If It Ain't about the Money

by Saundra

Three friends. One slim chance to beat the streets. But even when you fight your way out by any means necessary, cold hard cash is still no guarantee you'll escape . . . Secret. Penny. Isis. Two sisters, one best friend. Between neglectful parents and growing up in Miami's worst neighborhood, the three have had each others’ backs since forever. So there's nothing Secret won't do to grab the cash flow and glamorous lives she, innocent Penny, and idealistic Isis surely deserve. And she and lowlife fixer Kirk have the perfect transfer rich folks’ wealth to new accounts, cleverly make withdrawals, and line their pockets . . . Soon it's raining money, exclusive condos, fast cars—and major bad-news trouble. 'Cause Isis just found real love and now wants out of the game for good. And when a merciless enemy, a disastrous old scam-gone-bad, and unexpected betrayal turn the girls’ glittering world inside out, how far will they game each other—and risk their friendship—to survive? Praise for Saundra’s Her Sweetest Revenge “Mya is an amazing character and despite some of her choices, I rooted for her all the way.” —Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author “An entertaining and drama-filled story. Saundra’s vivid depiction of this girl from Detroit makes this book an extremely fast read.” —RT Book Reviews “Saundra writes page-turning experiences that readers feel. . . . Drama at its best, her character Mya is fearless.” —Tamika Newhouse, author of The Ultimate No-No series

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2018

About the author

Saundra grew up in Cleveland, Mississippi, and now resides in Indiana with her husband and children. She started writing screenplays at the age of twelve and as an adult her need to create intensified. Saundra’s stories highlight fearless females who hustle to get what they deserve. Her debut novel, Her Sweetest Revenge, began the series that won praise for being a “roller-coaster ride” and “drama at its best.” Saundra is currently at writer at Kensington Publishing and loves to hear from readers.

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Reviews

[Yellagirlgc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny & Secrets mom is an alcoholic. Isis had a mom that liked to steal
The grew up bestfriends and this book chronicles their journey.
This book wouldn't rated higher but it was a little too unbelievable. Isis is supposed to be the level headed friend but went along with the most dangerous schemes because Secret asked. Secret loved her sister but due to her actions put her in danger and afterwards it still didn't change the way she operated.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy to review.

[ChaTerra · Rating 3 out of 5]

So is there a part 2 ? Or was that the end ? I’m confused in the end as to if she went after him or said fuck it and focused on her money. And I thought Kirk and secret were gonna end up together.
The book was okay. It was more interesting towards the end.
Wasn’t a page turner for me until the end.

[She’s Gone Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I will say she did a great job. The book is primarily focused around Secret and Isis, who are best friends, getting to the money!!! But of course it doesn't come without it's ups and downs. The book transitions back forth between Secret's point of view and Isis's point of view.


My favorite character was Secret because she wasn't playing when it came to getting her coins!!! And I loved the fact that she took on the role of mother to her little sister Penny. Some minor issues I had with the book were, the lack of character description. The author didn't go into detail about how the characters looked physically and I wish she would have included Penny's point of view in the story line. I will be reading the second installment in the series to see what drama will be revealed next!!!

I would definitely recommend this book to others who love Urban Fiction that is fast paced and drama filled.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Secret and Isis both come from troubled homes. Secrets mom is an abusive alcoholic. Forcing her to take over raising her younger sister Penny. Isis's mom shoplifted. Finally getting caught and jailed.
Both girls are out on their own at a young age. Secret tries to make a go of it working two regular jobs.
But after bumping after into an old childhood friend named Kirk a few times who promises easy money? She goes from "dancing", to setting up men to be robbed, to schemes transferring funds. Dragging Isis along with her. It was surprising that they never got caught.
The characters seemed to do the same thing everyday, drink, smoke, scheme, and the occasional club.
The subplot with Isis's boyfriend stealing her money was good. I guess we find out what happened to him next book?
The whole Penny getting kidnapped subplot was written like an after though. The way Jackie (Secret and Penny's mother) was handled wasn't great either. The characters weren't fleshed out and... A lot wasn't explained.
2.5 stars

[Kenya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret and Isis were really about the money...especially Secret. They were involved in so many "get money" schemes, it made your head spin. Of course, things wouldn't go smoothly all of the time. There were consequences that went along with that lifestyle and sometimes innocent bystanders got caught up in the mix. I enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed and definitely memorable. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*

Kenya E
Soul Sistahs Book Club

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opposites do attract. Secret and Isis couldn’t be more different from each other, but they considered each other family. Horrible childhoods bonded them. When Secret happens upon a get rich scheme, it is a must that Isis joins. With so much scheming going on, will they ever find true love, or will they throw it away?

With all the schemes going on, I expected much drama! NOT! I can think of two incidents that was remotely interesting. The ending was a cliff hanger, so expect another book.

The storyline fell flat for me. It was just an okay read!

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book right here!!! Very good book, full of drama and twists. This is a page turner, you will keep reading to see what happens next. Penny, Secret and Isis....lol...whew these three. The ending sets it up for a part 2, and I for one will be looking for it. Great job to the author. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publsiher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Pauline Barlow]

I enjoyed this story of three young women in Detroit making their way up "guided" by the low-life fixer, Kirk. They plan to transfer money of the wealthy to new accounts and make withdrawals. The author has given very vivid descriptions.
It is a fast read.

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

If It Ain't About the Money by Saundra 266 pages (the story ends on page 251)

Genre: Fiction, African-American Fiction, Urban Fiction

Featuring: Miami, Florida, Street Life, Alcoholism, Child Abuse, Hustling, Stupidity, Criminal Activities, Drug Use, Sex, Money, Pop-Offs, Your 2015 R&B/Hip-Hop Playlist, Hood Rich Mentality, Sisters, Bet, Discussion Questions, Book Preview (Her Sweetest Revenge)

Rating as a movie: R for adult content

My rating: ⭐⭐½

My thoughts: Page 43 of 251 - This story is whack but I'm going to read it anyway.
87 - Girl, you stupid! 🙄
157 - 🙄😒 Secret is on my nerves.

It is what it is. On one hand, complaining about this story is like buying a straight to video D movie and then complaining about it not being good, you knew what you're getting. In my case, I had an idea of what I could be getting. I saw but be getting I saw this book on the library shelf and I snatched it up. I quickly discovered within the first couple of pages that this book was not going to exactly be my cup of tea, but like undesirable candy, it's so easy to read, and sugar is sugar. There were continuity issues, there were plot holes and inaccuracies, yet despite not being an amazing story it was somewhat entertaining. I did not compare this book to a John Grisham or Terry McMillan book I was thinking of other books on this level and, I have read better. Based on this book I am not interested in the next one, which I think is, Hustle Hard but don't quote me. The story spans over 10 years and it tells the story of 2 friends, Secret and Isis, you don't discover they are friends until chapter 4, and it's very vague on how they maintain their friendship over the years. Both characters are flawed, it alludes that it is because of their upbringing but some of their actions make little sense if they have mommy issues. The most annoying thing about the story for me was how many times bet was used, maybe that's realistic, but I like to think people have boarder vocabularies even if they are hood. The story wasn't horrible, I just prefer characters that grow and a lot of the plot made little to no sense. If you like hustle stories, drama, and quick reads this is the book for you. I'm not completely writing off this author.

Recommend to others?: Maybe. If someone is looking for drama-filled urban fiction, it's a decent read.