After years of suffering in silence as a co-girlfriend to Marco, her mother’s twisted, possessive boyfriend, Jaystar “Lemon” Brown is finally pushed over the edge when his obsession shifts to someone even more vulnerable, the twelve-year-old neighbor girl Lemon has quietly been protecting. With no job, no stable home, and no one to turn to, Lemon sees only one way to survive and safeguard the little girl in the process. She steps into the world of the oldest profession, becoming what the streets call a “304 girl.” But the game comes with its own devils, betrayal, predators in designer clothes, and a haunting past that won’t let her go. As she chases freedom, Lemon finds herself tangled in a web of survival and a burning question, how far is she willing to go to protect someone else, when no one ever protected her? In a world that has taken almost everything, Lemon is about to find out how tough she really is. Just when Lemon thinks she’s taken control of her fate, a shadow from the past emerges and it’s hungry for revenge.
Styles is the award Winning CEO of The Cartel Publications - an international, independent publishing house. She also owns Cartel Urban Cinema, an independent film production company. To date T. Styles has written 76 original novels under various pen names. Her novels have been published under her own house as well as Kensington and St. Martins.
Her screenplay “Concrete Beach”, reached the semifinals round for the Academy Nicholl Fellowship, a screenwriting competition, hosted by The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (Oscars). In addition, her other screenplay “Blurred”, reached the top 15%, validating what her fans already know...that T. Styles knows the art of storytelling.
Styles’ publishing house, The Cartel Publications, is the face of today's urban fiction and street fiction industries. In both the digital and print world, the Cartel represents the best her generation has to offer in African American literature. She has aptly been dubbed "Urban Fiction Empress" and "Literary Master".
Styles is multifaceted and facilitates her popular seminar "How To Write A Novel In 30 Days", using her non-fiction novel of the same title. Styles consults authors and publishing houses on what it takes to achieve success and longevity in the book industry, using the Cartel as a guide.
She has been featured in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, Essence Magazine, Don Diva Magazine, Oprah Winfrey's Network and Urban Book Source. She has been awarded Author Of The Year by AAMBC and was voted Most Underrated Author by The Urban Book Source.
When life gives you Lemons, you do what you have to do to survive.
When 19 year old Jaystar aka Jay, gets tired of being raped by her Mother’s boyfriend, Marco and refuses his advances, she is locked out of her home with nothing. With no other means of financial support, she seeks the help from Giant the neighborhood pimp who she thought was a friend only to have him use and abuse her too! Hazel is a 12 year old girl who lives across the hall from Jay who is being abused by her drug addicted mother. Jay sees her younger self in Hazel and vows to protect her from the same abuse that she endured. Now out on the streets with nowhere to live and no money, Jay becomes a prostitute for Giant and her life gets crazier! Giant gets his greasy no good hands on Hazel and she goes missing in the world of prostitution. Jay is willing to go all out to find and save Hazel why? because she wished that someone would have saved her when Marco started raping her at the age of 10. There are triggers of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse in this book so, be warned! This was a fast paced story and at times I felt lost. Is it interesting, yes! Read it for yourself! I rate it 3.5 ⭐️
This is my first time reading anything from this author and I’m disappointed that I’m just now discovering her work. This book was so damned good! I can count on one hand how many books I’ve rated 5 stars and this was one of them. This book was raw, tough to read at times, but real life for some young women and children. I’m happy it ended the way it did and looking forward to reading more of this authors work. Kudos to you!
For years, Jaystar “Lemon” Brown has endured abuse from her mother’s boyfriend, Marco. One denial lands her on the street, with a twelve year old neighbor, who is more like a daughter. Times are tough, and Lemon enters the the life of a 304 girl, where she is met with betrayal, lust and physical abuse.
This page turner is raw, gritty and real. It played across the screen in my mind as the words flowed effortlessly across the pages. This is one of the author’s finest works, because it is reminiscent of her earlier works. If I had to choose a favorite character, it would be Lemon. Hands down, the least favorite goes to Giant.
I wasn't too sure when I started reading this as T. Styles has been hit or miss with me. But it was actually a good quick read with a satisfying ending. Lemon (the MC) had a good character arc (as did a few of the other characters). The prologue was very suspenseful. It was actually a good quick read with a satisfying ending.
My new hero is Lemon. Thank you for a new strong leading character that shows that determination in all of us to stick to the truth and everything else will fall into place!
This book was readable but don’t think you gone get some T styles RAW.. this book was so light I forgot it was the same author who won me over with Raunchy.. this book was ehhhh
Hadn't read this one and hate I missed it, but glad I found it!! What a compelling story of young girls getting trafficked, and then man responsible getting what they deserved, especially her mama sick a$$!!! Loved it!!!
This once again was a good book written by one of my favs my nerves was bad and on edge I almost thought it was going to be a part 2 but loved it til the last page!!!
The Queen does it again! This was a good story. Although Lemon faced many trials, including being her own enemy; she eventually showed up for herself in the best way. I would definitely recommend this book.
I loved this story A tale of redemption Lemon got on my mf nerves real bad at times And I’m sad for Leslie. She ain’t deserve that. Just a warning of how innocence doesn’t matter in a world of evil. I’m so happy for this happy ending!
I think it had a few little things but I love other books by T styles this book is fast moving but I liked the storyline and her friend Mariah that's a real friend