOVED THIS BOOK!. If you’re looking for a well-written, no holds barredbook about growing up in the drug game, then here you go. Every scene is real. I particularly loved the first time the main characters had sex. It wasn’t all butterflies and romantic that most books I’ve read make it out to be. It was sweaty and awkward and over way too soon, like many teens’ first time is.
Can we talk about the romance of the story though?
I love the fact that Jaicyn and Rayshawn don’t immediately get together, despite the people closest to them knowing that their relationship is inevitable. They do the thing that all teenagers, at least the ones that I know do, and that’s “talk” as in, “yeah, we’re talkin’ but that’s not my man.” And when they do come together as a couple, the way Ms. Jackie set it up, you automatically know that they have a bond that is unbreakable. Their love story is both awesome and tragic at the same time. they love each other hard. At one point, when she’s only 15, Jaicyn says that Rayshawn is her soul mate and she was right. When Jaicyn and Rayshawn committed to each other, they went in all the way. As the book progressed, we saw that this was a match that was destined to be great. She had his back no matter what and vice versa. When one hurt, the other hurt. They protected each other. No matter what they had to do, whether it shoot to kill, sell drugs, lie to the police…as long as they were doing it for each other, it was getting done. That’s what I loved so much about this book. Definitely 5 stars.
Maddie: I’ve heard a lot of negative statements regarding the urban fiction genre which made me steer clear of it. I have read this author before though. She has a couple of romances out that I really enjoyed so when the Divas asked…begged me to give this book a chance, I didn’t put up too much of a fight. If I can speak directly to the author for just a moment.
Jackie, honey-baby, you wrote your ass off with this one! I love the way you tell a story. You write with the perfect mix of narrative and dialogue but it’s your dialogue that truly carries the story. I love that in a book because it’s through the spoken words that you give us true insight into what the characters are feeling and thinking. In A Hustler’s Promise, you gave us characters that even this down home country girl could relate to. You opened my eyes to a world that I’ve only seen portrayed in movies. And girl, you write so vividly that each scene played like a movie in my head. Not to give too much of the book away, but the scene between Jaicyn and Rayshawn in the hospital after “the incident” floored me. You caught the essence of true love right in that moment and I applaud your skills.
There were so many great moments and great characters in this book. Even the relationship between Jaicyn and her mother left me totally invested in these characters. Great read. Definitely worth a 5 star rating.
Ajai: I don’t have too much to add to what Maddie already said. This book is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. In a genre that is saturated with the same old storylines, A Hustler’s Promise was a refreshing rebirth of genre. It bothers me that this book and the author aren’t counted amongst the greatest like Treasure Blue, Wahida Clark, and Ashley and Jaquavis.
This is more than just a shoot em up, drug book. Jaicyn and Rayshawn always figured that the path they were heading down, when it came to violence and drugs, was one they had to go down in order to take care of the people that they loved. Every action, every decision, whether it be good or bad, ultimately ends up good because of the reasoning behind it. Jaicyn’s motivation was to provide for her little sisters. That’s it. Every thing she did up until the very end of the book was to provide a real life for her family. If she hadn’t met Rayshawn, I truly believe that she would have done the exact same thing.
A Hustler’s Promise is one of my favorite books. Kudos Ms. Jackie on a job well done. 5 Stars
Ari: If I could give A Hustler’s Promise 10 stars, I would do it without any hesitation. When I say I loved this book, I mean, I LOVED THIS BOOK!. If you’re looking for a well-written, no holds barredbook about growing up in the drug game, then here you go. Every scene is real. I particularly loved the first time the main characters had sex. It wasn’t all butterflies and romantic that most books I’ve read make it out to be. It was sweaty and awkward and over way too soon, like many teens’ first time is.
Can we talk about the romance of the story though?
I love the fact that Jaicyn and Rayshawn don’t immediately get together, despite the people closest to them knowing that their relationship is inevitable. They do the thing that all teenagers, at least the ones that I know do, and that’s “talk” as in, “yeah, we’re talkin’ but that’s not my man.” And when they do come together as a couple, the way Ms. Jackie set it up, you automatically know that they have a bond that is unbreakable. Their love story is both awesome and tragic at the same time. they love each other hard. At one point, when she’s only 15, Jaicyn says that Rayshawn is her soul mate and she was right. When Jaicyn and Rayshawn committed to each other, they went in all the way. As the book progressed, we saw that this was a match that was destined to be great. She had his back no matter what and vice versa. When one hurt, the other hurt. They protected each other. No matter what they had to do, whether it shoot to kill, sell drugs, lie to the police…as long as they were doing it for each other, it was getting done. That’s what I loved so much about this book. Definitely 5 stars.
September 14, 2012
This book was basically a breath of fresh air from what i usually read. One, the books i usually reads is about women who are on the grind, but yet they do whatever it takes to get the money, Jay-Jay is a strong independent woman who uses her mind to get herself to the top. Two, she does it not for the love of the money or the clothes or the shoes. She does it for the love of her family. While many authors i have read, mostly the female characters are looking out for the next shoe or the next purse, she was aiming for the next meal for her sisters among other things and i would like to get more in dept of it, but i do want you, the readers to see for yourself. Three, its like a teenage love affair book. It makes you remember the time of your first love and you promise that you two will be together forever without knowing the road ahead of you. That blissful ignorance that we all love at the time of innocence where everybody around us tells us to grow up. And four, and i save the best for last, it showed that old saying, love and money do not mix well. Its vary rare in events that it does mix, but nine out of ten, it don't. Jaicyn is a strong, independent, no-nonsense woman with a hot temper. Rashawn is a controlling, ambitious, high-strung hustler who loves Jay-Jay with all his heart. It's like oil and gas, they both make the car run smoothly as possible to your dream destination, but you just need that match to watch it all blow up. and when its big money involve, that match turns into a blowtorch. I cannot wait until i read part two. I already have plans to get the second edition of the story very soon. Good Work Ms. Jackie Chanel
January 24, 2012
Jaicyn had a crackhead mother who was never home. She had to raise her sisters and take care of the bills….even if that meant stealing clothes and selling them. Whatever she had to do to pay the rent and keep the lights on was what she did. She started getting to like Rayshawn, but he got into the drug game. Some problems came up, and she suffered the consequences. She actually came out a better person though.
I almost started crying when I was reading about how Jaicyn had to take care of the kids and the bills. Her mother didn’t even seem to care what happened. Jaicyn could have easily just let things go and they would be out on the street. She really did her best. She didn’t even want to accept help from Rayshawn.
I was very surprised at what job Jaicyn ended up with. The end really has me wondering what is next. I can’t wait to read the next book. This was a highly entertaining and quick read. It flowed very well and kept my attention. I highly recommend this book!
I almost started crying when I was reading about how Jaicyn had to take care of the kids and the bills. Her mother didn’t even seem to care what happened. Jaicyn could have easily just let things go and they would be out on the street. She really did her best. She didn’t even want to accept help from Rayshawn.
I was very surprised at what job Jaicyn ended up with. The end really has me wondering what is next. I can’t wait to read the next book. This was a highly entertaining and quick read. It flowed very well and kept my attention. I highly recommend this book!
January 29, 2012
I'm a fan of urban fiction when it's done right and honestly, A Hustler's Promise is done right. However, it doesn't fit the mode of standard urban fiction. There's a lot of emphasis on the relationship between the two main characters which makes it more of an urban romance novel. But the environment that they grew up in and how they make their money definitely fits in with the genre.
As much as I liked the romance aspect of this book, the dynamic within the families made it chock full of drama. The family situation of both characters is what makes their relationship so special. At the end of the day, they only have each other to lean on.
A Hustler's Promise took me on an emotional ride. I love when books do that. I saw this more as an urban romance book but I think that many who like urban fiction will appreciate Jaicyn and Rayshawn's rise into the drug game and the other elements of urban fiction in this book.
It's definitely an interesting story and worth the read.
As much as I liked the romance aspect of this book, the dynamic within the families made it chock full of drama. The family situation of both characters is what makes their relationship so special. At the end of the day, they only have each other to lean on.
A Hustler's Promise took me on an emotional ride. I love when books do that. I saw this more as an urban romance book but I think that many who like urban fiction will appreciate Jaicyn and Rayshawn's rise into the drug game and the other elements of urban fiction in this book.
It's definitely an interesting story and worth the read.
March 25, 2012
" A Hustler's Promise" by Jackie Chanel was a fresh breath of air. Meet Jaicyn Jones, a 16 year old girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Having a crack addicted mother, Jaicyn is forced to care for her two younger sisters as all of the responsiblity begins to fall on her. Rayshawn's family life is not ideal. Living with his grandparents and twin brother, Rayshawn longs for the better things in life. Once the two of them unite, there is no turning back. Watch them as they grow from teenagers to headstrong adults and all the struggles they go through in between.
" A Hustler's Promise" was a fast paced read. It played itself out like a movie in my mind. The characters were life-like, the story line was vivid. This was a great coming of age tale full of romance, drama, and much more. There were some editing issues but none that affected the story as a whole. About to start part 2. This is a must read!
~Black Faithful Sister and Broters Book Club~
" A Hustler's Promise" was a fast paced read. It played itself out like a movie in my mind. The characters were life-like, the story line was vivid. This was a great coming of age tale full of romance, drama, and much more. There were some editing issues but none that affected the story as a whole. About to start part 2. This is a must read!
~Black Faithful Sister and Broters Book Club~
May 4, 2012
This was a good read. I loved all the characters from the beginning to the end. It was realistic in the sense that this kind of things happens to people every day and no one realizes what they go through or endure outside of the people in their community. Granted, the main character adapted to her surroundings, but it hardened her where I wish it hadn't. It kind of made her an emasculating figure where she didn't need to be so show strength. I still loved her and was always on her side however. Her character was still very believable. I am def looking forward to reading the sequel to see where the next chapters will take me!
February 9, 2012
First novel I’ve read by this author, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last. Enjoyed the story, even though it’s generally not the genre I would normally read.
It’s fast paced and interesting and the characters are real and you can relate to them on some level, even if you don’t agree with the way they handle their situation.
You root for them all the way and hope they get everything they truly deserve.
It’s fast paced and interesting and the characters are real and you can relate to them on some level, even if you don’t agree with the way they handle their situation.
You root for them all the way and hope they get everything they truly deserve.
February 5, 2016
This book was really good. I love the relationship between the two characters. It's so believable, real life, and was so good to read. The author did an awesome job with illustrating the characters and their situations. Towards the end of the book it just got juicy. I was just like wow what in the world is going to happen.I would have given it a 5 star if the beginning of the book didn't seem slow. I mean it was still good but something about it made me feel like it's slooow.
July 17, 2014
RayshawnAndJaicyn
I loved the relationship between the two. They needed each other to help level the other out. Towards the end of the book Jaicyn started to make me mad because she was getting too big headed. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I loved the relationship between the two. They needed each other to help level the other out. Towards the end of the book Jaicyn started to make me mad because she was getting too big headed. Can't wait to see what happens next.
March 24, 2012
My first book by Jackie and I thought it was a good read. Kept me interested waiting for part2!
March 25, 2012
I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read part 2
March 29, 2012
Going to get #2!
April 17, 2012
A well written urban love story... I actually fell in love with Jaciyn and Rayshawn...definitely a page turner...I couldn't wait to read the sequel to their story..
April 11, 2012
Excellent read characters are easy to get attached to and very memorable.
November 25, 2016
I think this was a great book. Whenever I had a chance I would poco up my phone and read or on Amazon Kindle. I didn't want to quot reading. It was a quick and easy read.
August 2, 2012
I thought this was a pretty good book! First time reading a book by this author and I was pleased! I do recommend!
Read
August 15, 2012Enjoyed it more than I though I would considering the topic. Well constructed characters.
November 14, 2012
LOVED IT!
August 7, 2013
This was the second book I read by Jackie Chanel. It held my attention until the very end. It' waiting to be read a second time.
April 10, 2014
One of my favorite I Loved Jay & Ray!!!
April 14, 2015
this was very good some parts got to mushy for me but it was overall a great read. i really enjoyed it very much
March 15, 2015
Juicy
I love reading this book cant wait to see what is going to happen in Atlanta hope it's as good and juicy as oak park Washington height
I love reading this book cant wait to see what is going to happen in Atlanta hope it's as good and juicy as oak park Washington height
Read
June 22, 2017Love it
I really lobe this book I laugh and I cried with Jaclyn and rayshawn. I have read this series at least three times it is that good
I really lobe this book I laugh and I cried with Jaclyn and rayshawn. I have read this series at least three times it is that good
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews