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Selfish: Special Edition
Sundae Monroe Banks was born into pain.
After losing her father and being handed over to the streets by her own mother, she learned love is dangerous, and emotions are a weakness she can’t afford.
While most girls her age are picking colleges and chasing dreams, Sundae’s out here chasing survival.
Now nineteen, cold-blooded, and wise beyond her years, she stacks money, uses men, and keeps her heart locked behind walls nobody can break through.
Trust is dead. Loyalty is strictly conditional.
But when people she thought were solid start switching sides—and the past she tried to bury claws its way back—Sundae is forced to confront the one person she’s been running from … herself.
Selfish is a raw, gritty urban fiction novel packed with betrayal, heartbreak, and survival.
If you love street lit, hood love stories, and Black coming-of-age tales with real emotion and shocking twists, Selfish is a must-read.
“Because love might heal … But sometimes, being selfish is the only way to survive.”
After losing her father and being handed over to the streets by her own mother, she learned love is dangerous, and emotions are a weakness she can’t afford.
While most girls her age are picking colleges and chasing dreams, Sundae’s out here chasing survival.
Now nineteen, cold-blooded, and wise beyond her years, she stacks money, uses men, and keeps her heart locked behind walls nobody can break through.
Trust is dead. Loyalty is strictly conditional.
But when people she thought were solid start switching sides—and the past she tried to bury claws its way back—Sundae is forced to confront the one person she’s been running from … herself.
Selfish is a raw, gritty urban fiction novel packed with betrayal, heartbreak, and survival.
If you love street lit, hood love stories, and Black coming-of-age tales with real emotion and shocking twists, Selfish is a must-read.
“Because love might heal … But sometimes, being selfish is the only way to survive.”
Audible Audio
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 4, 2026
This was a deeply upsetting depiction of a self-possessed young woman trying to forge an identity in adverse circumstances. There are ultimately messages of hope, love and resilience, but it is sprinkled with hardship and grief. Be prepared for some rough tradeoffs and rationalizations.
August 22, 2026
Although at times difficult, heart breaking , and emotional, this was a 5✨read for me! Sad to know these things really do happen in real life! Sundae went through a lot! A tough story of survival ❤️🩹
June 3, 2026
Geesh!
September 1, 2026
Everyone around Sundae was garbage! The fact that her mama sold her to any man who could get her high was awful! At the right age of 12- her mama sold her off until she was able to leave her house. Vicki deserved hell! And she repeatedly got worse!
Deja- who needs enemies with friends like you?? You were jealous of your best friend for what? She held you down and you betrayed over a bum!
Trae- user!!! You took Sundae’s vulnerability and used her to set up those men! She took too long to realize that you weren’t worth the air you breathe!
Nikki- with a mama like Vicki I guess you didn’t know any better. For you to continue to “eat” Chevy while your sister watched- you didn’t to deserve to get strung out but you thought you were grown! Glad you got it together at the end. Your sister could’ve walked away but she didn’t.
Onyx- I loved that your show Sundae love and how to be treated. You didn’t have to do that but you showed her how a man treats a woman! I didn’t think you would get over your dad’s disgusting behavior!
Sundae choose herself for once and received the peace she needed. Being selfish gave her freedom. She was freed from her past and walked into her future!
Deja- who needs enemies with friends like you?? You were jealous of your best friend for what? She held you down and you betrayed over a bum!
Trae- user!!! You took Sundae’s vulnerability and used her to set up those men! She took too long to realize that you weren’t worth the air you breathe!
Nikki- with a mama like Vicki I guess you didn’t know any better. For you to continue to “eat” Chevy while your sister watched- you didn’t to deserve to get strung out but you thought you were grown! Glad you got it together at the end. Your sister could’ve walked away but she didn’t.
Onyx- I loved that your show Sundae love and how to be treated. You didn’t have to do that but you showed her how a man treats a woman! I didn’t think you would get over your dad’s disgusting behavior!
Sundae choose herself for once and received the peace she needed. Being selfish gave her freedom. She was freed from her past and walked into her future!
July 22, 2026
Everybody owed Sundae an apology because that girl could not catch a break.
From the very first chapter, it felt like life had a personal vendetta against her. Every time I thought things were finally looking up, another obstacle appeared. I found myself rooting for her with every page, hoping she’d finally get the peace she deserved.
What stood out most wasn’t just the drama—it was the emotion. Kutura B. knows how to make you feel every betrayal, every heartbreak, and every small victory. I became so invested in these characters that I caught myself talking back to the book more than once.
The romance wasn’t my favorite part. I liked Onyx, but after everything Sundae endured, I wasn’t ready to trust him as quickly as the story wanted me to. Still, by the end, I understood why so many readers love him.
More than anything, this story is about resilience. Watching Sundae fight through impossible circumstances, rediscover herself, and refuse to let her pain define her was the heart of the novel for me.
From the very first chapter, it felt like life had a personal vendetta against her. Every time I thought things were finally looking up, another obstacle appeared. I found myself rooting for her with every page, hoping she’d finally get the peace she deserved.
What stood out most wasn’t just the drama—it was the emotion. Kutura B. knows how to make you feel every betrayal, every heartbreak, and every small victory. I became so invested in these characters that I caught myself talking back to the book more than once.
The romance wasn’t my favorite part. I liked Onyx, but after everything Sundae endured, I wasn’t ready to trust him as quickly as the story wanted me to. Still, by the end, I understood why so many readers love him.
More than anything, this story is about resilience. Watching Sundae fight through impossible circumstances, rediscover herself, and refuse to let her pain define her was the heart of the novel for me.
May 27, 2026
This is a new to me author and I didn’t love this book I’m not even sure I can say I liked this book. The pacing was really slow.
It felt like the majority of this book was sad traumatic event followed by graphic sexual abuse/traumatic memory followed by a small glimpse or hope from Onyx then right back to sad traumatic event followed by another graphic sexual abuse/traumatic memory. The level of detail of the sexual abuse felt unnecessary to understand the plight of Sundae. Especially since the book focuses on the time in her life where she is still experiencing harm from the people around her. I would’ve liked to see the story focus more on her time of growth once all the trauma was behind her. That portion of the story was such a small snippet at the end.
This really just was not it for me. Not sure if I’ll jump into any other books in her catalog.
It felt like the majority of this book was sad traumatic event followed by graphic sexual abuse/traumatic memory followed by a small glimpse or hope from Onyx then right back to sad traumatic event followed by another graphic sexual abuse/traumatic memory. The level of detail of the sexual abuse felt unnecessary to understand the plight of Sundae. Especially since the book focuses on the time in her life where she is still experiencing harm from the people around her. I would’ve liked to see the story focus more on her time of growth once all the trauma was behind her. That portion of the story was such a small snippet at the end.
This really just was not it for me. Not sure if I’ll jump into any other books in her catalog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2026
Whew chile! This was the book I picked for a group buddy read and baby Ms. Kutura didn’t disappoint AT ALL! Beautifully written oh my God! And to think this book was written based on her life has me in a chokehold. To the women who didn’t have the best upbringing, this maybe triggering to you so read at your own risk!
September 3, 2026
This was one of the best books I have read and a couple of months. Kutura B did a wonderful job on writing this book when I picked up the book I could not put it down. It is a page Turner for sure it is emotional. It has twist it has turns. It is the best book. I am going to read her next book and I will let you guys know how it goes. This is a must read.
July 11, 2026
Trauma and Mama Drama! When I read stories like this, it's so hard and painful for me to believe some mothers are really like this. I'm so glad Sun still rise and set and trouble doesn't last always. 🩷
August 16, 2026
This one was a whole movie! 😮💨 It definitely gave me Players Club vibes. If you’re into a good hood fairy tale filled with drama, mess, and schemes, this one is for you! Definitely felt like I was watching a movie while reading it. 🍿📚
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews