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Not Yo' Ordinary Girl
"A Coming of Age Urban Saga of Tianna Simmons"
Tianna lives life in the fast lane, where survival is the only rule—and she’s willing to break every single one. At just seventeen, she’s already the queen of her witty, street-smart, and always a step ahead. With a mother battling her own demons and a little brother to care for, Tianna learned early on that if you want something, you take it.
But when she meets Dezmond—a smooth-talking older man with wealth, power, and promises of a better life—her world shifts. He sees something in her that no one else potential. For the first time, someone offers Tianna a way out of the crumbling streets she’s tied to. And she’s desperate enough to take it.
What Dez doesn’t tell her is that his world comes with a price. The deeper Tianna falls under his spell, the more she’s pulled into a dangerous game of lies, betrayal, and crime—a game rigged from the start. What once seemed like an escape turns into a trap, and Tianna, blinded by ambition and the promise of a glittering future, doesn’t see it coming.
Her friends, Shonda and Malik, tried to warn her. But Tianna wasn’t listening. She thought she could outsmart the streets, thought she could play the game. Instead, the game is playing her.
In the fast lane, there’s no safety net. No heroes. No happy endings. Just choices and consequences. Tianna’s hunger for more—a better life, a brighter future—pulls her into a world where nothing is as it seems. She learns the hard way that all that glitters isn’t gold, and the price of chasing her dreams might just be her soul.
This isn’t a fairytale. It’s the story of a girl who thought she could outrun her fate—and discovered too late that you can’t escape the consequences of the choices you’ve already made.
Tianna lives life in the fast lane, where survival is the only rule—and she’s willing to break every single one. At just seventeen, she’s already the queen of her witty, street-smart, and always a step ahead. With a mother battling her own demons and a little brother to care for, Tianna learned early on that if you want something, you take it.
But when she meets Dezmond—a smooth-talking older man with wealth, power, and promises of a better life—her world shifts. He sees something in her that no one else potential. For the first time, someone offers Tianna a way out of the crumbling streets she’s tied to. And she’s desperate enough to take it.
What Dez doesn’t tell her is that his world comes with a price. The deeper Tianna falls under his spell, the more she’s pulled into a dangerous game of lies, betrayal, and crime—a game rigged from the start. What once seemed like an escape turns into a trap, and Tianna, blinded by ambition and the promise of a glittering future, doesn’t see it coming.
Her friends, Shonda and Malik, tried to warn her. But Tianna wasn’t listening. She thought she could outsmart the streets, thought she could play the game. Instead, the game is playing her.
In the fast lane, there’s no safety net. No heroes. No happy endings. Just choices and consequences. Tianna’s hunger for more—a better life, a brighter future—pulls her into a world where nothing is as it seems. She learns the hard way that all that glitters isn’t gold, and the price of chasing her dreams might just be her soul.
This isn’t a fairytale. It’s the story of a girl who thought she could outrun her fate—and discovered too late that you can’t escape the consequences of the choices you’ve already made.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2025
130 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 24, 2025
Kutura B, lawd you have found your lane and I’m riding it with you until the wheels fall off. I wanted soo much more for T, so much more. I felt so bad for her little brother too though because he had it bad on both ends. This was an emotional real for me and my girls but we couldn’t stop reading.
October 21, 2025
4 🌟 WHEW. Maneeeee... That ending messed me all the way up!!! Malik deserved better! Sh*t, Tianna deserved better, even though she completely erked my nerves with her shaky ass loyalty and absolutely terrible decision-making skills smh. I couldn't help but to feel for her and all the struggles she faced in the end. Lots of trigger warnings!
This book gives off the same vibes as “Grown” by Tiffany D. Jackson, but make it more urban and hood, if that makes sense. And while there were quite a bit of inconsistencies within the storyline that I peeped, I give the author the benefit of the doubt because I recognize that she wrote this as a cautionary tale to young girls who idolize the “fast life” and that reason alone makes this worth reading imo.
I still enjoy KuTura's pen game / writing skills (even though I considered DNF'ing this book a few times) and I will continue to read through her catalogue to see what other stories she's got up her sleeve!
This book gives off the same vibes as “Grown” by Tiffany D. Jackson, but make it more urban and hood, if that makes sense. And while there were quite a bit of inconsistencies within the storyline that I peeped, I give the author the benefit of the doubt because I recognize that she wrote this as a cautionary tale to young girls who idolize the “fast life” and that reason alone makes this worth reading imo.
I still enjoy KuTura's pen game / writing skills (even though I considered DNF'ing this book a few times) and I will continue to read through her catalogue to see what other stories she's got up her sleeve!
January 24, 2025
must read!!!!!
When I say I started this book at 4 something and it’s one in the morning. DONE. It’s a thick read but a definitely DF. T had me happy, sad, mad, and crying. That man I was ready to tell him to come outside cause not to much on my niece T. Like is you cool ?!
When I say I started this book at 4 something and it’s one in the morning. DONE. It’s a thick read but a definitely DF. T had me happy, sad, mad, and crying. That man I was ready to tell him to come outside cause not to much on my niece T. Like is you cool ?!
January 24, 2025
A MUST read….
Grab your teenage daughters and let them read this! Tianna story is similar to many!!!!
I promise you…. You won’t be disappointed!
Grab your teenage daughters and let them read this! Tianna story is similar to many!!!!
I promise you…. You won’t be disappointed!
June 19, 2025
Not Yo' Ordinary Girl by KuTura B. - A Resounding 5-Star Read for me, A literary Gem !
From the moment I picked up KuTura B.'s "Not Yo' Ordinary Girl," I knew I was in for something special, and it delivered beyond all expectations. This book isn't just a story; it's an experience, a journey that captivates your mind and stirs your soul. It's truly a masterpiece that stands out in its genre, and I wholeheartedly give it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
KuTura B. has crafted a narrative that is both profoundly unique and incredibly relatable, exploring the multifaceted layers of identity, strength, and resilience. The title itself serves as a perfect prelude to the protagonist's journey, which defies conventions and celebrates the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.
The storyline of "Not Yo' Ordinary Girl" is intricately woven, full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is masterful – a perfect balance of building tension, revealing poignant moments, and delivering exhilarating climaxes. There's never a dull moment, yet the narrative breathes, allowing readers to truly connect with the characters and their evolving circumstances. It's the kind of book you'll find yourself thinking about long after you've turned the final page.
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its characters, particularly the protagonist. She is not merely a character on a page; she feels like a real person, flawed yet fierce, vulnerable yet undeniably powerful. Her journey of self-discovery, her struggles, and her triumphs are depicted with such rawness and honesty that you can't help but root for her every step of the way. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each adding depth and authenticity to the narrative, creating a vibrant world that feels incredibly alive. Their interactions are genuine, their dialogue sharp and meaningful, enriching the overall reading experience.
From the moment I picked up KuTura B.'s "Not Yo' Ordinary Girl," I knew I was in for something special, and it delivered beyond all expectations. This book isn't just a story; it's an experience, a journey that captivates your mind and stirs your soul. It's truly a masterpiece that stands out in its genre, and I wholeheartedly give it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
KuTura B. has crafted a narrative that is both profoundly unique and incredibly relatable, exploring the multifaceted layers of identity, strength, and resilience. The title itself serves as a perfect prelude to the protagonist's journey, which defies conventions and celebrates the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.
The storyline of "Not Yo' Ordinary Girl" is intricately woven, full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is masterful – a perfect balance of building tension, revealing poignant moments, and delivering exhilarating climaxes. There's never a dull moment, yet the narrative breathes, allowing readers to truly connect with the characters and their evolving circumstances. It's the kind of book you'll find yourself thinking about long after you've turned the final page.
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its characters, particularly the protagonist. She is not merely a character on a page; she feels like a real person, flawed yet fierce, vulnerable yet undeniably powerful. Her journey of self-discovery, her struggles, and her triumphs are depicted with such rawness and honesty that you can't help but root for her every step of the way. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each adding depth and authenticity to the narrative, creating a vibrant world that feels incredibly alive. Their interactions are genuine, their dialogue sharp and meaningful, enriching the overall reading experience.
October 21, 2025
Lost in that life
This book here was one for the Oscars. Kutura B you did your big one with this book. Tiana is just like some of the round away girls that I hear my nieces talking about. She was so ready to be grown and to get away from the life that she thought she didn’t want until she ran into nothing but misery called Dez. She was living what she thought was better getting with an older guy who ruined her.. For all that Dez took her through, you would think that this girl would never go back to him, but it took her to lose a loved one and to lose herself for her to realize that life is short. All her friends cut her off because the tragedy she cause they could never bounce back from. However, sometimes you have to just love people until you can’t anymore. This was a great book great read and I give it five stars.
This book here was one for the Oscars. Kutura B you did your big one with this book. Tiana is just like some of the round away girls that I hear my nieces talking about. She was so ready to be grown and to get away from the life that she thought she didn’t want until she ran into nothing but misery called Dez. She was living what she thought was better getting with an older guy who ruined her.. For all that Dez took her through, you would think that this girl would never go back to him, but it took her to lose a loved one and to lose herself for her to realize that life is short. All her friends cut her off because the tragedy she cause they could never bounce back from. However, sometimes you have to just love people until you can’t anymore. This was a great book great read and I give it five stars.
September 4, 2025
wow
All I can think about is the good where I grew up, and sadly Tianna’s story is like so many. Tianna’s push back was so annoying and frustrating in the beginning, then I started to feel for her, this is a story of a lost soul trying to figure out life with not much to aspire to. Love is a powerful substance when you’re young and vulnerable, not having anyone to really look up to that shows a way out of your current situation in life wasn’t helpful here. Juries found a profound way of capturing a caged bird being let free… this story had me holding my breath until the very end.
All I can think about is the good where I grew up, and sadly Tianna’s story is like so many. Tianna’s push back was so annoying and frustrating in the beginning, then I started to feel for her, this is a story of a lost soul trying to figure out life with not much to aspire to. Love is a powerful substance when you’re young and vulnerable, not having anyone to really look up to that shows a way out of your current situation in life wasn’t helpful here. Juries found a profound way of capturing a caged bird being let free… this story had me holding my breath until the very end.
January 30, 2025
In my feeling, this is a must read
Omg KuTura has done it again! Read with caution !!This story tells the harsh reality that a lot of young women face. Be prepared to experience every high and low emotion you can think of. The bond that this group of friends had is unmatched real friendships get tested but it’s how you move during the test that shows what your friendship is made up of.
Omg KuTura has done it again! Read with caution !!This story tells the harsh reality that a lot of young women face. Be prepared to experience every high and low emotion you can think of. The bond that this group of friends had is unmatched real friendships get tested but it’s how you move during the test that shows what your friendship is made up of.
December 25, 2025
Must Read
This book was really good and very realistic. The things that happened in the story are things that happen every day in real life. It definitely made me stop and think about how important it is to pay attention to signs and red flags we sometimes ignore. A lot of the situations felt familiar and honest, which made the book hit even harder. If you like real-life stories that make you reflect, this is definitely a good read.
This book was really good and very realistic. The things that happened in the story are things that happen every day in real life. It definitely made me stop and think about how important it is to pay attention to signs and red flags we sometimes ignore. A lot of the situations felt familiar and honest, which made the book hit even harder. If you like real-life stories that make you reflect, this is definitely a good read.
March 18, 2025
Not your average Book!
This book was definitely a different type of story! But a common story about life. As much as I wanted T to win, the demon she had to fight. The way she tried to avoid being like her mom but was just like her! A great read. High recommend but please READ THE DISCLAIMER because this author told no lies!
This book was definitely a different type of story! But a common story about life. As much as I wanted T to win, the demon she had to fight. The way she tried to avoid being like her mom but was just like her! A great read. High recommend but please READ THE DISCLAIMER because this author told no lies!
April 21, 2025
this book was so good
This was my third book I’ve read by this author . Tianna was trying to live the fast life and it caught up with her . I felt so bad about her losing Malik the person that truly loved her . Tianna finally got her freedom . This book made me cry . My heart is heavy after reading this . It was a 10/10 recommend book .
This was my third book I’ve read by this author . Tianna was trying to live the fast life and it caught up with her . I felt so bad about her losing Malik the person that truly loved her . Tianna finally got her freedom . This book made me cry . My heart is heavy after reading this . It was a 10/10 recommend book .
May 20, 2025
Whewwwww Kutura girl what are you trying to do to us! When I tell you my heart dropped reading this book. The way I ate this book up should be a crime. We hear stories like this is real time happening and I love how you touched on it and gave us the uncut and raw authentic experience in this book. This is a book I would definitely let my daughter read when she enters high school. It’s a must!
June 17, 2025
wow😭
Dame Ms.Kutura B , you were right I needed tissue at the end of the story man I felt this story in my stomach. It was crazy. this book is an excellent story. Definitely gets five stars from me I will be recommending your books to my friends and family and I’m looking forward to reading more of your books, so keep them books coming.🤗
Dame Ms.Kutura B , you were right I needed tissue at the end of the story man I felt this story in my stomach. It was crazy. this book is an excellent story. Definitely gets five stars from me I will be recommending your books to my friends and family and I’m looking forward to reading more of your books, so keep them books coming.🤗
June 17, 2025
Dame Ms.Kutura B , you were right I needed tissue at the end of the story man I felt this story in my stomach. It was crazy. this book is an excellent story. Definitely gets five stars from me I will be recommending your books to my friends and family and I’m looking forward to reading more of your books, so keep them books coming.🤗
January 27, 2025
I’ve went through every emotion reading this book. I’ve yelled out loud more times than I can count. This book was well written and definitely worth getting into. T’s story truly shows how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and everything that glitters isn’t gold.
February 1, 2025
I love love love it
Omg such an awesome read. I was heavily invested in this story. Tianna. Man I was expecting it to go down like that . Dez knows he was wrong for what he did. I felt bad for Shonda tho. I hated the way she treated T at the end. She was hurting too . Whew
Omg such an awesome read. I was heavily invested in this story. Tianna. Man I was expecting it to go down like that . Dez knows he was wrong for what he did. I felt bad for Shonda tho. I hated the way she treated T at the end. She was hurting too . Whew
November 1, 2025
I didn’t see the ending
This book was a really really good read so well written count me in suspense. I felt so bad for Tiana, but I didn’t also because she had so many choices felt even worse for Malik.
This book was a really really good read so well written count me in suspense. I felt so bad for Tiana, but I didn’t also because she had so many choices felt even worse for Malik.
February 1, 2025
🔥
Whewww If you haven’t one-clicked yet please do. This book was everything and had me on edge. If you have young daughters/sons let them read this.
Whewww If you haven’t one-clicked yet please do. This book was everything and had me on edge. If you have young daughters/sons let them read this.
February 8, 2025
life
Life really be tough and we do what we gotta do to survive. The ending definitely had me like maaaaaaan why!!! But I feel like it was so necessary
Life really be tough and we do what we gotta do to survive. The ending definitely had me like maaaaaaan why!!! But I feel like it was so necessary
July 13, 2025
This is my second book by KuTura B. and definitely not my last. This book pulled on my heart strings. Fast life ain't always it.
October 1, 2025
What’s next
Great read didn’t expect ending at all. Real story that happens in real life. Than you for this amazing book
Great read didn’t expect ending at all. Real story that happens in real life. Than you for this amazing book
October 7, 2025
Great Book!
I truly enjoyed this book and the lesson it taught us about the fast life. Everything that glitters ain’t gold. Great read and I highly recommend.
I truly enjoyed this book and the lesson it taught us about the fast life. Everything that glitters ain’t gold. Great read and I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews