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Stay Dangerous
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2026
About the author
Jessica A.
13 books54 followersJessica is an LA girl that has been writing fiction and poetry since middle school. She holds a BA in English from Xavier University in Louisiana, and an MFA in Fiction from San Diego State University. She's a dog mommy to the infamous Dijon Mustard, and in addition to writing all the stories that play out in her head, she enjoys yapping on facetime with her homegirls and long walks on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 3, 2026
Layered, emotional, sexy- an uneasy love in the best ways. Even from their first kiss.
If you have been in South Kenton any, you know Rico and Wynter Snow. They’ve been the “enigmas” of this friend group.
In this story, we get the in-depth exploration of their: childhood, introduction, and the genesis of their "hate" seen throughout the series.
What is most fascinating about their love is that it was pure FOR THEM.
Although both dealt with trauma and heavy childhood responsibilities- this wasn't trauma bonding.
It was the purest love they had to give from children who didn't have the best examples on how to navigate in that space.
They were each other's peace - until they weren't.
I love that we also get answers and in depth POV’s of previous scenes and situations from the series.
For an author to world build a whole urban fiction series- she has been flawless throughout!
Long story short: five star read that I’d highly recommend.
This is definitely a “coming of age” story within the urban fiction/romance vibe.
Interconnected standalone series but I do feel their story will be best appreciated reading in order.
——
SHORT STORY LONG REVIEW (THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)
While I was interested in their story, this wasn’t a couple that I just had to know about.
I was more invested in the overall story than them specifically.
But leave it to this author to write an emotional connection that created the buzz I needed to go all in with this couple.
From the opening scene, I knew this book would be special.
This author never just “writes” a story.
She creates an experience.
She creates emotional scenes without explicitly stating the emotion she is trying to convey.
It’s known by the read because it’s felt by the reader.
She writes in such a layered way that it can be loved casually or explored deeply.
I love the duality of that type of writing.
There is a lot of symbolism throughout this story that had me highlighting like I was in AP English.
There are key characteristics about our characters that established their mindset and personality without the author having to explicitly say.
-Both Rico and Snow are the eldest twin in their set.
-Both experience their “twinship” differently with Rico having a close bond with his.
-Pooh’s first lesson to the boys, “never trust a female”. We don’t see that stated again but we see its practice implemented when the big blowout occurred between Rico and Snow.
-How they refer to each other was how they experienced each out. Rico is the only one who called Wynter Snow, “Snow”. He was also the only one who experienced the raw, intimate, uncovered version of her.
-The eldest component:
This part here was the genius in the writing. So much was shown in their life as being the oldest twin that gave the reader intimate detail of who they were and how they became who we know them as.
-Fredo and Autumn being the youngest of their “twinship” afforded them some freedom. Granted, they experienced A LOT but they did not shoulder that full burden alone.
For Fredo, his freedom was shown through his sexuality (emotional).
For Autumn, her freedom was shown through her ability to leave the house as she pleased (physical).
I think the way in which the younger twins experienced freedom showed the restricted areas the elder twins experienced.
Rico was emotionally restricted even with his twin.
Snow was physically restricted from being around the people she’d called family and friends…
Whew y’all, I really could analyze this more but I’ma stop here- for now.
If you have been in South Kenton any, you know Rico and Wynter Snow. They’ve been the “enigmas” of this friend group.
In this story, we get the in-depth exploration of their: childhood, introduction, and the genesis of their "hate" seen throughout the series.
What is most fascinating about their love is that it was pure FOR THEM.
Although both dealt with trauma and heavy childhood responsibilities- this wasn't trauma bonding.
It was the purest love they had to give from children who didn't have the best examples on how to navigate in that space.
They were each other's peace - until they weren't.
I love that we also get answers and in depth POV’s of previous scenes and situations from the series.
For an author to world build a whole urban fiction series- she has been flawless throughout!
Long story short: five star read that I’d highly recommend.
This is definitely a “coming of age” story within the urban fiction/romance vibe.
Interconnected standalone series but I do feel their story will be best appreciated reading in order.
——
SHORT STORY LONG REVIEW (THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)
While I was interested in their story, this wasn’t a couple that I just had to know about.
I was more invested in the overall story than them specifically.
But leave it to this author to write an emotional connection that created the buzz I needed to go all in with this couple.
From the opening scene, I knew this book would be special.
This author never just “writes” a story.
She creates an experience.
She creates emotional scenes without explicitly stating the emotion she is trying to convey.
It’s known by the read because it’s felt by the reader.
She writes in such a layered way that it can be loved casually or explored deeply.
I love the duality of that type of writing.
There is a lot of symbolism throughout this story that had me highlighting like I was in AP English.
There are key characteristics about our characters that established their mindset and personality without the author having to explicitly say.
-Both Rico and Snow are the eldest twin in their set.
-Both experience their “twinship” differently with Rico having a close bond with his.
-Pooh’s first lesson to the boys, “never trust a female”. We don’t see that stated again but we see its practice implemented when the big blowout occurred between Rico and Snow.
-How they refer to each other was how they experienced each out. Rico is the only one who called Wynter Snow, “Snow”. He was also the only one who experienced the raw, intimate, uncovered version of her.
-The eldest component:
This part here was the genius in the writing. So much was shown in their life as being the oldest twin that gave the reader intimate detail of who they were and how they became who we know them as.
-Fredo and Autumn being the youngest of their “twinship” afforded them some freedom. Granted, they experienced A LOT but they did not shoulder that full burden alone.
For Fredo, his freedom was shown through his sexuality (emotional).
For Autumn, her freedom was shown through her ability to leave the house as she pleased (physical).
I think the way in which the younger twins experienced freedom showed the restricted areas the elder twins experienced.
Rico was emotionally restricted even with his twin.
Snow was physically restricted from being around the people she’d called family and friends…
Whew y’all, I really could analyze this more but I’ma stop here- for now.
August 3, 2026
First and foremost if you haven’t tapped into the South Kenton Stories im telling you now, please please gone head and start it immediately!
Stay Dangerous is the 7th book in the series and this story brought back so many emotions of being young and in love. It pinpoints Rico & Wynter’s definition of a first love and a bunch of BB’s (Birch Babies) having to grow up way too fast.
Wynter Shaw aka the Ice Princess bka Snow’s upbringing and her unwavering loyalty had me so choked up and seeing her in a new light. The first introduction to Wynter was in Star Crossed and I immediately wrote her off. I’m so happy we finally got a backstory on her life. Wynters big heart had her taking on battles and keeping secrets that aged her.
Richard Alvarez aka Luney bka Rico, has always been a mystery from the beginning of the South Kenton Stories. Now I think we finally cracked the code as to why he’s so closed off. Rico’s love and loyalty was so complex. The trust issues and the #1 Rule Pooh has instilled in him causes Rico to keep on fumbling the bag (Snow).
This story was so beautifully written. Jessica is a genius and her 🖊️ game is lethal. If you haven’t already make sure you add Stay Dangerous to your TBR asap!
Stay Dangerous is the 7th book in the series and this story brought back so many emotions of being young and in love. It pinpoints Rico & Wynter’s definition of a first love and a bunch of BB’s (Birch Babies) having to grow up way too fast.
Wynter Shaw aka the Ice Princess bka Snow’s upbringing and her unwavering loyalty had me so choked up and seeing her in a new light. The first introduction to Wynter was in Star Crossed and I immediately wrote her off. I’m so happy we finally got a backstory on her life. Wynters big heart had her taking on battles and keeping secrets that aged her.
Richard Alvarez aka Luney bka Rico, has always been a mystery from the beginning of the South Kenton Stories. Now I think we finally cracked the code as to why he’s so closed off. Rico’s love and loyalty was so complex. The trust issues and the #1 Rule Pooh has instilled in him causes Rico to keep on fumbling the bag (Snow).
This story was so beautifully written. Jessica is a genius and her 🖊️ game is lethal. If you haven’t already make sure you add Stay Dangerous to your TBR asap!
August 3, 2026
I appreciate this look back to the origins of FOE DUB. As with the prior stories we get a closer look at the life of one of the members. This time we are getting Rico and Wynter Snow's villain origin story. And wow, it was traumatic and sad. They were all so young and just fighting to survive their individual circumstances. My heart aches for Rico and Wynter Snow because I do believe there's deep love there, it was the wrong time and they were both immature. Unfortunately, irreparable emotional damage may have been the outcome.
This gave a chronological retelling of events more than giving a complete story that wraps up at the end. In fact, it does not so be prepared. As with all urban fiction, the triggers are triggered so do what you have to do. I am satisfied that this was broken up in parts because my heart needs a break.
Thank you Jessica A. for the opportunity to review this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
This gave a chronological retelling of events more than giving a complete story that wraps up at the end. In fact, it does not so be prepared. As with all urban fiction, the triggers are triggered so do what you have to do. I am satisfied that this was broken up in parts because my heart needs a break.
Thank you Jessica A. for the opportunity to review this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
August 3, 2026
I love that Jessica gave us Rico and Wynter’s story. I went into this book thinking I knew who Wynter was, but I left with a completely different perspective, and I definitely have a soft spot for my girl now. Finally getting to understand both Rico and Wynter’s upbringing answered so many questions and gave so much depth to two characters I thought I already understood. They weren’t just making difficult choices. They were kids trying to survive. And the tension between Rico and Wynter? Whew. Jessica knew exactly what she was doing.
This story had me emotional, frustrated, and rooting for them every step of the way. Jessica’s pen game is always on point. If you’ve been invested in the South Kenton series, this is definitely a story you don’t want to miss.
Also, I absolutely loved Fredo. 🥺🩵
⭐️ 4.5/5
This story had me emotional, frustrated, and rooting for them every step of the way. Jessica’s pen game is always on point. If you’ve been invested in the South Kenton series, this is definitely a story you don’t want to miss.
Also, I absolutely loved Fredo. 🥺🩵
⭐️ 4.5/5
August 3, 2026
Literally one of the best books I’ve read all 2026! The depth the layers, the vulnerability, the emotions. Stay dangerous is truly coming if age tell that you all need to read. Seeing the guys before they were who we fell in love with had to happen. Getting to know Wynter Snow the baddest prior to the Wynter we were introduced to insanely good! A true love story that isn’t perfect but truly worth it. The grit and sincerity in the characters was everything. Jessica channeled what it was like growing up in LA when your affiliated rather it’s actually you thugging or you being the Lady of the Set. I don’t usually hand out 6 stars but this book was for sure a 6 star read!
August 3, 2026
Have you ever finished a book and had absolutely no words? Like… you just sat there trying to process everything you just read?!
That’s exactly how I felt after finishing this book!
Jessica is an incredible writer. The way she shifts her writing to match the character’s age, voice, and the raw grit of their world is honestly mind-blowing. I didn’t just read this story, I felt every emotion the characters felt and experienced their trauma right along with them.
Watching Wynter and Rico’s relationship unfold was soo special and honestly a little heart breaking. This book ties together so many pieces of the bigger story in a way that left me completely invested.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
That’s exactly how I felt after finishing this book!
Jessica is an incredible writer. The way she shifts her writing to match the character’s age, voice, and the raw grit of their world is honestly mind-blowing. I didn’t just read this story, I felt every emotion the characters felt and experienced their trauma right along with them.
Watching Wynter and Rico’s relationship unfold was soo special and honestly a little heart breaking. This book ties together so many pieces of the bigger story in a way that left me completely invested.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
August 3, 2026
proud to be a birch baddie!
First of all, thank you for the ARC. This series will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and seeing a young Wynter and Rico certainly does that. Jessica A. is so cold at crafting a world that engrosses you from page 1. We laughed, we cried, we mourned, and we rejoiced. Rico and Wyn are two train wrecks, trying to figure out how to orbit in each other’s world. This is a Wynter Snow stan account! Can’t wait for The Coldest!
Until then… yall stay dangerous 😉
First of all, thank you for the ARC. This series will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and seeing a young Wynter and Rico certainly does that. Jessica A. is so cold at crafting a world that engrosses you from page 1. We laughed, we cried, we mourned, and we rejoiced. Rico and Wyn are two train wrecks, trying to figure out how to orbit in each other’s world. This is a Wynter Snow stan account! Can’t wait for The Coldest!
Until then… yall stay dangerous 😉
August 4, 2026
Man oh man
When we’re first introduced to Wynter, we see her as Sets ex who nobody really likes or care for, especially Rico. However, we didn’t know anything! This books shows us how she came about to be the most hated despite us learning how she always showed up. Everything is Wynters fault when she’s just trying to survive. Jessica A did an amazing job giving us the back story on the whole crew, while still making us laugh and giving that action we enjoy! I can’t to see how it all ends!
When we’re first introduced to Wynter, we see her as Sets ex who nobody really likes or care for, especially Rico. However, we didn’t know anything! This books shows us how she came about to be the most hated despite us learning how she always showed up. Everything is Wynters fault when she’s just trying to survive. Jessica A did an amazing job giving us the back story on the whole crew, while still making us laugh and giving that action we enjoy! I can’t to see how it all ends!
August 4, 2026
FOE Dub!!!
ARC Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed myself as much as I always do in the Birch. But this story… Rico & Wyn’s story was needed. The beginning was needed. Although the South Kenton series is a good time, each one teaches a lesson.
In “Stay Dangerous” the lesson is “There are three sides to every story”. Previously we watched Wynter and Rico from the outside and many wondered about their personal stories and boy did Jessica give us everything we needed.
Welcome back to The Birch! Foe Dub for Life!
ARC Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed myself as much as I always do in the Birch. But this story… Rico & Wyn’s story was needed. The beginning was needed. Although the South Kenton series is a good time, each one teaches a lesson.
In “Stay Dangerous” the lesson is “There are three sides to every story”. Previously we watched Wynter and Rico from the outside and many wondered about their personal stories and boy did Jessica give us everything we needed.
Welcome back to The Birch! Foe Dub for Life!
August 3, 2026
The South Kenton stories has easily become one of my favorite series ever! And Wynter and Rico are the perfect couple to end it off with. This book takes us all the way back before Star-crossed and really shows us just how young and vulnerable our faves were. I never thought I would ever be on Wynters side or that she would be one of my favorite people in this series. This book is urban fiction greatness!
August 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I love getting to go back in the past and see them as kids and how their story came about. They were really just babies. I’m not gonna lie, I have a better appreciation for Wynter because I couldn’t stand her in star crossed, but my girl was going through a lot. I also enjoyed seeing Fredo and Rico relationship, but it also made me remember that Fredo doesn’t make it in the end
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews