Based in the Philadelphia suburbs, Living Anonymous chronicles the young-adult life of Aneesah Bradshaw. Abandoned by her drug addicted mother and absentee father, nine year old Aneesah Bradshaw is forced to live with her foster family in Ardmore, PA. Behind the picket fence in this middle class suburb, lies a dark secret of child abuse and neglect, until one day Aneesah befriends Capree Johnson who saves Aneesah from that nightmare. Life is sweet living with the Johnson family, led by music tycoon Kevin “KJ” Johnson founder of iLLADELPHIA Records. Aneesah is thrown into the lap of luxury, mingling with the stars and able to afford anything her heart desires but at the age of 15, life throws her another blow as her biological mother returns to re-claim the daughter she has once lost.Now, a recovered drug addict, Rita simply wants to be part of her daughter’s life.
Aneesah accidently stumbles into the music world and becomes one of the most sought out producers. Rita objects this lifestyle for her underage daughter and forbids her to follow her dream but with the support and help from KJ, she hides her identity and is dubbed The Anonymous Producer, becoming a myth in the entertainment world.
Aneesah develops a romantic relationship with hip-hop artist Victor Hastings but when she is betrayed by him and her best friend, Aneesah breaks away from the music industry and journey’s out into the world on her own. She stumbles upon James Hennessey aka Nyce and falls for him hard. Intoxicated by his love, Aneesah finally is at peace and returns to her passion for music. Now of age, she no longer has to hide her identity and records her first studio album as an artist but her new found success is bringing unwanted attention to Nyce, who has a hidden identity of his own.
Lower Merion/Haverford Township educated and Temple University graduate, Ardmore native Shataya Simms has a background in Project Management, Public Relations, Marketing, and Promotions. During her junior year of college, Shataya, along with a group of Temple University students, founded Grown Folks Entertainment which promoted Philadelphia’s night life, as well as specialized in event planning. During this time, she was also an intern for Philadelphia International Records/Gamble-Huff Music, as a Marketing & Special Projects Coordinator assistant. After graduating from Temple University, Shataya worked as a Project Manager for a sign advertising company but her passion was to return to the world of marketing and media. In 2012, she earned her broadcasting certificate from Connecticut School of Broadcasting, learning all tools in successfully running both radio and television stations. After 6 years of service as a Project Manager, Shataya took a leave of absence to start her own business, Connect Management Group; a marketing, branding, and talent management agency, as well as complete her first novel titled Living Anonymous, which she self-published and released on October 30, 2015 under Connect Management Group’s umbrella. Currently, Shataya resides in Bryn Mawr, PA where she is raising her 13 year old son as she works to build the brand of her businesses and the sequel to Living Anonymous.
Living Anonymous by Shataya Simms tells the story of a young girl with a drug addict mother. She eventually lands in foster care and while in school she befriends Capree and they quickly bond.
In this book, the plot is in the title, Everyone is living anonymously. A bunch of secrets and silence among love ones. Not telling the whole truth, leaving out important information, or withholding information. There are several themes throughout the book such as secrets, lies, broken bonds, deceit, and betrayal. Various types of abuse were very apparent throughout the book as well.
Living Anonymous had great character development and plot execution. Readers will appreciate how the author chronically went through the life of main character, Aneesah over the span of childhood to adulthood. I definitely recommend this book to readers because the storyline was just that addicting. This will not be my last book from this author. I am ready for book 2. I rate this body of work 4 stars. This book was gifted for an honest review.
Reviewed By: Ms. Queenie for Literary Jewels Format: Kindle Review Copy Supplied By Author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed reading this book. Living Anonymous by Shataya Simms is a good read. This is my first time reading from this author. It's well written and it's page turner.
I felt bad for Aneesah in the beginning of this book because she's been through in life. She wants to be love. Pree is a an amazing friend for Aneesah. Pree is right about YaYa. YaYa is a something else. I can't wait to read part 2.
My first read from this author and she definitely didn’t disappoint me at all. I really enjoyed the book it had it going on from start to finish. The plot to the book was outstanding. The ending was great and lord and behold that damn YaYa is all I’m going to say on to the next book. Thanks for a new author to add to my list of books to read.
Living Anonymous is a story about Anessah Bradshaw who had a really tough childhood due to a mother addicted to drugs and a father she never knew. Being in the foster care system Aneesah had it rough until she meets Capree. Capree is the daughter of a successful music producer and her family takes Aneesah in and from that point on life is great. Years go by and now teenagers Aneesah and Capree are inseparable but so different at the same time. Aneesah is focused, humble and hard-working. Capree is high maintenance and boy crazy. Once Aneesah develops a knack for the music industry everything seems to change. Friendships are tested, secret lives are exposed, hearts are broken, and jealously rares its ugly head.
Living Anonymous was a well-written story, that kept you intrigued. The author starts off with Aneesha being nine years old and takes you on a journey through her teens to adulthood. Some parts of the story seemed to lag and some parts seemed rushed. I found myself wanting to choke Aneesah sometimes because she was so naive to certain things. I also found myself feeling sorry for her when she went through heartbreak. She was too loyal to the wrong people but she always supported her friends and family. The story ends with a cliffhanger and I will definitely be reading part 2 to this series.
From a tumultuous past to unforseen fortune, Aneesah went from rags to riches. Her talents have paved the way for her and her life is thrust into the spotlight. But when your not living anonymous, the fame can get to you in ways you never expected.
RATING: 3.5 stars
This is my first time reading a book by this author. The plot chronicles the heroine's younger years to adulthood. I enjoyed reading the trials and tribulations which made Aneesah's come up that more incredible. Character development was prevalent and I loved the fact that though young, Aneesah and Nyce both had a head on their shoulders. The sub characters also added to plot progression and though aspects of urban culture were infused, it took nothing away from the contemporary feel of this book.
The only reason I'm giving this read a 3.5 stars is because too many mundane details were added to the everyday coming and goings of the hero and heroine. Dont get me wrong, I love attention to detail, but there were just too many fillers that slowed the pacing of the plot down. YET, this was not enough to stop me from reading; it's still a good story that was well edited in terms of grammatical errors.
This book ended on a slight cliffhanger and I'm anxious to see what happens with Nyce and Aneesah! On to book 2, "Still Anonymous"!
Meet Aneesah Bradshaw, a young girl that comes from a broken home (father left early and a drug addicted mother), goes to live with her grandmother (who dies when she's 9) and ends up in foster care. It's here that Aneesah experiences one of the most horrific things I've ever read in my life! She goes to school and meets Capree Johnson, who welcomes her into her home and family. It is here that Aneesah finds love (from a family) and her passion for music. Just when everything starts to go well, the past visits and she suffers a broken heart.
In the midst of Aneesah getting over a broken heart, she meets James Hennessy aka Nyce, a drug kingpin. He's a ladies man that is afraid to settle down, because of his street life…until he meets Aneesah. Their love story is nothing short of AMAZING!
I loved this 💎💎💎💎💎 page turner h @authorshatayasimms, and I can't believe it took me so long to read it. This is book one of a series that definitely will be in my top 10 series for the year.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good read.
Are you serious???? Neesah has had it hard and after being abandoned by her mother that our grandmother died and then going from foster care of foster care she finally meet her sister flash introduces Pree. Diane and MJ love Anee and take llto her immediately. Are and Pree are to birds together and then after 11yrs here comes Rita claiming her daughter back!!! Are starts writing and then life at 19 when she meets Nyce. After a traumatic breakup with what Are thought was her first love Victor Nyce becomes as all he can offer is to be a friend but does not as y the spoylight. Anees singing career takes off and now she's always get the spotlights. Nyce bows out and leaves Anee needing him more than ever. Are is engaged a few years later down the road and guess who reappeared? Will it be too late for her and Nice? There's also someone tried to sabotage Anees life and it's someone near and dear to her heart. Page turner and I cannot wait for part 2! There is going to be hell to pay!!
When I started off reading this book I genuinely was looking forward to reading a book by a local author. I figured she would talk about places I was familiar with (city line ave, north Philly, etc)
But I should’ve known a philly person could not write a book without talking dirty about Jersey.
Two points specifically. When she talked about the Cherry hill mall isn’t king of Prussia but it would do. If cherry hill isn’t good enough for you then stay in philly.
Secondly you called Camden the hood. When maybe you forgot all of philly is the hood. From broad street to olney to the Lincoln financial stadium.
I wanted to read this book for a while now , so i finally did. It was an ok read, i guess the fillers through me off. Like it was almost to much details where the story didn't flow to me. If the book doesn't grab my attention from the first few chapters i normally stop reading but i wanted to give this a chance. I still didn't get to finish the book , I'm like 67% done but its just not appealing to me personally. I still recomend you giving it a try for yourself because the authors writing was great but the story just didn't capture me if that makes sense.
Let me start to same this first this was an amazing read I enjoyed it from beginning to end . This book show you that love in many different stages and hate comes in different stages. There is that one friend that you do for but it’s still not enough they still want to see you fall. Family you can’t choose . Get is book sit down and get ready for the ride between family friends and love and see what the talk is all about . Thank you Shataya Simms for an awesome story . I can’t wait to more on to the next book !!!!!
I HATE YAYA! Omg, I cannot believe that ending! That dirty betch! I’m lost for words right now. I hope she doesn’t lose her baby! It’s always the ones closest to you that you have to watch! With that ending I don’t see why he is mad at her. I get that his downfall came from her through the friend but he knew the risk when they got back together! Lord let me do nothing else today but read the next book! Side note…I am so hurt for ole boy who proposed to Aneesha was going to marry first! He was a woman’s dream man. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
I loved this whole story. Couldn't stop reading once I picked it up. From when Aneesah was in foster care, I was hoping things got better for her. Then when she became friends with Pree, I was happy for her because I knew she deserved better than the abuse she was receiving. I like how she didn't mess up the opportunities she was given. I guess I read too much cause I knew Vic's secret & I also knew who the rat was. It was always negativity with her, every time! I just knew her & Nyce was gonna make it. But I guess I'll see what happens in the next book.
In a reading group, someone recommended this book. So I decided to take a read. And I must say it was worth it! It was GOOOOD! Really Good! It was well written and executed. It was well detailed and the storyline flowed effortlessly. Unfortunately, I’m reading this book around Christmas time so my housework took a back seat 😔. A definite must read! On to part two!
A friend recommended this book to me and I am so glad that I listened and read it! I loved it from beginning to end. I won't say too much but I will say that this book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I cried, I laughed, got angry, was shocked, and everything in between. Can't wait to dig into part two!
This book was recommended in my reading group on Facebook. It took me a minute to read it and now I'm sorry that I didn't read it sooner. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone that I know that reads! I hope Ani and Nyce get back everything that is being taken away from them. And I'm not going to spoil the book for you, you have to read it!!!
4.75 Stars! This book/series randomly popped up on my “suggestion” amazon list. I added the sample and decided to give it a try. Geez Louise, get your blood pressure meds and a back up kindle (when you throw yours against a wall) for this one. The journey is not for the faint of heart (or anyone wanting a hearts/flowers light read).
Loved this story line. I had an issue with the format of the story. The way time was sped up in much of the second half of the book with no distinctions. A lot of detail glazed over whereas the beginning of the book had great detail. I still gave 4 star bc I am invested in the characters and story line.
This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the story flowed there betrayal. I didn’t like YaYa I couldn’t put my finger on it. I loved Nyce and Aneesah relationship until he made me mad. I liked Pree from the beginning but I was upset with her but then I forgave her. I recommend y’all this book.
Omg! I cant believe I am left hanging like this. I put this book on hold while I was reading some other books but after all the rave reviews I had to read it. And it did not disappoint. I fell in love with both Nyce and Aneesa. I can't wait for Still Anonymous
This book has everything. Love, jealousy, deceit, and anything else you can think of. Nyce and Aneesah have true love that you do not see everyday. Her and Pree have a true friendship. Pree tried to warn her about YaYa. Cannot wait to read book 2.
This is my first book from this author, but it will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the build up of Ani, Pree, Jada, and Nyce. I have zero words for Ya, but I'm hoping she's dealt with in part two. Definitely 5 stars!
Team #AneeshaAndNyce The lies, betrayal, happiness, then peace. It's an award winner. I loved every minute of it. "With great sacrifices, comes great rewards" is the perfect quote for this book. Put down whatever you are currently doing and start reading NOW! 😉
A friend recommended this book to me and she was persistent about me reading it. I'm so glad she did! The plot takes you through an array of emotions from sorry to happiness. The author gives enough detail in the writing.
Wow wow wow is all I can say I love this book. I like how we are able to follow amnesha as she grew from a child to an adult. Up knew yaya was a snake smh I can't wait to read the next installment
This was my first read from this author and it was pretty good. I don't know if I should be mad at Neesah for being so stupid or what. I mean Pree kept telling her to watch her back she didn't trust Yaya but no-one never did anything. I love me some Nyce.
Let me tell you something. I have had many two nights with little sleep reading this book. I could not put it down!!! Nyce and Ani are sooooo good together. I can’t wait to read how this story develops.