What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gangsta & The Librarian
In the heart of Queens, rap mogul Nasir "Bullet" James runs the streets like a king-- until he meets Chosyn Sullivan a shy Atlanta librarian with the kind of beauty money can't buy. Their connection is instant, forbidden, and dangerously addictive.
He's power and pain.
She's peace and purpose.
Together, they blur the line between love and survival.
But when bullets fly and secrets surface, the question isn't whether they can love each other-- it's whether they can live through it.
He's power and pain.
She's peace and purpose.
Together, they blur the line between love and survival.
But when bullets fly and secrets surface, the question isn't whether they can love each other-- it's whether they can live through it.
463 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Did Not Finish
April 2, 2026Won’t rate it because I didn’t get far but the FMC is a loser from what I did read. She witnessed a crime against a woman who by all accounts was rude but to then try and blackmail the victim of a sex crime cus you mad is INSANE 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅
March 16, 2026
Dnf- he was not a prize. He was a rich baby daddy who treated all his baby mommas like $hit. He treated Jamira the way Chosyn’s ex treated her. Chosyn saw how Jamira had a threesome for this man and still got with him. Saw how he treated his other kids and still married him. He used Jamira smiling at another man to justify leaving her. A petty excuse. If he wanted to break up, he could have said that. Black women authors need to stop making black women fight over these no good ass black men with no character development. Being rich with a big penis ain’t enough especially if you can mistreat the mother of your children.
February 16, 2026
The book was ok.
Having the FMC, a black woman, be jealous of a mixed woman was crazy. The whole Jamira baby would be prettier bc they would be mixed 🙃 It all was weird & came off as if saying being black wasn’t enough.
This was a messy read 😂 Chosyn allowed chaos in her life. Social media is a drug for some ppl.
Having the FMC, a black woman, be jealous of a mixed woman was crazy. The whole Jamira baby would be prettier bc they would be mixed 🙃 It all was weird & came off as if saying being black wasn’t enough.
This was a messy read 😂 Chosyn allowed chaos in her life. Social media is a drug for some ppl.
May 16, 2026
DNF
I read chapter one and was DONE. The end of chapter 1, the main female character watches a woman getting raped. Actually takes out her phone and record, and then does nothing. She didn’t try to help nor did she call the police. She got in her car and left. Sick work. And that did it for me. In no way would I be able to finish the book. No coming back from that.
I read chapter one and was DONE. The end of chapter 1, the main female character watches a woman getting raped. Actually takes out her phone and record, and then does nothing. She didn’t try to help nor did she call the police. She got in her car and left. Sick work. And that did it for me. In no way would I be able to finish the book. No coming back from that.
April 15, 2026
Messy Chaos
This was a messy but engaging. The librarian really stepped outside her comfort zone, and that frenemy situation added tension and jealousy. Bullet’s presence was strong and I appreciated that he took accountability for his role. Overall, the story had its chaos, but the characters staying true to themselves made it come together.
This was a messy but engaging. The librarian really stepped outside her comfort zone, and that frenemy situation added tension and jealousy. Bullet’s presence was strong and I appreciated that he took accountability for his role. Overall, the story had its chaos, but the characters staying true to themselves made it come together.
April 22, 2026
Conflicted
This book tore my nerves up in the best way. Its so messy that I just couldn't look away. My girl want a chill life and ended up tossed in tornando. The drama and conflict. Whew! I highly recommend this book!
This book tore my nerves up in the best way. Its so messy that I just couldn't look away. My girl want a chill life and ended up tossed in tornando. The drama and conflict. Whew! I highly recommend this book!
April 7, 2026
This was such a love-hate book for me! The beginning, where Chosyn records and leaves the alleyway (not trying to drop too many spoilers), was messed up and didn’t sit right with me. I’m simple and tend to struggle when my main character is a little too morally gray.
I didn’t want to give up on the story, though, and I’m glad I didn’t. The banter between Chosyn and Nasir is top-tier—laugh-out-loud funny. The author also does a great job of writing characters who are so vibrant and realistic that when the inevitable happens and someone passes away, you really feel it in your chest.
I will say, though, that the stuff with Jamira became a little repetitive and annoying. However, a lot of Chosyn’s responses and the public’s viewpoint were realistic and true to how the internet can take some nonsense story and run with it.
There were also a lot of errors throughout the book, but even then, it was still good and worth the read!
I didn’t want to give up on the story, though, and I’m glad I didn’t. The banter between Chosyn and Nasir is top-tier—laugh-out-loud funny. The author also does a great job of writing characters who are so vibrant and realistic that when the inevitable happens and someone passes away, you really feel it in your chest.
I will say, though, that the stuff with Jamira became a little repetitive and annoying. However, a lot of Chosyn’s responses and the public’s viewpoint were realistic and true to how the internet can take some nonsense story and run with it.
There were also a lot of errors throughout the book, but even then, it was still good and worth the read!
July 2, 2026
Too many plot holes, unnecessary details added that were never explored. The MMC is 49 and a rapper!!! But both love interests are considered young adult? How old are these women with these antics? Jamira is painted to be a social media crazed, clout chasing villain and Chosyn as a "peaceful" old soul. Meanwhile, we see her film someone she perceives to be raped without helping them, then blackmails the "victim" for material items and then proceeds to team up to help her blackmail someone else, participates in sex work, visits a clinic for lipo, buys a new Benz after her social media stardom. Then it became constant monitoring and obsession over comments and followers similar to Jamira's clout obsession. It was mentioned that she lost herself by dealing with Jamira but her character already seemed to be flawed before meeting her. Jamira seemed to be whom she wanted to be minus some of her side quests.
We also see Jamira sleep with 2 other men in the same time frame besides Bullet yet there is no confirmation that he got DNA results back, just an assumption because he's taking care of the child months later.
Bullet's storyline along with Capone, Gotti and Cameron??? Referencing past events
Without enough details to piece it together. It made me check twice to see if there was a prequel or if this was a spinoff. Bullet seems more upset over these people being "rats" than being shot 12 times???
Overall the book had good bones but the editing and storyline needed to be tightened up a lot.
We also see Jamira sleep with 2 other men in the same time frame besides Bullet yet there is no confirmation that he got DNA results back, just an assumption because he's taking care of the child months later.
Bullet's storyline along with Capone, Gotti and Cameron??? Referencing past events
Without enough details to piece it together. It made me check twice to see if there was a prequel or if this was a spinoff. Bullet seems more upset over these people being "rats" than being shot 12 times???
Overall the book had good bones but the editing and storyline needed to be tightened up a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2026
Skip the title and read it!!! 🔥🔥
The title almost caused me to skip this book but I’m glad I didn’t! This book is definitely slept on because it’s a great read. If the author changes the title (it’s cringey sis) and gets a better editor I can see it being a top seller.
Let’s get into the book! I loved the MMC, Bullet. He’s a book bae. He saw Cho, wanted her, and applied pressure. I think the author based his character on the rapper, 50 cent because his persona and behavior all match what we see online. The author adds some differences but overall they are the same. The broodiness of the character, mother dying at a young age, being raised by his grandfather, sharing memes, being shot several times, ruggedness, etc. He’s a protector and highly calculated. BDE at its finest!
The FMC, Cho is independent and smart. She’s not a pushover. Don’t let the librarian title fool you. She’s about her bag and goals. It takes her awhile to accept what Bullet has to offer but I think it’s realistic. Even in regard to her social media insecurities. Give her grace.
These two characters bring each other peace and safety that they’ve never experienced. This love story doesn’t start off perfect but everything happens for a reason and the author did a great job sharing their story with a beginning, middle, and end. Kudos to her and I hope to read more!
They spicy too y’all!! 🥵
The title almost caused me to skip this book but I’m glad I didn’t! This book is definitely slept on because it’s a great read. If the author changes the title (it’s cringey sis) and gets a better editor I can see it being a top seller.
Let’s get into the book! I loved the MMC, Bullet. He’s a book bae. He saw Cho, wanted her, and applied pressure. I think the author based his character on the rapper, 50 cent because his persona and behavior all match what we see online. The author adds some differences but overall they are the same. The broodiness of the character, mother dying at a young age, being raised by his grandfather, sharing memes, being shot several times, ruggedness, etc. He’s a protector and highly calculated. BDE at its finest!
The FMC, Cho is independent and smart. She’s not a pushover. Don’t let the librarian title fool you. She’s about her bag and goals. It takes her awhile to accept what Bullet has to offer but I think it’s realistic. Even in regard to her social media insecurities. Give her grace.
These two characters bring each other peace and safety that they’ve never experienced. This love story doesn’t start off perfect but everything happens for a reason and the author did a great job sharing their story with a beginning, middle, and end. Kudos to her and I hope to read more!
They spicy too y’all!! 🥵
April 14, 2026
This was my first try by this author, def will be my last. In the first chapter someone is being r@ped and the MFC records and does absolutely nothing to help. Then blackmails the girl (which I don’t know how the girl knew where to find her) in order to give up the video she recorded. The MMC character seems lame asf I thought he was gone be the villain not the love interest and that was only reading one of his chapters. I stopped reading after the blackmail which was the third chapter. And what was the purpose of the man masturbating in the library? What did that add to the story? This author seems to have a fascination with r@pe. After reading some reviews for another book she wrote it was r@pe and even worse scenarios in that book as well. So yea I’m not interested in any of her stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2026
Chosyn was the quiet librarian who just wanted to live a normal life and save money for a farm. But her whole world get turn upside down when she start making some bad decisions and happens to meet handsome Nasir aka Bullet. Starting this read during the first chapters I really didn’t like how Chosyn was moving and it was disgusting what she did in the first chapter. Also the ages didn’t seem to match the story everybody is over 30 and 40 still moving like they’re in their early 20s. I think Chosyn was very naive to think a girl you just meet is your best friend. It was very toxic from all three parties, it was just too much going on. Toward the end got better glad Nasir and Chosyn got their happy ending.
August 7, 2026
I enjoyed the plot of the book. Chosyn & Nasir having their fairytale ending. I didn’t expect Cameron to be shady especially over Jamira. Other than that it was so many grammar errors. It made me have to reread certain sentences over and over because I thought I was reading them wrong. For example it stated four play instead of foreplay. Also when Jamira and Chosyn were texting and Nasir’s name was in the conversation like he sent a text was so confusing because what is he doing here??? Also when Chosyn said something at the end about her girls but she had a daughter and a son. I enjoyed the book but it definitely needs to be proofread before being sent with the amount of errors there were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
I never wanted someone to stay off social media so bad😭
Chosyn had me looking at her funny in the beginning until later I seen that was a way for Jamira was making money with the videos.
This book is a slow burn, but not so much in a romance sense but for the plot to actually pick up.
There were some things that left me confused, like Gotti popped up out of nowhere to me and Nasir mentioned that he had two sons in the beginning, but throughout the rest of the book, it seems like he was only claiming his kids with Chosyn. Would have loved seeing him better the relationship with his other sons since he mentioned that they didn’t get along.
Overall, pretty good book
Chosyn had me looking at her funny in the beginning until later I seen that was a way for Jamira was making money with the videos.
This book is a slow burn, but not so much in a romance sense but for the plot to actually pick up.
There were some things that left me confused, like Gotti popped up out of nowhere to me and Nasir mentioned that he had two sons in the beginning, but throughout the rest of the book, it seems like he was only claiming his kids with Chosyn. Would have loved seeing him better the relationship with his other sons since he mentioned that they didn’t get along.
Overall, pretty good book
March 21, 2026
This was a great read!
Two souls tied together because once Nasir James saw what he wanted, he went after her, all steam no stopping. Jamira was truly a fool for love but she forgot she started this in the beginning. Clout chasing usually brings you to a bad end. Nasir was solid though, saw what he wanted for his future and went after her. A lot transpired but in the end they got their fairytale wedding. Now we are left wondering what will happen with Cameron abd his betrayal. Looking forward to reading it. This is the first book I believe that I've read from this author, it definitely won't be the last!
Two souls tied together because once Nasir James saw what he wanted, he went after her, all steam no stopping. Jamira was truly a fool for love but she forgot she started this in the beginning. Clout chasing usually brings you to a bad end. Nasir was solid though, saw what he wanted for his future and went after her. A lot transpired but in the end they got their fairytale wedding. Now we are left wondering what will happen with Cameron abd his betrayal. Looking forward to reading it. This is the first book I believe that I've read from this author, it definitely won't be the last!
April 21, 2026
I had so many issues with the characters but this book gripped me. The plot line was intriguing and interesting enough for me to finish it, and even rate it highly. While I don't agree with the FMC choices or even the MMC on every occasion, I still felt their connection deeply. The first 40% was amazing and I could not get enough of their connection. It felt very real, which I truly appreciated.
Now I'm not sure I will read the spin off and this was could use some editing and polishing. Nevertheless, the bare bones story has so much potential to be a hit. I would however change the name.
Dare I say I loved it 😅
Now I'm not sure I will read the spin off and this was could use some editing and polishing. Nevertheless, the bare bones story has so much potential to be a hit. I would however change the name.
Dare I say I loved it 😅
April 26, 2026
My 2026 Book Bae!
Ok, there are still seven months and some change left in this year, but so far Nasir (Bullet) James is it for me! It was unconventional the way that he got together with the Librarian, Chosyn Joelle Sullivan. When I saw that a friendship/comradirie was developing between her and Jamira, I wondered how Ms. Cornelia was going to pull this off. She did so, beautifully because I had zero sympathy for Jamira way before the story ended. Ms. Cornelia really showed OUT with the Gangsta's BDE but still let him be soft for the ones he loved. Too bad there isn't a book two!
Ok, there are still seven months and some change left in this year, but so far Nasir (Bullet) James is it for me! It was unconventional the way that he got together with the Librarian, Chosyn Joelle Sullivan. When I saw that a friendship/comradirie was developing between her and Jamira, I wondered how Ms. Cornelia was going to pull this off. She did so, beautifully because I had zero sympathy for Jamira way before the story ended. Ms. Cornelia really showed OUT with the Gangsta's BDE but still let him be soft for the ones he loved. Too bad there isn't a book two!
March 8, 2026
Don’t second guess, just read it!
Don’t let the cover fool you. It’s worth the read. This book is a journey of growth between the two main characters. Watching a woman stay true to herself and still come out on top is everything! This man seemed to be the wrong man until, he found the right one and find her, he did 😝. Baby this man will have you looking for him in the dark with the flashlight on. This is a grown man glow up with a little razzle dazzle lol.. When innocence meets the streets…
Don’t let the cover fool you. It’s worth the read. This book is a journey of growth between the two main characters. Watching a woman stay true to herself and still come out on top is everything! This man seemed to be the wrong man until, he found the right one and find her, he did 😝. Baby this man will have you looking for him in the dark with the flashlight on. This is a grown man glow up with a little razzle dazzle lol.. When innocence meets the streets…
March 15, 2026
mannnnnnn
This damn book was so good 😭 and I’m mad about it! Cause I need more !! I have so many unanswered questions… is Jam’s baby his? Did she had a secret entanglement with cam and it’s his baby? Did Nasir’s granddad really die of a heart attack ? Omgggg ! But I truly did enjoy this book. I feel like everyone in this book was likable . Even the ‘villains’ I really enjoyed the evolution of this story. Amazing story so I will be tuned into the bodyguard and I hope some of my questions can be answered there ! 🫶🏾
This damn book was so good 😭 and I’m mad about it! Cause I need more !! I have so many unanswered questions… is Jam’s baby his? Did she had a secret entanglement with cam and it’s his baby? Did Nasir’s granddad really die of a heart attack ? Omgggg ! But I truly did enjoy this book. I feel like everyone in this book was likable . Even the ‘villains’ I really enjoyed the evolution of this story. Amazing story so I will be tuned into the bodyguard and I hope some of my questions can be answered there ! 🫶🏾
March 15, 2026
idk
I honestly loved the plot and idea of this book. I was invested in the characters. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE INVEST IN AN EDITOR
The inconsistencies and messed up words like chief for chef really took away from the story. Another example is when it says she has never been to NYC when she visits with bullet but as we know in the beginning of the book she came to NYC with ol girl and they actually met in NYC
Again loved the characters loved the plot but the execution needs work
I honestly loved the plot and idea of this book. I was invested in the characters. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE INVEST IN AN EDITOR
The inconsistencies and messed up words like chief for chef really took away from the story. Another example is when it says she has never been to NYC when she visits with bullet but as we know in the beginning of the book she came to NYC with ol girl and they actually met in NYC
Again loved the characters loved the plot but the execution needs work
February 19, 2026
whirlwind
I just knew things was gone get sticky once Cho agreed to go to New York with Jamira. Did I think all this was going to transpire hell no. Never in a million years did I think that person would betray him. Through it all Cho stayed down and love him through it. Jamira never cared she just wanted the image tied to the man. She loved him but she loved what his name did to her more.
I just knew things was gone get sticky once Cho agreed to go to New York with Jamira. Did I think all this was going to transpire hell no. Never in a million years did I think that person would betray him. Through it all Cho stayed down and love him through it. Jamira never cared she just wanted the image tied to the man. She loved him but she loved what his name did to her more.
March 14, 2026
Nasir & Chosyn
Nasir and Chosyn met through Jamira who I feel was using them both.
She thought she was in love with Nasir even though he never gave her anything to love him for.
This book had all the drama. Friend turned frenemies but Jamira was The only one bitter.
Chosyn was everything Nasir needed. I am interested to read Cameron’s book and hope to get cameos from Nasir and Chosyn.
Nasir and Chosyn met through Jamira who I feel was using them both.
She thought she was in love with Nasir even though he never gave her anything to love him for.
This book had all the drama. Friend turned frenemies but Jamira was The only one bitter.
Chosyn was everything Nasir needed. I am interested to read Cameron’s book and hope to get cameos from Nasir and Chosyn.
March 23, 2026
heartbreak Vs fairytale
This book was good from the beginning to the end. I wish Bullet’s Grandfather got a chance to come to the wedding and see the babies being born. But he went out like a G. I love that love conquered all in the relationship between Nasir and Cho. Jamiara, girl you lame, but I kinda understand her pain. She should have just kept it real and moved on with life. I wonder since Jam and Cho babies have the same birthday will they have one big party🤔😏🤭
This book was good from the beginning to the end. I wish Bullet’s Grandfather got a chance to come to the wedding and see the babies being born. But he went out like a G. I love that love conquered all in the relationship between Nasir and Cho. Jamiara, girl you lame, but I kinda understand her pain. She should have just kept it real and moved on with life. I wonder since Jam and Cho babies have the same birthday will they have one big party🤔😏🤭
April 18, 2026
GOOD READ
This is my first read from Cornelia Smith & I was not disappointed Ms Chosyn was so relatable with all she put into with Romel & boom it’s over then in creeps self doubt in walks Jamira who befriends her and my opinion uses & takes advantage but the table turns & Nasir goes and finds peace with Chosyn then all hell breaks I’m not a fan of continuation but I need more of their story can’t wait for Cameron story
This is my first read from Cornelia Smith & I was not disappointed Ms Chosyn was so relatable with all she put into with Romel & boom it’s over then in creeps self doubt in walks Jamira who befriends her and my opinion uses & takes advantage but the table turns & Nasir goes and finds peace with Chosyn then all hell breaks I’m not a fan of continuation but I need more of their story can’t wait for Cameron story
March 2, 2026
Yasssss
OK, let me just say that I meet Chosyn and I’m like ok we have the calm one, and then I’m introduced to Jamira and I’m like ok we got a party girl! Opposite attract. Them becoming friends and hanging out was cool because Chosyn found herself but also Jamira’s man! Opps I loved the plots and Nasir energy. Great read
OK, let me just say that I meet Chosyn and I’m like ok we have the calm one, and then I’m introduced to Jamira and I’m like ok we got a party girl! Opposite attract. Them becoming friends and hanging out was cool because Chosyn found herself but also Jamira’s man! Opps I loved the plots and Nasir energy. Great read
March 25, 2026
Well, d**n!
This was my first read from this author, and I must say, glad I picked it! The book gave everything, I laughed, shook my head, sniffed a lil, 😂. Even I tell you I'm going see what what she got going on. This the type of older man I wished for once upon a time. Instead of a Nasir, I got a, never mind! Tap that button and sit down for a treat.
This was my first read from this author, and I must say, glad I picked it! The book gave everything, I laughed, shook my head, sniffed a lil, 😂. Even I tell you I'm going see what what she got going on. This the type of older man I wished for once upon a time. Instead of a Nasir, I got a, never mind! Tap that button and sit down for a treat.
March 26, 2026
Good but confusing
The story was good but had A LOTTTTT of errors. A great storyline was there but was repeated in almost every chapter. A couple of key elements were different in a few of the chapters and made the storyline confusing for a while. But would read another book by this author all the same.
The story was good but had A LOTTTTT of errors. A great storyline was there but was repeated in almost every chapter. A couple of key elements were different in a few of the chapters and made the storyline confusing for a while. But would read another book by this author all the same.
April 2, 2026
I was sent this book as a give-away. It should tell you to check trigger warning, which apparently they didn't or I missed. There was so much language and smut in the first chapter alone, that I knew this was going to be a hard pass for me. Which was to bad because the title had such a promising plot for the book, but missed the mark by a lot.
May 25, 2026
Hood gangsta and the lucky libraian
This book from the first couple of pages had me ho
oked I had to read it and I'm glad I did. To the author of this book you did the damn thing. Bullet a nd Choysen been through a lot but worked it out and im glad he got rid of the jealous n**** Cameron. "Purchase this book you won't regret it.
This book from the first couple of pages had me ho
oked I had to read it and I'm glad I did. To the author of this book you did the damn thing. Bullet a nd Choysen been through a lot but worked it out and im glad he got rid of the jealous n**** Cameron. "Purchase this book you won't regret it.
June 1, 2026
Great read
Even thou there was a few errors in the book it didn't take away from the storyline. Book was great and the storyline kept you interested from beginning to end the more you read the more you wanted to see what the ending was going to bring you. Kudos to the Author Cornelia Smith.
Even thou there was a few errors in the book it didn't take away from the storyline. Book was great and the storyline kept you interested from beginning to end the more you read the more you wanted to see what the ending was going to bring you. Kudos to the Author Cornelia Smith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews