What do you think?
Rate this book
Going Broke
What’s a girl to do when she’s Going Broke? Sarai Emery lost her job as a radio disc jockey when a heated breakup with her wealthy drug dealer boyfriend was accidentally broadcast live. With the sudden loss of income, she goes from living it up to giving it up for cash when she meets a stranger who promises her a steady income working for a high-society escort service. With thoughts of dodging the repo-man, past due bills, an impending eviction, and a bill from the nursing home that cares for her Alzheimer’s-afflicted father fresh on her mind, Sarai feels she has no choice but to plunge into a world where the line that separates sex and money is blurred beyond recognition. When she meets the man of her dreams, will she come clean about how she’s been paying her bills, or will her low-down, dirty secrets rise to the top on their own?
- GenresAfrican American
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2000
21 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 23, 2020
I read Going Broke when it was originally released in 2005. I actually have the paperback with the original cover. As it’s been 15 years since I read it, I didn’t remember a thing so, it was like reading it for the first time. Sarai worked my last nerve. She made so many stupid mistakes. Unrealistic stupid mistakes. I kept waiting for her to find some common but, she just couldn’t find the light at the end of that tunnel. Starting with Norman and the camera. The minute he pulled out that camera, she should’ve walked out the door or, at the very least, called Stephanie. But, she’s standing there talking about, “I don’t think I can do that.” Girl! Then, there was the whole scene that played out with her and India in the hotel. Why wouldn’t she tell her about Damian anonymously?!!! That would’ve made much more sense. Finally, why would she reveal her identity to Norman’s wife?!!! That was just stupid. Come to find out, Norman’s crazy azz was Mel’s uncle. I figured one of his relatives was going to be one of her former clients. I just didn’t think I was going to be Norman psychotic azz. And, what’s with the two alternate endings?!!! Why are authors who write urban fiction so allergic to HEAs?!!! I just didn’t see the point in killing Sarai. But, if I’m being honest, I’m glad it was her and not Mel. By the end of the book, she worked my last nerve. I didn’t think she deserved Mel. The narrator was horrible. Misty Reign did a terrible job narrating this book. She doesn’t know how to invoke the proper emotion for certain scenes and all her characters sounded the same. I’ll be adding her to my list of narrators NOT to listen to. Going Broke was a good read. I just wish authors who write these street storyline realize urban fiction need HEAs too.
August 7, 2023
What is a woman to do when she is going broke? Car is going to be repossessed, bills are passed due and you’re going to be homeless.., what can you do ? Who can save you? These are the questions that Sarai asks herself until a vacation that causes an unexpected opportunity to come her way.
When you’re forced into a corner and you start doing things you would’ve never thought you would when you turn into the oldest profession there is to make money. All money isn’t good money in the midsts of chaos and hidden secrets there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and the story line was good ! There is always someone that’ll bring you down ! Be on the look for them.
When you’re forced into a corner and you start doing things you would’ve never thought you would when you turn into the oldest profession there is to make money. All money isn’t good money in the midsts of chaos and hidden secrets there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and the story line was good ! There is always someone that’ll bring you down ! Be on the look for them.
August 7, 2021
Good read
This book had been in my list to reads for a while.
I haven't read in months. Something told me to pick this to read to get back on my journey. I'm glad I did.
This book had been in my list to reads for a while.
I haven't read in months. Something told me to pick this to read to get back on my journey. I'm glad I did.
February 6, 2009
I really got into this book- the two main characters were awesome and Russell just knows how to write.
It leaned toward the unrealistic side once in awhile but that would be for most of us, there are a lot of women in the world who I'm sure have done the things Syrai did and felt the ways she felt. Hopefully, I won't ever feel that desperate.
Tremel's character was just as awesome and I liked "his" writing that was sprinkled in also.
The ending was love/hate for me...I'm quick to say I don't want a happy ending all the time but sometimes you're just really pulling for one.
I'm going on to Dead Broke now so we'll see what she's going to do. I'm not sure what's going to happen in Dead because the ending in Going would have left me thinking that was THE END had I not already known better. I'll see....
It leaned toward the unrealistic side once in awhile but that would be for most of us, there are a lot of women in the world who I'm sure have done the things Syrai did and felt the ways she felt. Hopefully, I won't ever feel that desperate.
Tremel's character was just as awesome and I liked "his" writing that was sprinkled in also.
The ending was love/hate for me...I'm quick to say I don't want a happy ending all the time but sometimes you're just really pulling for one.
I'm going on to Dead Broke now so we'll see what she's going to do. I'm not sure what's going to happen in Dead because the ending in Going would have left me thinking that was THE END had I not already known better. I'll see....
June 4, 2012
Sometimes, street fiction starts out so good and then towards the middle to end, it just falls apart. This book was no exception to that rule. The ending(s) were lame, unrealistic, sappy, and just unbelievable. I was too done with it after the main character got her man back even though he knew what she had been doing on the low. Get for real.
November 13, 2019
This book had me on a roller coaster of emotions. Sarai got on my nerves A LOT and sometimes I didn't want things to work out for her, while other times, I was hoping for the best. There was so much going on that I knew something was going to go left eventually with all of the dirt she was doing. I guess I'll have to get the sequel to find out the rest.
October 14, 2020
More money, more problems
I was hooked on this book from the minute I started reading it. From the very beginning I knew something was odd with India! Her actions didn’t sit right with me and then for her to do that with Damian...wow. I love the friendship of Sari and Natalie. I thought it was so cute that she sent her flowers on her Friday if school and that they took that girls trip to get Sarai’s mind off of Mel. Also I love how Natalie stayed with Nick even though he has “insufficient funds”.
From the very beginning I loved Mel’s character. Just because he didn’t have a business card didn’t mean that he was lacking in any department.
So wow with the whole job that Sarai took. In the end I am glad that she FINALLY realized that she can do far better ways to get money.
Because I am a hopeless romantic I loved the second ending! True love can truly survive anything! I love how they were able to go back to the start of their relationship...where it all began.
The first ending has me screaming! They just couldn’t end that way. And the third ending...Damian really needs to go somewhere and stop showing up and asserting his presence.
I was hooked on this book from the minute I started reading it. From the very beginning I knew something was odd with India! Her actions didn’t sit right with me and then for her to do that with Damian...wow. I love the friendship of Sari and Natalie. I thought it was so cute that she sent her flowers on her Friday if school and that they took that girls trip to get Sarai’s mind off of Mel. Also I love how Natalie stayed with Nick even though he has “insufficient funds”.
From the very beginning I loved Mel’s character. Just because he didn’t have a business card didn’t mean that he was lacking in any department.
So wow with the whole job that Sarai took. In the end I am glad that she FINALLY realized that she can do far better ways to get money.
Because I am a hopeless romantic I loved the second ending! True love can truly survive anything! I love how they were able to go back to the start of their relationship...where it all began.
The first ending has me screaming! They just couldn’t end that way. And the third ending...Damian really needs to go somewhere and stop showing up and asserting his presence.
September 29, 2024
4.5 ⭒
Someone pass me a cigarette and a lighter, because this book took me on a damn ride. As a hopeless romantic from Corny University, this book made you work HARD for the ending. Sarai stressed me out so much I contemplated DNFing the book several (and I mean SEVERAL) times. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into and didn’t appreciate being tortured. The last few chapters had me in a chokehold and I had to see what was in store for Sarai. DID SHE WIN IT ALL? DID SHE LOSE EVERYTHING?
Why 4.5⭒ and not 4⭒: because I had to force myself to put the book down
Why 4.5⭒ and not 5⭒: mentioning SA is one thing, actively describing what was happening…I had to skim through that (especially with how the author writes)
Book TW: SA & DV
Someone pass me a cigarette and a lighter, because this book took me on a damn ride. As a hopeless romantic from Corny University, this book made you work HARD for the ending. Sarai stressed me out so much I contemplated DNFing the book several (and I mean SEVERAL) times. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into and didn’t appreciate being tortured. The last few chapters had me in a chokehold and I had to see what was in store for Sarai. DID SHE WIN IT ALL? DID SHE LOSE EVERYTHING?
Why 4.5⭒ and not 4⭒: because I had to force myself to put the book down
Why 4.5⭒ and not 5⭒: mentioning SA is one thing, actively describing what was happening…I had to skim through that (especially with how the author writes)
Book TW: SA & DV
September 13, 2020
That ending. This was an amazing book. The story line, the characters, the plots and plot twists wouldn't let me stop listening. The best part was the ending. I won't add any spoilers but I will say that the ending was unexpected but nicely written. If you are a fan of Urban Fiction this one will not disappoint. (I listened to the book on Audible.)
January 8, 2021
I don't know where to start. I enjoyed the storyline, because I would do the same thing.
I love the love story and the drama. The alternate ending was crazy, but really good.
I really enjoy the writing of Trista , she is a new favorite author.
I love the love story and the drama. The alternate ending was crazy, but really good.
I really enjoy the writing of Trista , she is a new favorite author.
August 19, 2021
Such a predictable read!!
However, a cliff hanger! Although you got the just of the story and how it would end, I still hung in there to see if my thoughts were right.
Karma will always get you!!
However, a cliff hanger! Although you got the just of the story and how it would end, I still hung in there to see if my thoughts were right.
Karma will always get you!!
November 12, 2021
Im surprised I have Hair
This Chile stressed me out!!!!! If your a judge and jury don't read this book it will humble your spirit. Every lady needs a friend like Nat 😍 I enjoyed her energy. This ending literally left me like well what's gonna happen with this couple.
This Chile stressed me out!!!!! If your a judge and jury don't read this book it will humble your spirit. Every lady needs a friend like Nat 😍 I enjoyed her energy. This ending literally left me like well what's gonna happen with this couple.
September 9, 2025
Not the first, second, third or even fourth time I’ve read this book. And probably won’t be my last, but man!! I forgot how the ending had me messed up! I did like she made it so you could stop at certain spots if you wanted. Overall it was a good book.
January 7, 2018
One of my favorite books. This book reminds you that you have be careful who you bring around your man!
February 24, 2019
Loved every piece of this book. The plot twist were right on point. Some of the parts of the book made me want to pull Sarai out of it and tell her “girl what are you doing?? Noooooo” Then again I understood why she did some of the things because of her situation. I’m so ready to read part 2 of this book.
May 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book. There was never a dull moment. I will read this author books again. This was my first time reading from this author.
October 30, 2022
I enjoyed going broke. Every action has a reaction. This book will give you 3 different endings. I dare you to make it to the very end.
August 15, 2023
Good storyline. Really good one liners, that made me LOL. However, the ending...? That was not necessary. I wasn't expecting that at all.
February 7, 2024
Babyyyy, that karma came on back around to miss ma'am.
January 21, 2020
review coming soon
February 5, 2009
Business Card
Sarai Jazz Emery came into this world a twin knowing what loss was early with the death of her mother during child birth. Moving to Miami from Dover 8 years prior Sarai was living high off the life. Two years in a relationship with Damian Carter her best friend, roommate, an architect; whose bad boy guise Dwayne Cart at any time would overtake her body to fulfill all of her fantasies.
Someone needs to write a book for women on survival of the game of chance.
CHANCES ARE...you can't possibly be hurt anymore than you are when you walk in on your man with your friend in ya'll bed!
CHANCES ARE...you can't possibly loose your job the very next day!
CHANCES ARE...you can't be flat busted with rent 3 weeks away, nookie note, and trying to take care of your Daddy!
ERROR!
4 days later Sarai arrives in the Bahamas for a much needed vacation. She makes the acquaintance of Conrad Johnson, a profit sharer with Elite Establishment who tempts her to look at things in her life in an all together different light. I'm not that hard up for cash! She ponders while trying to stay optimistic career wise.
Sarai, thanks to her depletive status quo is a more humbled soul as a result of the loss of income. Money, although it is important, it isn't the most important thing in ones life. With the help of Mr. Tremel Colten, a janitor, poet, singer with aspirations Sarai has the chance to experience an authentic love.
Will Tremel's move on Sarai's heart change once her bank statements are revealed?
Going Broke is definitely a page turning, enticing book that will have you eager to find out just how low Sarai is willing to go not to be broke! There is real sex ya'll, budding love, and dare I say drama. Each installment is the recommended dosage!
Those who were worried that Going Broke is a predictable story, trust me Trista Russell truly has the panache. Be certain to check out the monthly installments of Ebony Author's Front Page.
Dang URBAN BOOKS is doing major things in the literary community.
Sarai Jazz Emery came into this world a twin knowing what loss was early with the death of her mother during child birth. Moving to Miami from Dover 8 years prior Sarai was living high off the life. Two years in a relationship with Damian Carter her best friend, roommate, an architect; whose bad boy guise Dwayne Cart at any time would overtake her body to fulfill all of her fantasies.
Someone needs to write a book for women on survival of the game of chance.
CHANCES ARE...you can't possibly be hurt anymore than you are when you walk in on your man with your friend in ya'll bed!
CHANCES ARE...you can't possibly loose your job the very next day!
CHANCES ARE...you can't be flat busted with rent 3 weeks away, nookie note, and trying to take care of your Daddy!
ERROR!
4 days later Sarai arrives in the Bahamas for a much needed vacation. She makes the acquaintance of Conrad Johnson, a profit sharer with Elite Establishment who tempts her to look at things in her life in an all together different light. I'm not that hard up for cash! She ponders while trying to stay optimistic career wise.
Sarai, thanks to her depletive status quo is a more humbled soul as a result of the loss of income. Money, although it is important, it isn't the most important thing in ones life. With the help of Mr. Tremel Colten, a janitor, poet, singer with aspirations Sarai has the chance to experience an authentic love.
Will Tremel's move on Sarai's heart change once her bank statements are revealed?
Going Broke is definitely a page turning, enticing book that will have you eager to find out just how low Sarai is willing to go not to be broke! There is real sex ya'll, budding love, and dare I say drama. Each installment is the recommended dosage!
Those who were worried that Going Broke is a predictable story, trust me Trista Russell truly has the panache. Be certain to check out the monthly installments of Ebony Author's Front Page.
Dang URBAN BOOKS is doing major things in the literary community.
February 3, 2012
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers
4.5 stars
BRIEF SUMMARY
Sarai has a job and a wealthy boyfriend. Although she has a job, her boyfriend provide for her financially. When they broke up, he took all that he owns, especially whatever money he'd given her. Now with the burden of paying her father's nursing fees, bills and rent, Sarai is broke. She starts working as an escort; while working as an escort, she finds herself falling for a guy she didn't expect to fall for.
THOUGHTS
I loved it. It goes to show what someone would do when backed in a corner. Sarai's
life seems to be ok until it starts spinning out of control. Her then boyfriend Damian, what a jerk, He was wrong for what he did when they broke up. After needing cash, what happens next was entertaining with the men she came across. Some were disgustingly weird, yuck!!!!! and others were good. When she met the love of her life, I definitely wanted to see how things will unfold, because it was an interesting read when you know sooner or later Sarai has to come clean to her new man. I thought her dream man had a certain swag to him and I liked how he handle her. The people that Sarai surrounded herself with we're good and bad but it work for the story. I love that each chapter showed a detailed description of her bank account and she was always broke hence, the title. I can't wait to read book 2, Dead Broke.
The only thing I will say is, the way Sarai was getting down with some of her clients, I wanted to see that detailed loving with her dream man, just saying.
Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Romance Novel Junkies
Lady Raven Rave
4.5 stars
BRIEF SUMMARY
Sarai has a job and a wealthy boyfriend. Although she has a job, her boyfriend provide for her financially. When they broke up, he took all that he owns, especially whatever money he'd given her. Now with the burden of paying her father's nursing fees, bills and rent, Sarai is broke. She starts working as an escort; while working as an escort, she finds herself falling for a guy she didn't expect to fall for.
THOUGHTS
I loved it. It goes to show what someone would do when backed in a corner. Sarai's
life seems to be ok until it starts spinning out of control. Her then boyfriend Damian, what a jerk, He was wrong for what he did when they broke up. After needing cash, what happens next was entertaining with the men she came across. Some were disgustingly weird, yuck!!!!! and others were good. When she met the love of her life, I definitely wanted to see how things will unfold, because it was an interesting read when you know sooner or later Sarai has to come clean to her new man. I thought her dream man had a certain swag to him and I liked how he handle her. The people that Sarai surrounded herself with we're good and bad but it work for the story. I love that each chapter showed a detailed description of her bank account and she was always broke hence, the title. I can't wait to read book 2, Dead Broke.
The only thing I will say is, the way Sarai was getting down with some of her clients, I wanted to see that detailed loving with her dream man, just saying.
Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Romance Novel Junkies
Lady Raven Rave
June 18, 2008
This book was great made me laugh and cry. Hated how it ended wishing that I can read more about Sarai and Mel to see how farther they could have gone since it ended for now makes me wonder but, overall loved the book Trista had done it. Damian wasn't no good tell you the truth he knew he was in with it with India for money in the first place no good at all. Glad him and Sarai didn't go any far you can tell she didn't love Damian it was all about money with him from the get go. Sarai was able to find love in Mel that she never felt with any other man. She got over looking at how deep his pockets was and looked and love him for him. She just got herself into some drama that she couldn't get out of without making more and more mistakes at the same time. Like they say when you tell one lie you have to keep telling more and more. But, it got back to her at the end. Just glad that Mel decided to give her another chance not to many people will do that but, he was able to that's how much he loved her. He knew she made a couple of mistakes and was able to look pass that. Great book. Looking forward to more books by Trista Russell.
September 21, 2021
Wow!!!😮 This book, can I just say wow!!😬😮😮I learned a lot reading this book about life, love, and can I just say sometimes as an adult we shouldn’t talk to strangers!😂😂😂 It’s a standalone so you don’t have to worry about sequels, plus it’s has a HEA, for those of us who like to feel all warm and fuzzy in the end.🤷🏽♀️😂😂
The heroine in this book is a lot of things, at different times, but most important she’s a survivor, which I think most of us feel like at times. Did she make some mistakes, sure she did, but haven’t we all. I won’t tell what happens in this story because I hate spoiling it but I really didn’t see this one coming. I thought it was going one way and it went another. I will say it was worth the read.
The narration was awesome in this one! I wouldn’t necessarily read it again, however if you haven’t read it, I would say it’s definitely worth reading once.
The heroine in this book is a lot of things, at different times, but most important she’s a survivor, which I think most of us feel like at times. Did she make some mistakes, sure she did, but haven’t we all. I won’t tell what happens in this story because I hate spoiling it but I really didn’t see this one coming. I thought it was going one way and it went another. I will say it was worth the read.
The narration was awesome in this one! I wouldn’t necessarily read it again, however if you haven’t read it, I would say it’s definitely worth reading once.
September 24, 2014
I've read this book about 2 years ago but as far as I can remember it was a really good book. It was about a girl name Sarai Emery who lost her job as a disc jockey due to the fact she was arguing with her boyfriend on the radio and things got very heated. She couldn't pay her pills or support her father that was very sick so she had to find a way to make money else where. She became an escort and during that time she meet someone that she saw a future with. He knew she lost her job and had been checking her out. She has been contemplating whether or not should she come clean about how she's really getting her money. I don't want to tell to much of the story but it is a very good read. I recommend reading other books from this author as well.
February 19, 2017
Red lobster artichoke dip
The beginning was good I like how the author listed Sari's bank account amount clever never seen Anything like that in a book. Sari made me mad with her actions towards the end like you wanted/needed the money but wanted to expose the other women to clear your conscious right.... Smh.....The Bahamas was so sexy to me this author has a way with words the middle of the book was a drag. The last of the book was just sad and the author warned me but I didn't listen I'm mad :( this book was good and so was the other book I read by her.
The beginning was good I like how the author listed Sari's bank account amount clever never seen Anything like that in a book. Sari made me mad with her actions towards the end like you wanted/needed the money but wanted to expose the other women to clear your conscious right.... Smh.....The Bahamas was so sexy to me this author has a way with words the middle of the book was a drag. The last of the book was just sad and the author warned me but I didn't listen I'm mad :( this book was good and so was the other book I read by her.
April 11, 2023
Girl!
I’ve read this book a few times, but it’s been awhile for me. I enjoyed it all over again as if it were new to me. Trista Russell is such a gifted author. I really wish she was still putting out new work. This book was full of juicy, messy drama. It just kept getting crazier. I loved it. Sarai was quite the risk taker. I could never! I did admire her spunk and tenacity. This was such a wild and crazy journey. It made for a really good read. Now I need to read the sequel again.
I’ve read this book a few times, but it’s been awhile for me. I enjoyed it all over again as if it were new to me. Trista Russell is such a gifted author. I really wish she was still putting out new work. This book was full of juicy, messy drama. It just kept getting crazier. I loved it. Sarai was quite the risk taker. I could never! I did admire her spunk and tenacity. This was such a wild and crazy journey. It made for a really good read. Now I need to read the sequel again.
June 17, 2012
This book taught me the valuable lesson of the cliche "Never judge a book by its cover" As I'm not into very urban if you will novels. I prejudged this book to be simply put "ghetto". But I was sadly mistaken as it with filled lots of drama and action. Trista is an outstanding writer and I highly recommend anyone picking up her novels. You will not be disappointed!
June 20, 2014
OMG I loved every minute of this read and finished it in two days. I love all of the characters and the ending threw me for a loop I am not for a happy ending every time but this hit like a ton of bricks. I love Trista Russell and as a fellow Bahamian I applaud her literary efforts. Keep on writing Ms. Russell you are on of the best
March 31, 2009
OMG!! An excellent read. I had the sequel for months, but of course I couldn't read it without getting this one first. I was definitely not disappointed. The story had a lot of unexpected twists and turns and kept my attention from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews