Chasing Romeo

BFF Novel #1

by A.J. Byrd, Kimano Tru

Best Friends Forever—that's Anjenai, Kierra and Tyler. Growing up together in an Atlanta housing project, the girls have always been there for each other. But high school is a whole new world, and the drama is just beginning….

Anjenai, Kierra and Tyler believe their bond is strong enough to survive anything. Anything—except maybe Romeo Blackwell, the finest guy and a star athlete in their new high school. What starts out as a small fan club soon becomes a huge competition. And to win, Anjenai, Kierra and Tyler will have to be down for whatever.

Things start to get seriously crazy. And with all the drama, can the girls' friendship survive when Romeo finally makes his choice?

Genres: Fiction, African American

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Indira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was dissapointed at the end,but knew ,neither one of them was going to get Romeo.As I started reading this book,it caught me at the beginning of the book.It also caught me throughout the book.I like these kind of books because it motivates me to read more of my kind of books.I am a big fan of Kimani Tru books.I have already read two of them and would like to read all of the Kimani Tru books.This book is what i would read over and over again.Chasing Romeo is a book that all BFF's should read.Whether you grew up together since you were in diapers,high school friends or elemantery school.When you meet a boy you all like give him flirtness,but don't go crazy and make up a rule not for all of you to date that guy.Before you all go goo-goo eyes on a good/sexy/fine as-you-just-want-to-eat-him-up guy.Just ask yourself,Is this guy really wrth our friendship?

[Tiffany Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Romeo
It’s their first day of high school at Maynard Jackson High and how do Kiera, Anjenai, and Tyler start it off? With a fight instigated by a bully named Billie. After the school bus driver breaks it up they find themselves in the principal's office and are introduced to a fashionable, group of light-skinned girls (that we later find out are called the Redbones Phoenix, Raven, Bianca). They also get their first glimpse of the finest boy in the school (Romeo). It doesn’t go unnoticed that there’s something between Romeo and the principal. Kierra immediately decides Romeo is gonna be her new boo. They find out that Billie has a broken nose and will have to go to the hospital. Since none of them wanna snitch, the principal gives them Saturday detention.

Tyler’s attitude doesn’t get her anywhere with her next-period teacher, but the fact that she broke Billie’s noise earns her several fans: a girl named Nicole, the man himself (Romeo-whose sister got sent to juvie for hanging with Billie), and his boys. Tyler is just as hot for Romeo as her girls, but she plays it off. Nicole is impressed that she dissed the school’s football star. Romeo runs into Kierra in the hall but is interrupted by his on-again-off-again girlfriend Phoenix. Romeo really isn’t feeling Phoenix’s mind games anymore or really *her* at all. Instead, he wonders what he did to piss Tyler off so much (who he again finds himself sharing a class with). Tyler again gives him the cold shoulder.

The BFF’s get props by the other students when they stand up to the Red Bones by taking their usual table. Nicole comes over and fangirls out over them. Then they start talking about what classes they have with Romeo. Keira and Anjenai are shocked that Tyler has been dissing Romeo (actually they ought to be taking lessons). Only to discover that it’s just a front. Then he’s once he’s there in their space. Shadiq puts down Kierra’s outfit, and Tyler gets in his face. But the Queen Bee beckons and the guys leave to go sit with her and the RB’s. Kierra’s spirits are crushed until Romeo apologizes to her after lunch and tells her he thinks she looks cute. (It won’t be Kierra. She’s way to into him and it shows).

During gym, the class tries to make baskets. Tyler is good, but Anjenai surprises everyone by making every single basket no matter what position on the court. Romeo’s attention switches and is now on Anjenai. Romeo and the Coach encourage Tyler and Anjenai to try out for the girls’ basketball team. Romeo even volunteers to give Anjenai lessons to help her with shooting and running. (Does NOT offer to help Tyler-five minutes ago-he was sweating her). On the bus, Kiera and Anjenai share their news. Kiera thinks they should have a rule that they can’t all be into the same guy. Anjenai doesn’t agree or disagree. She also doesn’t tell Tyler. Tyler now doesn’t know if she wants to go out for basketball. Anjenai suggests Keira try out too, but she says she’d rather go out for cheerleading. Either way, all three BFFs will be on the court together. GIRL POWER! GIRL POWER (thinking of the Cheetah Girls song).

Other than Romeo each BFF has her own family issues. Anjenai lives with her Granny and four brothers because her parents died in a car accident. Kierra stays with her sister (who works nights as a stripper) and a bratty sister. (Doesn’t yet say where her mother is). Tyler’s mom just walked out Her father since turned into an alcoholic. But now is a workaholic yet has turned clingy to compensate. Plus after Kierra’s sister almost runs Tyler’s Dad over, Tyler and Kierra walk in just as Tyler’s dad is about to ask Debra for a date.

On the way to detention, the BFFs make a bet on who can get Romeo. When they get to detention the RB’s are there. Despite the vice-principal, it comes down to a catfight and Tyler whoops Phoenix’s ass. Phoenix tries to unnerve Tyler with Romeo, but deep down she’s the one that has doubts. Since their fight, it hasn’t been the same. After detention, the BFFs squash the bet. Meanwhile, Romeo is debating with his boys whether he should dump Phoenix. They say hell, no, but if he does maybe keep her until Homecoming cause they’ll definitely be Queen and King. He thinks that makes sense, but he still doesn’t know. He’s feeling both Tyler and Anje.

Keira does very well on her tryouts despite being judged by Phoenix (who's a junior cheerleader) *Saw that one coming*. Kierra makes the team. Nicole doesn’t. Anjenai lies to her girls to meet up with Romeo for a private session. In the bathroom, she hears Phoenix and the RB’s. Phoenix is upset and crying because Romeo called it off for good. The private session ends with Romeo pulling Anjenai to him and kissing her. They thang out afterward but then when he finally drops her off, she says she wants to keep things on the dl. Unfortunately, as he pulls off Tyler sees him. Michelle and Trish (Billie’s girls) see Tyler and invite her to hang out with some other kids. Tyler’s pressured into trying a joint. (She likes it).

Tyler gives Anjenai the chance to come clean with Romeo stops by their table to wish them luck on tryouts but Ange doesn’t say anything. So Tyler goes off and gets high with the Playground crew. Romeo approaches her on behalf of Ange to keep things quiet, and she says she’ll keep the secret if he keeps hers. Then she kisses him. Bianca and Raven see them and it almost comes down to blows between them and Tyler but Romeo holds them back. After he calms Tyler down and the RB’s leave, he decides Tyler is too much drama and he really doesn’t need any more after Phoenix.

Kierra sees Tyler and Romeo and comes to the conclusion that Tyler must have done it to piss off Phoenix. All the while, Chris bothers her in class. She realizes she’s not all that bothered. Anjenai learns at tryouts that Tyler kissed Romeo and they get into a fight. Anjenai calls off their friendship and snatches off her matching BFF necklace. Kierra gets invited to Shadiq’s party by Chris and she accepts his invite to hang with him. Then she gets clued in about the fight from Nicole. Phoenix gets clued in by the RB’s and decides Shadiq’s party will be the time to get her man back. She’s pregnant and they’re so thick they don't even give it a second thought she’s throwing up in front of them. Nicole comforts herself with food after another failed tryout, only to find her mother drunk and depressed because her father called. She’ll be forced to spend the weekend at his place (with Phoenix) because her mom needs rent money (she can’t quite catch a sugar daddy). At Shadiq’s party, Phoenix tells Romeo she’s pregnant, Chris manipulates Keira into having sex. Romeo is gone too long so Anje goes looking for him and finds him with Phoenix. Romeo is too dazed to tell her anything but “Sorry”. A fight breaks out between the RB’s and the BFF’s and Romeo tries to break out by yelling out Phoenix is pregnant. The BFFs get kicked out but Anje and Tyler apologize to each other. Now they’re all friends again (with the addition of the new BFF Nicole).

My Thoughts: This was …. Something. It’s just not worth it! I’ve been there! I don’t care if this boy looked like Jordan Calloway, Ok well... But this boy ain’t even that. Romeo Blackwell might be fine but sometimes looks and charm. Romeo isn’t worth it because you don’t wanna break up a friendship over a guy that switches up that quick. Through this whole book, one minute he’s feeling Tyler. Then it’s Anje. Then it's Tyler again. Then it’s Anje. And yes, I get he’s 15. Then just me but he moves a little *too* quick. In one session, without knowing this girl a hot minute his tongue is down her throat and his hands are all over her in his ride. Lastly, in a punk move he can’t even speak up and leaves Anje completely hanging at a party *he* invites her too. And he doesn’t vouch for her getting kicked out with no ride home. If Romeo was that guy, he’d tell Phoenix “Look. I’ma do what I gotta do for this baby but I’m not calling it off with Anje. SHES my girl now! Then let’s talk about the BFFs. I’m not confrontational at all so I didn’t agree with some of the moves they made. For instance, taking the Red Bone’s table. But I did find myself feeling bad for a lot of these characters. I felt bad for Keira. Keira never even stood a chance with Romeo because right from the start she was too eager. She questions why Tyler (a tomboy) could get Romeo’s attention. She learned but she learned to late that the less interested you act the better. I feel bad for Keira because while she doesn’t have a problem speaking her mind when it comes to jumping to her girls’ defense, she didn’t have the self-confidence to preserve her virginity. Something that’s gonna bite her in the ass in the next book. I felt bad for Tyler. Tyler actually had a real chance to get with Romeo. If this book would have went differently she would have because she had the *best* technique (unknowingly) of all. Romeo tho was just.. typical. But I really felt bad that Tyler just seems to be crying out and while people see that, her own father is too blind to realize it. I felt bad for Nicole because she was even worse than Keira in the self-confidence department. She’s a follower and latches on the first people she sees that she can get some attention and love from. I don’t even think she wanted to be a cheerleader or on the girl’s team. I think she did it for the acceptance of the BFF’s because she wanted to belong. I even felt bad for Phoenix. I created a character similar so in a twisted way, I understand her mind. Phoenix is also trying to fill something she doesn’t have. Her friends aren’t loyal. Her boyfriend has moved on. Now she’s pregnant. I do really think she loves Romeo deep down, but I think because no one has ever shown her that’s not the way to do it (and then it’s kept him this long) she has a warped way of showing her love. She might even look at her father’s player ways. There was definitely a LOT of good drama going on in this.

Rating: 8

[Erin Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about how three friends were just starting at a new high school called
Maynard Jackson High.These three friends were all stuck in trying to be popular and fit in with the other kids, which that didn't work out so well...They all got stuck on one popular boy named romeo and they all were in a competition with trying to get him first.They all found out that love in high school is not all what it's cracked up to be for a teenage girl.
I would recommend this book to teenage girls because

[Perfectly Imperfect · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love dis book. It’ll have you sitting in one spot for hours

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anjenai, Kiarra and Tyler are BFF's from early childhood and are now ready to step in to their first year at the high school. But the first day gets off to a bad start with a fight at the bus stop to go to school. An older girl. Billie, starts talking smack about Tyler, who has a short fuse and doesn't back down. With her BFF's coming to her aid, she holds her own until the bus driver, Mrs. Barksdale, gets it stopped. So first day and we're sitting in the principal's office. Saturday detention results but they also got their first spotting of Romeo, a fine-looking boy who happens to be a star football player. All three girls are instantly attracted. At lunch, the second altercation comes over a lunch table that the upper level girls from the bus stop seem to think is their personal property. Tyler finds out that Phoenix is of the opinion that Romeo is her property. Sp the war is on between the groups. It spreads into cheerleader competition but Kierra makes it. Anjenai and Tyler get noticed by the basketball coach so they try out for the team and make it, with some lessons from Romeo for Anjenai. The group has made a pact since all are hot for Romeo, that no one will go for him to preserve their friendship. But Anjenai starts lying since Romeo is coaching her for basketball. Romeo breaks up with Phoenix to pursue Anjenai adding more stress on the friends. Tyler sees them coming home late and kissing in the apartment parking lot which adds even more stress. A lot of things happen but each girl has to find themselves and then reform their friendships in the middle of the new dynamics.

[Joshay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about three best friends. They had been best friends for a long time and they thought nothing will ever come inbetween them and there strong friendship. They started high school and they all fell in love with a boy Romeo that aslo like all of tem to. But he started dateing threr friend. They were all feeling alot of jelosy towards eachother but over time they learned that boys come and go and they will never let a boy tear them apart again.

I liked this book becaus ei have went threw this my self and it did not feel good it aslo broke me and my really good friends up for along time and i felt really bad. It was just nice to see how other girls went thre the same problem and handeled it way diffrently then me nad my friends.

[Shauntelle James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can deeply identify with the challenages that these girls had to face. It taught me that if you have to choose between a friend and a boyfriend, choose a friend!!! These girls in the story truely gained by that because they maintained a valued friendship and conquered harm to their best interest. In that sense, the aurthor appeals to many,like myself, who are going through or went through a rough period with the wrong attraction. I never realize the dangers in that because no one really like to talk about it. Once I read this book, I realize that it was not so out of the ordinary to want to belong more than anything.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely an "easy read." With that said, however, it will put your priorities into perspective! Chasing Romeo highlights the experiences of three best friends, Anjenai, Keirra and Taylor. Growing up they witnessed and experienced a lot of trauma, but they were always there for one another. In fact, Anjenai, Keirra and Taylor were so close, they thought nothing could tear them apart. Unfortunately, their bond and commitment to one another is tested when they all fall for the same boy, Romeo, in high school. Is Romeo worth it? Read this book to find out. You won't be disappointed!

[Alexzandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that the book was amazing just like the first oneand i can't wait for the thrid one
everyday i check just to see if A.J. Byrd is done writing and she one of the writers that inspired
me to actually start writing my own book. One thing that i love about these books is that you get to see everyones points of view you get to see Tyler's shes my fav the other girls Romeo and the other boys so you kind of more want to read this book and many other books like this because of how its written.

[Taiona P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Book is about three best friends. They have been best friends for a long Time and they thought nothing would come In between their friendship. They've just started high-school at Maynard Jackson high-school and While at the school they all fall in love with this boy named Romeo Who also likes all of them. He Starts to date one of them and They all Get jealous But Then They Realize that That Their Friendship is more important than Any Boy.

I recommend this book to All teenage Girls who have went through this situation or hasn't But feels like their Going to.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK TEACHES YOU HOW TOROLE WITH THE PUNCHES I LEARN NEVER LET A GUY COME BETWEEN YOU AND YOURE BESTFRIEND THAT U NEW YOUR HOLE LIFE. THAT COME RUNNING WAN U NEED HELP WITH ANYTHING OR GOT URE BACK NO MATTERWHAT BUT THERE FRIENDSHIPE GETS TEASTED WAN THEY GO TO HIGHSCHOOL AND WITH ROMEO THE MOST POPULAR GUY AND SCHOOL THAT EVER GRIL WANTS THAT AT THE END HE GETS HIS EX PREGANET............AND THINGS AT LOOKING SO GOOD FOR HIM OR ANY OF THE GRILS

[Liliana Venegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

By paragraph one I was hooked.I hungrily munched page by page hanging on every sentence hoping to be filled with the overbearing emotions ready to fall down on me.Drama and romance swirling into one massive block of feeling . The questioning in the air of why he would defend his horrible ex, wondering why he would ever be with her in the first place.Waiting ,waiting for that next fixing of well written sentences.You would be crazy not to like it.

[Naiga Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with drama books, especially the ones that can relate to me on a teen level and this book definitely did it for me!! Its 5 or seven different characters in this book with different personalities and motives. As you read, it definitely reels you in for more. when i got finished with this book i was sad because, i didn't want it to end!then weeks after i finished this book i found out that there was a part 2 called "Losing Romeo". So i ordered it and i finished it yesterday!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really awsome to me it expresses me and how i am beshides all the fighting but this book is about 3 friends they been friends for a long time and when they get into high school everything changes there is this one boy they all like his name is romeo adn he ends up dateing one of them and one of friend gets jealous and they get into this huge fight and not become friends any more.

[Jabehac7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the person that read this book had to have been throw the situation to have writen this. I only say that because this is to good to just come up wit out of thin air. It makes it seem like your bound to be in her shoes later in life, and this is just a letter from someone thats trying to let you know wehats up before you get you get in for a turning point that can change things for good.

[Kia]

It was ok, although it was the most interesting book I had EVER read. I've honestly never read ANY book quite like this one before. Best book ever! I would seriously recommend this book to anybody willing to read it. I have my own copy anyway. I just keeps me wanting more! Losing Romeo

[Essence · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book but I was disappointed at the end because I really wanted Anjenai to stay with Romeo but whatever. This book was great and it kept me interested and I couldn't put it down I read it in two days! I'm ready to read the second book to this series now.

[Marline · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book aside from all the cursing the ending was totally not expected in a sense I would recomend this book to someone but be warned there IS profanity. I wish there were more to the story but hey everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

[Needra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this while I was in 8th grade (2010). I never had boy problems but I did have jealous friends. Overall if you want to start reading and want something interesting that’s realistic but still fiction then this is the book for you.

[Tyquashia]

goood book

[Brooklyn Teen-central · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Anto, 13 yrs

It was good, a real page turner, kept you turning the page. Actually, it was one of my favorites!

[Regina taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

the book was great but it made me mad at the sametime because how romero did his girlfriend and got back with his lie ex-grilfriend who said that she was pregant

[Imani]

i want to read this right after i read the other one i got now !!!

[Chisom · Rating 4 out of 5]

crazy dramatic book

[Lovedina · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book so bad that if i dont read the 2 part ib will die please let me reed the 2 part becuse i have the 1part at home

[Iforeverreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

well this is a hard to explain book just soo much happened i MEAN alot! so just read it :)

[Chynnathompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

awsome

[Alexis]

This was an exciting book that lead to me think that best friends really do exist. I would recommend reading it.

[Joi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was really quick.

[Solei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I RATEEEE IT!!