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Keep Going
Cousins Casey “Set” Washington and Patrick “Nutty” Rivera have always only had each other. Taught to stick together no matter what, you rarely saw one without the other running around the Birch Housing Projects in South Kenton. In just one month, however, their lives are altered dramatically, ending with them being separated for the first time. And by the time they eventually reunite, their last semblance of innocence had been snatched away like those they loved most.
Years later, the cousins still struggle with past trauma internally. Set has ruled over the streets with an iron fist as the co-founder and head of the ruthless Foe Dub gang, though not necessarily by choice. His mother was a casualty in the power vacuum caused when his father was killed, and to prevent history from happening again, he stepped in when his former boss perished, alienating those closest to him in the process. Newly heartbroken, he felt he was the only one who didn’t have anything to lose, and everything to gain.
Until four years later, when she returns to his city for good. The only woman he ever loved. The woman who inadvertently put him back in the streets he wanted to escape from, when she took out his former boss; Sabrina Young. And just like four years ago, trouble has followed her back into the city. Set must confront his past in more ways than one, but with his undying love for Brina mixed with burning hate, Set doesn’t see how they can ever get back to how they were.
Where Set has been conquering the streets, Nutty has been conquering nap time. Losing the love of his life shortly after she gave birth to their daughter, Nutty has had to push everything aside to perfect being a single father. He vowed to be the father he never had growing up, and give his daughter the type of unconditional love neither he nor his cousin received. And after four years, he feels like he’s found his footing, even if the people around him don’t agree.
Until his ex’s best friend Sabrina Young comes back into town.
And not only is she back for good, but she’s brought people with her. A teen girl that could be Nutty’s twin. The man they both resemble. And a beautiful spitfire with a young son that his daughter seems to cling to from day one.
Life’s beat Nutty down so bad it’s a wonder he still chooses peace instead of living up to his name. But when life once again throws him a curveball, will he survive it? Or will he finally see there’s been a method to life’s madness all along?
Keep Going is an interconnected standalone, meaning you do not have to read anything before this book, though you may choose to, to enhance your reading experience.
Years later, the cousins still struggle with past trauma internally. Set has ruled over the streets with an iron fist as the co-founder and head of the ruthless Foe Dub gang, though not necessarily by choice. His mother was a casualty in the power vacuum caused when his father was killed, and to prevent history from happening again, he stepped in when his former boss perished, alienating those closest to him in the process. Newly heartbroken, he felt he was the only one who didn’t have anything to lose, and everything to gain.
Until four years later, when she returns to his city for good. The only woman he ever loved. The woman who inadvertently put him back in the streets he wanted to escape from, when she took out his former boss; Sabrina Young. And just like four years ago, trouble has followed her back into the city. Set must confront his past in more ways than one, but with his undying love for Brina mixed with burning hate, Set doesn’t see how they can ever get back to how they were.
Where Set has been conquering the streets, Nutty has been conquering nap time. Losing the love of his life shortly after she gave birth to their daughter, Nutty has had to push everything aside to perfect being a single father. He vowed to be the father he never had growing up, and give his daughter the type of unconditional love neither he nor his cousin received. And after four years, he feels like he’s found his footing, even if the people around him don’t agree.
Until his ex’s best friend Sabrina Young comes back into town.
And not only is she back for good, but she’s brought people with her. A teen girl that could be Nutty’s twin. The man they both resemble. And a beautiful spitfire with a young son that his daughter seems to cling to from day one.
Life’s beat Nutty down so bad it’s a wonder he still chooses peace instead of living up to his name. But when life once again throws him a curveball, will he survive it? Or will he finally see there’s been a method to life’s madness all along?
Keep Going is an interconnected standalone, meaning you do not have to read anything before this book, though you may choose to, to enhance your reading experience.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
37 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Jessica A.
10 books23 followersJessica is an LA girl that has been writing fiction and poetry since middle school. She holds a BA in English from Xavier University in Louisiana, and an MFA in Fiction from San Diego State University. She's a dog mommy to the infamous Dijon Mustard, and in addition to writing all the stories that play out in her head, she enjoys yapping on facetime with her homegirls and long walks on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 20, 2025
She’s gone keep dropping these bangers and imma keep reading. This book take us more into Set and Nutty and baby so she take me on a damn ride. I will keep screaming the dimension of these characters is literally chefs kiss. Just when you think you have the pegged she gone and drop more pieces of their past or their personality and shock the shit out you. The pacing of each story and character allows you to stay hooked because there is very small windows of time where these are just cool. Then she reveals yet another secret or a new side character. The way she plotted the story lines and connected the cities and people is perfect and I have only ever really read one other author who’s done this so effortlessly. There is no clunky mash up it truly just flows and keeps you intrigued.
I love Casey & Sabrina and I cannot wait for them to fully stop playin with each other and have the life they both truly want and deserve.! After her hellish Mother caused so much. Trouble in book 1 I was convinced they was gone get their shit together lol but I will admit I do like the “ will they, won’t they” back and forth cause the tension is PERFECT 😍!! But I know my man gone get his woman in the end I got faith lol.!
Patrick is so resilient that it makes my heart hurt. This man done been through the fucking fire 🔥 and he continues to pour into other people and refused to give up on himself and love. After losing the most important person to him he’s still open to finding love again and I love this for him. My girl is gone get his ass together real good lol!!!
Yall this woman is stressing me out but I’m the best way possible. Every time I think we done and things are peaceful and cool she throws a monkey wrench at my head lol. I’m eating this series up. I literally cannot read anything else until I finished I’m addicted and I need all of it !!!
I love Casey & Sabrina and I cannot wait for them to fully stop playin with each other and have the life they both truly want and deserve.! After her hellish Mother caused so much. Trouble in book 1 I was convinced they was gone get their shit together lol but I will admit I do like the “ will they, won’t they” back and forth cause the tension is PERFECT 😍!! But I know my man gone get his woman in the end I got faith lol.!
Patrick is so resilient that it makes my heart hurt. This man done been through the fucking fire 🔥 and he continues to pour into other people and refused to give up on himself and love. After losing the most important person to him he’s still open to finding love again and I love this for him. My girl is gone get his ass together real good lol!!!
Yall this woman is stressing me out but I’m the best way possible. Every time I think we done and things are peaceful and cool she throws a monkey wrench at my head lol. I’m eating this series up. I literally cannot read anything else until I finished I’m addicted and I need all of it !!!
April 8, 2025
New Favorite
Jessica A. is slowly making her way into my new favorite of the year. The Foe Dub is a crew I want more of, and these stories have me hooked. I didn't realize this book would have me as emotional and sentimental as it did. Patrick has a great reason to be nutty, and the unfolding of his first loves and losses was an emotional ride. I enjoyed reading about the growth of the bond between the brothers, but I love reading them falling in true love.
Dallas is a spitfire with a complicated life. Honestly, everyone's situation is more complicated than it needs to be, but the maturity it took for them to overcome it is what has me applauding the writing of this book. The plots were very intricate, and I am thoroughly impressed because, though complicated, everything was seamless to follow. I can't wait to read more.
Jessica A. is slowly making her way into my new favorite of the year. The Foe Dub is a crew I want more of, and these stories have me hooked. I didn't realize this book would have me as emotional and sentimental as it did. Patrick has a great reason to be nutty, and the unfolding of his first loves and losses was an emotional ride. I enjoyed reading about the growth of the bond between the brothers, but I love reading them falling in true love.
Dallas is a spitfire with a complicated life. Honestly, everyone's situation is more complicated than it needs to be, but the maturity it took for them to overcome it is what has me applauding the writing of this book. The plots were very intricate, and I am thoroughly impressed because, though complicated, everything was seamless to follow. I can't wait to read more.
June 13, 2025
I wanted to rate it lower because it was sooo long but I couldn't lol. It wouldn't be fair lol I read this book all the way to the end and I enjoyed it. That means I was captivated and hooked. I took several breaks because it's very heavy and very triggering e.g.death, bereavement, miscarriage etc. But it's realistic. We get a chance to truly connect with the characters like they're a part of our family. I'm super invested that I want to read the next book in the series. I like that we get to know each character's storyline and how interconnected they are.
Set and Brina drove me up a wall😡.
Dallas and Patrick were cute. I'm glad they finally let their guards down🥹.
I'm curious about Turk, Autumn and Patience....That's a love triangle and a half😅...that would make for an interesting storyline lol
Great read👍🏾
Set and Brina drove me up a wall😡.
Dallas and Patrick were cute. I'm glad they finally let their guards down🥹.
I'm curious about Turk, Autumn and Patience....That's a love triangle and a half😅...that would make for an interesting storyline lol
Great read👍🏾
January 29, 2026
🫠
This book took a little longer for me to understand who the newer characters were but once I was locked in, I finished in no time. I loved Dallas and Nut together - they were like a mini Brady Bunch. Set and Sabrina slowly got it together too, thank goodness! 🥰
This book took a little longer for me to understand who the newer characters were but once I was locked in, I finished in no time. I loved Dallas and Nut together - they were like a mini Brady Bunch. Set and Sabrina slowly got it together too, thank goodness! 🥰
March 25, 2025
This book picks up four years later where Star-Crossed left off and while it was good, I do feel like we got some missing pieces, not only for Set and Brina’s relationship but also Shad’s life. Like how you go from computer genius to rap star? Would love to see a book on him next.
This book primarily focused on Nut & Choc, and I was thoroughly entertained with their relationship lol. Hate that happened to my girl Tati tho 🥹 like damn! This one was definitely emotional and full of spice and drama for sure.
This book primarily focused on Nut & Choc, and I was thoroughly entertained with their relationship lol. Hate that happened to my girl Tati tho 🥹 like damn! This one was definitely emotional and full of spice and drama for sure.
March 12, 2025
great sequel. ready for the next book!
Its often hard for authors to have sequels that are just as strong as the first books in a series. But not this author. This book keeps you on your toes with even more things revealed about the characters and their background. This book was a little heavier than the first one, had me misty eyed in some places- so definitely heed the trigger warnings. But again, great great book!
There were some small typos and discrepancies but Im the kind of person where things like that jump out at me. I dont think it takes away from the overall book and the reading experience. I look forward to future books from this author! Speaking of - Is Shad getting a book? Im lowkey interested in a Lena book as well because who is Trell? Honestly so many of the background characters have potential for full stories. Love this world the author has built!
Its often hard for authors to have sequels that are just as strong as the first books in a series. But not this author. This book keeps you on your toes with even more things revealed about the characters and their background. This book was a little heavier than the first one, had me misty eyed in some places- so definitely heed the trigger warnings. But again, great great book!
There were some small typos and discrepancies but Im the kind of person where things like that jump out at me. I dont think it takes away from the overall book and the reading experience. I look forward to future books from this author! Speaking of - Is Shad getting a book? Im lowkey interested in a Lena book as well because who is Trell? Honestly so many of the background characters have potential for full stories. Love this world the author has built!
March 18, 2025
5/5 Choc and pat >>>>
5/5 character growth is amazing, emotional connection, the way the the author illustrate is too good, I LOVE CHOC AND PAT FAMILY MOMENTS made the whole book worth it fr ( the book good anyways )
5/5 character growth is amazing, emotional connection, the way the the author illustrate is too good, I LOVE CHOC AND PAT FAMILY MOMENTS made the whole book worth it fr ( the book good anyways )
March 16, 2025
Birch Baby 4 life
I loved the second book in this series. The gang is all back and is scandalous as ever. Between all the twists and turns this story had I think I have whip lash! This was a good follow up to the first book
I loved the second book in this series. The gang is all back and is scandalous as ever. Between all the twists and turns this story had I think I have whip lash! This was a good follow up to the first book
March 8, 2025
Set
Omg this story has so many twists and turns i love it. I can't wait for the next book. All of the characters are very interesting
Omg this story has so many twists and turns i love it. I can't wait for the next book. All of the characters are very interesting
February 16, 2025
new author worth the read!
Jessica is a cool as author. While this story did have drama none of it was too much or overdone. I really fell for every main character! Keeping up with all the back stories with grandparents was a little confusing but didn’t take away from the plot! Ready for part 3.
Jessica is a cool as author. While this story did have drama none of it was too much or overdone. I really fell for every main character! Keeping up with all the back stories with grandparents was a little confusing but didn’t take away from the plot! Ready for part 3.
February 10, 2025
Birch Babies
This story is so entertaining. I love the character development. The storylines keep you wanting more for the whole gang. I truly enjoy the found family and banter that they have. Looking forward to Book 3. There were a handful of typos but nothing that took too much away from the storyline. 😊
This story is so entertaining. I love the character development. The storylines keep you wanting more for the whole gang. I truly enjoy the found family and banter that they have. Looking forward to Book 3. There were a handful of typos but nothing that took too much away from the storyline. 😊
October 26, 2025
Excellent, no notes. Jessica came back with the follow-up that not only showed the growth of all the characters but touched on sensitive subjects with care. Bravo, Jessica!!
November 9, 2025
First off, thank you for including trigger warnings at the beginning because many authors overlook that, and it truly makes a difference. Now about the story…this was good. It kept me entertained the whole time, and now I’m genuinely interested in reading about the other characters. I do think the synopsis, title, and cover could be stronger, though. The story itself deserves more attention, and a tighter presentation would definitely pull in more readers.
My only real issue was Patrick’s story. Considering his past love life, I expected him to have a harder time letting Dallas in. Instead, he fell first and fell fast. I honestly thought he’d put up more of a fight based on how his story was set up. Still, I’m happy with how things turned out for his HEA.
Casey and Briana’s story was simpler, a second-chance love, which I enjoyed but I think the focus should’ve leaned a bit more toward Patrick and Dallas.
Overall, this was a solid Brae read, and I’m really glad I picked it up.
My only real issue was Patrick’s story. Considering his past love life, I expected him to have a harder time letting Dallas in. Instead, he fell first and fell fast. I honestly thought he’d put up more of a fight based on how his story was set up. Still, I’m happy with how things turned out for his HEA.
Casey and Briana’s story was simpler, a second-chance love, which I enjoyed but I think the focus should’ve leaned a bit more toward Patrick and Dallas.
Overall, this was a solid Brae read, and I’m really glad I picked it up.
January 6, 2026
I'm loving this series!
A lot happened in this novel. Lives disrupted, death, break ups make ups, sampling of the forbidden fruit. Just a lot but so glad Brina and Casey (Set) are now thriving as well as Dallas and Nutty P. The series just keeps getting better. Can't wait to see what happens next. Great job Jessica A. A few grammatical errors but its not too distracting!
A lot happened in this novel. Lives disrupted, death, break ups make ups, sampling of the forbidden fruit. Just a lot but so glad Brina and Casey (Set) are now thriving as well as Dallas and Nutty P. The series just keeps getting better. Can't wait to see what happens next. Great job Jessica A. A few grammatical errors but its not too distracting!
May 31, 2025
Loving This Series!
It just keeps getting better and better. Brina finally made it to my good side cause sis was pissing me clean off for the longest. Patrick, love me some him and Casey! Now let’s get it poppin with team Turk.
It just keeps getting better and better. Brina finally made it to my good side cause sis was pissing me clean off for the longest. Patrick, love me some him and Casey! Now let’s get it poppin with team Turk.
January 24, 2026
An Easy 5⭐️
This book took me through every emotion, and I loved every second of it. I cried, smiled, blushed, felt anxious, truly felt everything. Nutty is hands down my favorite character; I knew from book one that he had a powerful story to tell. The way the author explored grief and emotional openness was beautifully done, and I already knew this would be my favorite. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!
This book took me through every emotion, and I loved every second of it. I cried, smiled, blushed, felt anxious, truly felt everything. Nutty is hands down my favorite character; I knew from book one that he had a powerful story to tell. The way the author explored grief and emotional openness was beautifully done, and I already knew this would be my favorite. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!
April 18, 2025
man
This series just keeps getting better and better. It’s all smoke no gas. This one had my jaw dropping and my heart hurting .
This series just keeps getting better and better. It’s all smoke no gas. This one had my jaw dropping and my heart hurting .
May 24, 2025
Ohh
Oh that ending had me shook. Let me go read Autumn and Turk book. Also Brina and Set got on my nerves the whole book. I wanted to slap them both.
Oh that ending had me shook. Let me go read Autumn and Turk book. Also Brina and Set got on my nerves the whole book. I wanted to slap them both.
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed it
Im so happy P found love again. I was so sad to hear about Tati. Im happy Sabrina and Set got it together.
Im so happy P found love again. I was so sad to hear about Tati. Im happy Sabrina and Set got it together.
August 1, 2025
Denver
Was my favorite. We love a good step daddy. Denver and Nut were hilarious together. I’m slowly but surely becoming a part of 4w
Was my favorite. We love a good step daddy. Denver and Nut were hilarious together. I’m slowly but surely becoming a part of 4w
February 3, 2026
I never thought Nutty‘s unhinged self would be my favorite, but he is that man love hard and I’m so glad he got a second chance at love. His Choc is the perfect match. I wa s teary eyed reading this but overall loved their story.
December 16, 2025
I loved this one from start to finish. Patrick and Choc are hands down my favorite couple without a doubt. Their chemistry was completely off the charts, and every scene they shared had me hooked. I couldn’t get enough of them. Overall this book was engaging, laugh out loud funny, and emotionally satisfying all at once. I really loved how the group dynamics continued to develop; the friendships and banter felt even stronger and more natural in this one. It made the setting and the characters feel so alive. I am thoroughly invested in this series now and can’t wait to keep going. Honestly, can it even get better?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews