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It's Always That One Project Chick: An African American Romance

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Taylen was a dope boy's dream, but far from your typical project chick. Growing up, she learned the hustle that only the streets could teach—gritty, relentless, and real. She chased her dream of marrying young and building a family, but what she never saw coming was the nightmare she’d have to a husband who lied, cheated, and tore her down, one bruise at a time. Between the side chicks, late-night calls from unknown numbers, and endless arguments, Taylen had finally reached her breaking point. After a gut-wrenching divorce, she's ready to reclaim her life, determined to rise from the ashes, believing the worst is finally behind her. Just as she starts putting her life back together, a stranger steps in and shakes up her entire world—opening doors she never thought she'd enter again.

Ace Pierre runs his city with power and confidence, a king among men. Women were never a problem for him; they flocked to his magnetic energy. But real relationships? They weren't part of his game plan. With a baby on the way with his so-called baby mama, situationship, or whatever she is, Kamry, Ace isn’t sure if they're even ready for such a big commitment. Between the trust issues and secrets that linger, Ace does what he can to make it work—until a call from one of his realty companies changes everything. Stepping into a situation he didn't expect, he bumps into Taylen, a woman whose presence alone leaves him breathless and his carefully constructed life in jeopardy.

As their worlds collide, Taylen and Ace find themselves tangled in a whirlwind of unexpected passion, raw emotion, and a connection that neither saw coming. But with old flames, lies, and jealous eyes watching their every move, can they fight against the odds to make love work? Or will the weight of the past and the drama that haunts them prove too much to bear?

If you're a fan of African American romance, good girls and unhinged Alpha men, second chance romance, thug love, and hood drama, you'll fall in love with "It's Always That One Project Chick" by Jenica Johnson.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

212 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

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Jenica Johnson

73 books162 followers

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5 stars
348 (76%)
4 stars
69 (15%)
3 stars
24 (5%)
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8 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany.
111 reviews2,134 followers
October 9, 2024
Oh HELLLLL NO. I need book 2 NEOW. My heart racing so damn fast cause ain’t no way in HELLLL Ace playing in my girl face like that. Ain’t no way dawg. I refuse to believe it. My damn leg shaking. I’m mad like this nigga done played with me😂😂😂😂 gahhh this bih was good. And that triflin perc’d out baby daddy of Taylen’s my Lawd. I wanted to stick my foot so far up his ass. Nasty ass. Y’all don’t mind me I’m just mad 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Profile Image for ✨Shay✨.
186 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2024
If you look up TOXIC in your dictionary you will see Ace and Taylnn as the definition.

This book made me feel like I needed to make an appointment with my own therapist because What???

Ace wasn’t some lovey prince charming. Yes he was a provider but he was entitled and disrespectful.

Taylnn has classy and calm on one hand then dragging someone on the next. I couldn’t keep up with her emotions.

These two do not I repeat do not belong together.

This was a good story. Full of Thug Passion.
182 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2024
Must Read

Bryson is the most lamest, cheating, disrespectful, abusive, narcissistic, cowardly, manipulative, scandalous, trifling, snake in the grass n***a. After two kid's, being abused, disrespected, and cheated on. Taylen just wanted their two son's and a divorce. She wanted absolutely nothing to do with Bryson but being dependent on Bryson and him not wanting to work. Bryson had the upper hand when it came to proving to the court's he was the more financial stable parent. He used their son's to try to gaslight and manipulate Taylen. Taylen actually is a good mother and a sweetheart but Bryson is trying everything he can to keep her in his pocket. There's something about Sheisty that I like and how him and Taylen have a brother and sister bond although they aren't blood related. Listening to Taylen tell a little of his story is heartbreaking but the way he protects Taylen from Bryson. Shows Sheisty got character and don't play. Ace is actually a good guy with a good heart to be a street n***a but don't mistake his kindness for weakness because weak will be something you won't see. I don't see how he dealt with Kamry hoe ass for so long. At first Ace saw a future with Kamry but her erratic and trifling way's started to show more and more. Kamry was a opportunist. Her mother taught her to use what she got to get what she wanted. She should've noticed Ace was getting tired of her. Pregnancy didn't even stop Kamry. Sleeping with different men while supposedly carrying Ace child was nasty and trifling on so many levels. When one of Ace's property was damaged and thing's were stolen. He knew Kamry was slipping and had enough. Meeting Taylen sparked something in Ace. One thing about Ace I respect is his brutal honesty. He don't lie or hide anything from Taylen. Taylen was Ace peace even with all her baggage but Bryson damaged Taylen. She was very insecure and lack self worth. However Kamry knew someone else held Ace attention and was in her feelings. Putting her hands on Ace and lying on him as well as having him sent to jail showed Kamry was a snake when she didn't get her way. Starting drama with Taylen was Ace last straw. Kamry thought because Ace don't put his hand's on women and that she was pregnant. He wouldn't do anything to her. Ace knew how to make her suffer without physically harming her. Take away his financial support. I understand Autumn and Kamry is best friend but Ace is her brother. Autumn need to stop allowing Kamry to manipulate her and getting into the middle of Ace and Kamry mess because it's causing her and her brother to be at odds. Plus Autumn really don't know that Kamry be lying to gain sympathy from her. Autumn need to be focused on learning Chris alone. While she's been screwing him for year's and he never chose for them to be in a relationship and married another woman. I have a feeling Chris wife knows Autumn is the woman he's cheating with. Chris is Ace bestfriend and Ace isn't thrilled about them creeping around but Autumn is grown and Ace stay out of their drama. Ace applied serious pressure to show Taylen that he's nothing like Bryson but with Bryson still lingering around starting s**t and Kamry pregnant with Ace child. Taylen insecurities are still there. Bryson is all the way in his feelings when he realized Ace is the new man in Taylen life. Bryson knows Ace because he used to work for Ace family before he was ran out of town. Bryson also know that with Ace in the picture. He will never get Taylen back and that Ace is the better man for Taylen and their son. The way this ended. Bryson knew exactly what he was doing when he revealed to Taylen that Ace moved Kamry back into his house.
Profile Image for Melise.
469 reviews48 followers
October 17, 2024
This was decently written, the drama was there, the plot was partially there and it was a decent way to spend my Sunday. The author did drag situations out far longer than need be and the miscommunication trope was over used here. We meet Taylen she’s in the trenches cus of her ex husband and poor decision making. At times she comes off a bit judgmental and snooty which is weird based on circumstances she finds herself in. Next up we meet Ace and he’s cool but lacking in the common sense department. Hes with a lady that he’s just cool with not in love nor deep like, he’s just comfortable. She ends up pregnant and here’s where the long drawn out saga of miscommunication begins.

Taylen is aware of the situation from jump and moves forward, she has her own baggage and issues herself but whatever it’s for the plot. We spend multiple chapters back and forth cus she never speaks up for herself she hears one thing and that’s it she’s sad and crying, huffing and puffing and it just gets annoying. One she’s a mother in a toxic situation with the dad. She is never seen doing anything to improve her situations. We see her at work once in a while before she gets fired. After that she’s “in school” but we the reader have no idea what for. Like there was so little growth on her part that reading the next book is low on my priority list. Additionally she’s having hell unprotected sex with a man she clearly doesn’t trust NOR does she want another baby yet she’s moving sloppy. Her baby daddy is a bird and he enjoys her suffering and instead of finally wising up and getting some sense she lets him get her out of body MULTIPLE TIMES. Like sis starts the book off fighting charges and then spends the rest adding more to the list like PLEASE ENOUGH.

The Kamryn & Autumn friend arc is unsatisfying because she don’t call her friend out forreal she just decides to try and rescue her like KAM IS GROWN she chose her life and nothing is stopping her from getting a job and getting her own bag other than laziness and greed. Overall the author wrote this well the problem is the redundant storyline. No one ever bosses up and put their foot down or has conversations like the adults they are supposed to be. Autumn also kinda wack for being with a married man and having an attitude when she sees him with her… like girl he made his choice the day of the wedding please move accordingly.
590 reviews7 followers
October 8, 2024
Well I'll be damned! First read by this authoress and she did not come to play! Bryson so dirty yet he always tried to down Taylen who at the very least had her shit together despite where she laid her head! I really don't see why Kamry was doing the things she was doing! Even though her and Ace weren't in a relationship, she had it made in the shade; even more so when she got pregnant. Who wants all gets absolutely none and that's why she was on the shitty end of the stick! Na Ace came through in the clutch trying to wipe away all of the bullshit Bryson done did to Taylen! Personally, I wouldn't have taken Bryson word for shit! That right there told me Taylen isn't ready for the big leagues! Every single fear and obstacle that came their way, Ace tried to show her better than he could tell her! Having said that, just how he wanted her to communicate, he should have done the same thing with her especially with Taylen back at his house. Granted, he may have not even been staying there but that was definitely not a good look with Kamry being there and she was blindsided! I really hope Ace ain't on shit after all the work he been trying to put in! Something tells me Taylen gone end up pregnant! Whew challe! The tea is HOTTTT!
Profile Image for Melanie Patrice.
47 reviews14 followers
November 4, 2024
seriously!!! i finished this book so quick. had me doing the most reading this book on the side of my baby daddy lol. it was THAT good! how Ms. Jenica Johnson was able to have me gasping and at edge of my bed at 3am reading this, JUST to end it with a to be continued 😩😩😩 NOOOOOOO!!! I need to understand why Taylen just be so ready to leave my man Ace off of little assumptions. I get it, she’s scarred and traumatized from all the lies physical and mental abuse Bryson has put her through, but still!!! Ace has done nothing but be a solid man from day one and for such a mature woman, she be acting real childish. I need Book 2 Immediately!!! Ain’t no way i would ever be willing to give Ace up so especially over no jealous BM drama, so i need to see how Ace is about to handle this when he find out.
637 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2024
Good

This was good. Kept my interest from beginning to end... However, Ace was a bit much. He came on very strong. I liked him a lot at first but he was doing a lot for someone who needed time for herself to get her mental together. Taylen was aggy too. Yes she has her hurt but she really jumps the gun. And when she did she's so anti Ace but all he has to do is say a few words and she's over it, only to turn around and do it again. As evidenced by the ending. I'm looking forward to book 2 though bc I know Ace is getting tired of her shenanigans lol. How long will it last before she stops or he gives up?
1,404 reviews12 followers
December 26, 2024
Ace Is Wierd

I’m sorry, I don’t like to give bad reviews but this book doesn’t make sense to me. Why is Ace knowingly in a relationship/situationship with Kamry. Most guys in his position are very particular about who they have around them. He knows that Kamry is entertaining other dudes but he’s very nonchalant about it and why is he having unprotected sex with her knowing that she’s sleeping with other men. That’s crazy to me. Then, I’m not going to even begin talking about Taylen’s confused self. Her actions contradict everything that she says. It’s definitely a frustrating read.
Profile Image for Stephanie Mclendon.
650 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2025
Brace yourself!!!

Tayler is sweet till you bring that gutter side out but her ex Bryson has mentally abused her mind and physically abused her in the past. With more money Bryson snatches her a sons away because she will not -lay the role with him as he brings another woman into her home she lived with her husband! Meanwhile Ace is a true BOSS from Miami. When he comes to a little town in Georgia he did not know he would be meeting the love of his life. But the baggage both bring but when I say honesty is the best policy I’m praying they make it because some shiddd is going downz!!!!!! Running 🏃 to part 2!
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,494 reviews11 followers
October 6, 2024
Team Tay and Ace

I know after being hurt by the man that took vows to love and honor you can build up a wall that's almost impossible to penetrate but Ace is really trying with Taylen. Ion know why Kamry at his house but I wish he would have told Taylen so Bryson could have been the one looking crazy. How he know anyway. Ace is really a stand up dude, he could have did Kamry real dirty for several reasons and she still keeps playing. I really want Tay and Ace to be couple goals. 💜💜
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,412 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2024
wow

This my first book by this Author and I must say I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Taylen needs to grow a little more she let Bryson control her actions always. I’m not sure why she didn’t just ask Ace what was going on instead of taken that drive but still don’t know why he let her move back in. Granted if he would have just told her what was going on before hand that wouldn’t have happened. Stupid Taylen fell right into the trap. She didn’t think how did Bryson know she moved back in. I can’t wait for part two to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Je'Quetta Johnson.
14 reviews
December 29, 2024
DNF

I got to about 52% of the book and called it quits. It was Taylin for me. She was annoying. She kept giving Bryson chances and making excuses why but was giving Ace a hard time. The final straw for me was when she got upset about him buying her a car, and then because he was upset that she was being ungrateful she got upset about that. Smh that’s when I decided enough was enough.
Profile Image for marla burage.
38 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2024
whew i loved this book

This book pulled me in from the very beginning. It had all the things i love in a book.. ratchedness, crazy exes, toxicity, a rich thug all of that. I hope Bryson and Kamry get the karma they deserve deserve and that Tay can let her wall down and learn to trust and love the right way... I can NOT wait for part 2 hurry up please
Profile Image for Q Owens.
2,540 reviews30 followers
January 30, 2025
A MUST READ!!!

Jenica, I’m so glad to have you back. You didn’t come to play. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end. I hate Bryson and hope he gets what he deserves soon. I’m loving Ace. I’m hoping that’s not his baby. I was shocked by that ending. I can’t wait to read part 2. This is most definitely a must read.
932 reviews13 followers
October 4, 2024
I can’t wait until part 2 drops…

Now baby my girl Taylen is not one for the games and I don’t blame her, but I hope that ending was a big misunderstanding because I absolutely love her and Ace together.
Profile Image for Neka.
1,448 reviews5 followers
October 5, 2024
loved it

I enjoyed this book I can’t wait to read part 2. I feel bad for Taylen she been hurt. Bryson is a piece of work. Ace is going to give Bryson what he is looking for if he keep on playing with him.
Profile Image for Ms.HoodReader.
422 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2024
Interesting read

All right I'm enjoying this ride But I only Like some of the characters And I did skip over Parts of their chapter Cause I really didn't care what made them act the way they did. Anyway looking Forward to the follow up. Kudos to the author
Profile Image for MoccahV Love.
91 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2024
Book 2 - expose the culprits

Ace's ex is all about playing games. Let's see who that baby belongs to.

Bryson is on his way out. He has to be linked to CAMERY in some way.


This left a cliffhanger, and book 2 needs to be released ASAP
79 reviews
October 15, 2024
Great read

Amazing book. I loved Ace he is so straight forward and his character carried the entire book for me. Some parts were irrelevant to me like Kamrys pov but that’s just personal preference. The overall story was very well written with no errors. 10 out of 10
91 reviews
October 16, 2024
That ending

Oh nooooooooo T I know you didn’t just do that to Kam omg…. I understand being mad but dang you didn’t have to do that that was nasty nasty… Ace about to lose his s**t when he find out.
137 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2024
Good Read

It was a good book. I liked Taylen but she worked my nerves. I know she was hurt but my god; you can tell her anything about Ace and she pop off without giving him the benefit of doubt. It was immature and draining. The ending proved my point.
Profile Image for Syretta Hines Adams.
2,326 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2024
This was a page turner for sure. Taylen is gonna feel real messed up when she finds out the truth. Bryson has head so gone that she doesn't know what's real. Kamry is so selfish and she's gonna find out the hard way. But Ace is that ninja that don't play and they about to find out. Good read.
551 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2024
Trust Issues

It’s so sad how Taylen really has trust issues. She never finds out the full story before flying off the handle. Bryson really messed her trust up. Now Ace is wrong for having Kamry at his house and not letting Taylen know. Can’t wait to see what happens in part 2.
Profile Image for christina hood.
593 reviews
February 21, 2025
Smh

My girl is doing the moat I tell you. Don't take ya ex word over ya new man and stop jumping to conclusions. Lets see if the get it together in the next book cause hunni I gotta see. To be continued
Profile Image for Gigi.
573 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2025
Wowww

Ooo this book series is goood. We have a former husband/abusive baby daddy, a good girl dealing with the BAN. Taylen is dealing with alot trying to keep her sanity for her kids. Its always one project chick keeps you engaged and on your toes. Will Talyen find peace??
302 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2025
Okkkkk!!!!

Yes this done got all the way live and good. I can't get the pages turned fast enough to see what happens next. I know part 2 gone to be even hotter than this part. I'm headed to part 2 now. Later
5 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
Page Turner

Surprisingly well written and a quick read. I can't wait for part 2. Ace 's business corporate side could be displayed more to backup his achievements.
Profile Image for Teyonna Harris.
93 reviews
October 6, 2024
She’s Back

Great read! She never disappoints. Looking forward to part two. I know Ace isn’t going out like that. Five stars!
Profile Image for I’kia .
487 reviews18 followers
October 9, 2024
IATOPC

Ohhhh weeeee. I can't wait for part 2. My girl is standing on business and I am here for it. Great job This book kept my attention from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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