Lemon: A 304 Love Story

by T. Styles

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.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Lexis · Rating 5 out of 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!

[Arvette S A · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 ⭐️

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 highly recommend this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Oceania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read!

Good quick read. This story was sad to me. I want say so much but I can’t without spoiling it for others. In life we look at people and wonder why they made certain life choices not thinking that sometimes, the choice wasn’t theirs. It’s a good perspective into that lifestyle.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Again It's On

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!

[Trent Willis · Rating 1 out of 5]

light

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

[Judith Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well done!!!

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!!!

[FELICIA ROBINSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one!!!!

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!!!

[Alexis Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid

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.

[Kenyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike her normal twists and turns…

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!

[Mylecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

This was my first time reading T. Styles, and this story was definitely different from my usual reads. I was not sure what to expect. The ending helped bring everything together and gave me a better appreciation for the journey.

[Asia · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this story!

This is a real story that can relate to so many women in different ways. So many of us got some “lemon” in us. Page turner to the end

[Karen Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

Another great T. Styles story. Great characters and details. A fast and interesting read. I couldn't put it down wondering what was gonna happen next.

[J. Damoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMPORTANT

This story is what every young girl needs to read! It will save so many live and resort so many broken souls.

[The Book Jawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Round of Applause

This book was so sad yet sooo good. Lemon had the heart of gold and folks thought they could keep playing in her face. I love a good redemption novel.

[Tonya Battle-Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't bad at all

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

[Lashonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Let just say I cried I laugh I was mad all in a wave this book was a great read and a must

[Authorlore · Rating 5 out of 5]

T. Styles always deliver a 5 star read.

Lemon was dealt a bad hand from start. After all she,went through....sorry, I won't spoil it. Just read it for yourself.

[Azania Devoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated how the author didn’t drag out the story and got straight to the point. I will definitely check out more books from T Styles.

[LAKISHA MCMILLAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe taking

It’s different from other books I have read by T. Styles. It’s a must read!! Lemon is someone you can related to.