Know Your Place

The Branch Avenue Boys #2

by Shelly Ellis

Book 2 in the Branch Avenue Boys series Success didn't come easy for three best friends from the streets. And now dangerous choices and reckless desire will push their bond to lethal limits . . . A stint at the Branch Avenue Boys' Youth Institute taught Ricky, Derrick, and Jamal to unite when the going got tough. But fallout from their very different adult lives is making loyalty something they can't afford--and igniting drama they never saw coming . . . Arrested during a city-wide raid, Ricky must inform on D.C's drug king pin, Dolla Dolla--and find the woman who loved and betrayed him. But revenge is a slippery slope that's putting a target on his back . . . Institute head Derrick hopes reuniting with his fiancee will keep his secret affair with a colleague in the past. Unfortunately, one of his students is hiding Dolla Dolla's major stash--and Derrick's attempt to do the right thing will have shattering consequences . . . Jamal's backroom deal with D.C.'s corrupt mayor is giving him everything he thought he money, power, and women. But murder and the unexpected return of the woman he's always loved is getting him in way over his head. His attempts to manage the damage will put him and his friends at killer odds to be the last man standing . . .

Genres: Fiction

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2019

About the author

Shelly Ellis is a NAACP Image Award-nominated women's fiction/romance author and creator of the Gibbons Gold Digger and Chesterton Scandal series. Her fiction writing career began when she became one of four finalists in a First-Time Writers Contest when she was 19 years old. The prize was a publishing contract and having her first short-story romance appear in an anthology. She has since published ten novels and was a finalist for 2015 NAACP Image Award in the Literary Fiction Category, a three-time finalist for the African American Literary Award in the romance category (2012, 2016, and 2017), and a finalist for the 2015 RT Reviewers' Choice Award in Multicultural Romance category.

She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.

Reviews

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know Your Place (A Branch Avenue Boys Novel) is a gritty urban novel from author, Shelly Ellis. This is the second book in the series and continues the stories of three men who met as boys and maintained close friendships well into adulthood. The novel is told from the alternating viewpoints of each man but is easy to follow due to appropriately named chapter headers.

Derrick, Ricky and Jamal met as boys at the Branch Avenue Boys Institute, where they had each been sent for delinquent behavior. They formed strong bonds with each other as a means of survival. Unfortunately, life and it’s trials and tribulations are slowly weakening those bonds. Old, bad habits are emerging for all three. Can these friends rally and save themselves and each other?

Derrick is now director of the Boys Institute but is facing difficulties in both his personal and professional lives. One of his students is in league with a local gangster and has brought his illegal activities into the school. In addition, he’s torn between his fiancée and the coworker he’s been having an affair with.

Ricky was the owner of two successful businesses but his association with his business partner led to his businesses being raided and him being jailed. He’s being forced to inform on his corrupt partner, which could lead to his murder. Ricky is also desperately searching for the woman he believes betrayed him.

Jamal worked hard for his position as Deputy Mayor, but it’s all on the line. He made a bad deal with the corrupt Mayor. Now he’s living the fast life, drinking, doing drugs and having illicit sex. He’s out of control and doesn’t know how to rein it in.

Know Your Place is extremely well-written. The characters have been developed even more in this second installment of the series. The plot is compelling. Drama, intrigue and betrayal are all still an intergral part of the story. As with book one, my attention was held from start to finish. Once again, the ending left me wanting more. I’ll definitely be reading the next novel in this series. I give this one 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to lovers of urban fiction.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Byron Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Bad

Better than the first novel for sure. Some of the characters though, whew. Loyalty means nothing to some of these people, and Melissa and Jamal, there are no words. I'm not gonna put any spoilers out there, but there would definitely be a hell of a debate if a book club ever read these stories. Just scandalous!!😂😂😂😂😂

Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Princess Gooden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Ellis is an awesome storyteller. This is my second book by this author but I will go back and read some others. I truly enjoyed this page turner.

[Lauren Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome and had me on the edge of my seat. I literally couldn’t put this book down, this read had so much action and right from the first two pages I was hooked. While I was reading further along in the book, I didnt realize that this was Book 2 of a series and that I haven’t yet read Book 1 but by judging how this book ended, I know Book 1 will be something and setting the tone of all the characters from the beginning. However from this book I will say that I love me some Ricky and Jamal. Derrick however not so much; however in the beginning he was my dude but then I ended up getting mad at his actions and then decided to no longer like him. Dolla Dolla, I actually like his kingpin gangsta self, all the s**t he talk in this book was a complete turn on to me in some weird way. Melissa is my girl and I actually liked Morgan as well. Really both women were victims in there own emotional feelings that I could understand. All in all, even though I read this series completely out of order, I have connected with all the characters in a different way. I cannot wait to read the final book. Of course I will read Book 1 first though. All in all this was truly a 5 star read and I absolutely loved it.

[Tammy Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Coffee&Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review coming soon. REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD THOUGH. You know when you're reading something REALLY good? Like, engaging. The scenes play out like a movie, complete with sound effects, pan in, pan out, etc? And the dialog is so real and the action so intense that you have to get up and pace while you read cause you DON'T WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT but you GOTTA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT...

This. book. ya'll. To be fair, I'm a fan and I am fully invested in the Branch Avenue series, but COT DAYUM Shelly Ellis can write a book!

KNOW YOUR PLACE starts exactly where IN THESE STREETS leaves off, so *yes you need to read book one first*and yes this book has a cliffie... you will live. Read Ellis' other books while you're waiting. As I said, this book picks up where the last book left off, so **SPOILERS ARE COMING. **

Ricky has turned informant to stay out of jail and in an effort to answer some questions, comes face to face with much more than he was looking for. Informing on Dolla Dolla never sounded easy, but somehow it's 100 times harder than he ever imagined it would be. When Ricky gets a taste of what could happen to him when Dolla finds out what's being said (and who is saying it) he knows he's living on borrowed time.

Derrick's love life is a HOT MESS and let's not talk about his work at the Branch Avenue Boys Center-- it's been infiltrated by a ruthless thug. I mean, Derrick maybe just needs to spend some time alone and figure out what he's feeling and who he feels it for, because a fist fight with his best friend at a high class fundraising banquet involving his ex? Ain't the move son.

Jamal, who has become much closer to the Mayor over time, discovers some secrets about his boss and trying to right a wrong sends everything skidding sideways. An unjust death and a threat of exposure turns Jamal into a man we never thought we'd see.

Suffice it to say, life is turning these men upside down and inside out and everyone in the near vicinity is affected. The way this book is set up, Ellis will bring you to the very edge... and leave you wondering, hoping, wishing and praying for the outcomes you need to see in the conclusion of this incredible series.

A side note: Not a fan of cliffhangers? Aight, but buy it anyway. Then you'll be ready when book 3 drops later this year!

Know Your Place publishes April 30 2019. Your face deserves this good read!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Branch Avenue boys are back. It's time for more drama from Derrick, Ricky and Jamel.

Derek is still with the Center, but his love life takes an awkward turn when he messes up and has to make a decision

Jamel still works for the mayor, but he might have bit off more than he can chew and things might turn out for the worse, possibly deadly.

Each of them must come to a decision that may alter their lives. Whether it's for better or worse is up to the decision they choose.

Ricky's life is a mess, especially since his restaurant was closed down, and he ends up caught in between

Shelly Ellis has done an amazing job with this series. Full of jaw dropping drama and shenanigans that will leave you wanting for more and anticipating the finale of this series.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ricky, Derrick and Jamal have to make some hard decisions and Know Your Place by Shelly Ellis. The second book in A Branch Avenue Boys series is even better than the first. These three friends lives unravel more as they’re confronted with some hidden secrets, betrayal and unlawful behaviors.

Jamal has bitten off more than he can chew being under the Mayor’s wings. His integrity is in question and as I read the story I was waiting for him to do the right thing. Jamal frustrated me the most in this book because I wanted him to use his head.

Derrick’s love triangle between his fiance, Melissa and co-worker, Morgan brought a dramatic element to the story. He is also dealing with a troubled student at his institute, which causes some issues. Derrick has to make a choice and I’m glad he went in the direction I wanted.

Ricky’s in hot water all because of a woman who sold him out to the cops. He can’t let it go and is on the hunt while working for the cops and staying in contact with Dolla, Dolla who got him in the mess in the first place. I love the twist in the story when Ricky finally finds the woman he loves. His character is my favorite because his transformation is worth reading and his loyalty is what every woman and friend needs.

Know your place is a gritty Urban Fiction book about corruption, betrayal and secrets written by a talented writer, who keeps you turning the pages. I can’t wait until the new installment is available.

*This book was provide by the author for review purposes only.

[Dj · Rating 1 out of 5]

Know Your Place Bk 2 [Success didn't come easy for three best friends from the streets. And now dangerous choices and reckless desire will push their bond to lethal limits . . . A stint at the Branch Avenue Boys' Youth Institute taught Ricky, Derrick, and Jamal to unite when the going got tough. But fallout from their very different adult lives is making loyalty something they can't afford--and igniting drama they never saw coming . . . Arrested during a city-wide raid, Ricky Reynaud must inform on D.C's drug king pin, Dolla Dolla--and find the woman who loved and betrayed him. But revenge is a slippery slope that's putting a target on his back . . . Institute head Derrick hopes reuniting with his fiancée will keep his secret affair with a colleague in the past. Unfortunately, one of his students, Cole, is hiding Dolla Dolla's major stash--and Derrick's attempt to do the right thing will have shattering consequences . . . Jamal's backroom deal with D.C.'s corrupt mayor is giving him everything he thought he wanted: money, power, and women. But murder and the unexpected return of the woman he's always loved, Derrick’s fiancé Melissa, is getting him in way over his head. His attempts to manage the damage will put him and his friends at killer odds to be the last man standing . . .]

still pissed, didn’t clear up or conclude, just open ended for another book??? This is where I get off this merry-g0-round...this is not the way t0 sell book

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know Your Place is the second book in the Branch Avenue Boys series and it was just as good as the first one.

Jamel is dealing with the Mayor and all his shady shenanigans which is taking a toll on his life. Jamel is in involved in situations that he never thought he would find himself in and he is just about to his breaking point but he is scared to quit job due to threats from the Mayor.

Ricky was arrested during a raid caused by the woman he loves which resulted in him losing his restaurant , his club and it may also cost him his freedom or his life if he does not corporate with the police and give them what they want.

Derrick is trying to maintain his relationship with Melissa while trying to hid his true feelings and affair with Morgan while dealing with one his students who he thinks is hiding drugs in the Boys Institute for Dolla Dolla.

This book has everything you are looking for, Drama, Scandal, sex, drugs, murder etc. you name it and it has it. This storyline kept me on edge and interested. Melissa kinda made me mad but I understand where she is coming from, but I also feel like her decision in the end was just wrong. I cannot wait for the next book to see how everything will unfold.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

[Shana Helton-plummer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelly Ellis' 'Know Your Place' offers readers a compelling exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the pursuit of identity. Set in the vibrant backdrop of Washington, D.C., the novel follows the lives of the vibrant and multi-dimensional characters who navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations.

Ellis skillfully crafts a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique struggles and desires, making them relatable and engaging.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of social issues such as classism and racial identity, adding depth and relevance to the story. Ellis deftly tackles these themes with sensitivity and nuance, sparking important conversations along the way.

However, 'Know Your Place' occasionally suffers from pacing issues, with certain plotlines feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some readers may find certain character motivations and actions to be unrealistic or overly dramatic.

Despite these minor drawbacks, 'Know Your Place' is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with fans of contemporary fiction. Ellis' knack for storytelling and her insightful exploration of complex themes make it a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.

[Lauren Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome and had me on the edge of my seat. I literally couldn’t put this book down, this read had so much action and right from the first two pages I was hooked. While I was reading further along in the book, I didnt realize that this was Book 2 of a series and that I haven’t yet read Book 1 but by judging how this book ended, I know Book 1 will be something and setting the tone of all the characters from the beginning. However from this book I will say that I love me some Ricky and Jamal. Derrick however not so much; however in the beginning he was my dude but then I ended up getting mad at his actions and then decided to no longer like him. Dolla Dolla, I actually like his kingpin gangsta self, all the s**t he talk in this book was a complete turn on to me in some weird way. Melissa is my girl and I actually liked Morgan as well. Really both women were victims in there own emotional feelings that I could understand. All in all, even though I read this series completely out of order, I have connected with all the characters in a different way. I cannot wait to read the final book. Of course I will read Book 1 first though. All in all this was truly a 5 star read and I absolutely loved it.

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Know Your Place
Author: Shelly Ellis
Publisher: Kensington Books
After doing time at a youth center, they learned how to be strong and loyal in tough times. However, as their adult lives took shape the very lessons learned soon became hard to follow. If you add in a drug kingpin, ex-fiance, betrayal, and backroom deals and this story gives you some pretty engaging drama. I didn't have the backstory on the series as this is book 2 and I had not read book 1. That being said, I still managed to keep up The author did a good job of developing the characters individually even though their stories were intricately intertwined. There were many moving pieces and players so you had to pay attention and not get distracted.
Player #1 Jamal is involved in a form of politics he was ill-prepared for and never thought he would be a part of at any time. He also had to deal with his ex, a former cop. Player #2 Derrick has to contend with a fiance, a lover and shady student that could be caught up with a local drug kingpin.
Player #3 Ricky has to deal with the fallout after being caught up in a drug raid.

See what I mean? A lot going on, but it is well worth the read.

[ROSA MICKENS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew this book was much more exciting and explosive than the first. I mean friends turning against friends, loyalty tested to the max. People killing people for the most simplest thing.
This book kept me so engrossed in reading it to the conclusion.
This book is really gory and scary about how people can turn on you in an instant in order to gain the upper hand for what they want.
Friendships were really tested in this book, there was no thought as to how others will be affected by the moves people make against others.
There is no loyalty anywhere in this book among the 3 friends that grew up together, nothing but selfish behaviors.
With friends like these, who needs the other enemies depicted in this book.

[Denise A. Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama

This is the continuing story of childhood friends, who are now adults, Ricky, Jamal & Derrick. This book chronicles their current lives & relationships. Their stories are drama with a capital D. There’s a corrupt politician, a drug lord & murders which impact the story. There is also a cliffhanger so can’t wait to see how this story ends when the final book in this series comes out in October. However, since this ebook was an intriguing page turner I will be very sad to see it all end. Shelly Ellis is, by far, one of my absolute favorite authors!

[Revae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derrick, Jamal, and Ricky are back. We last left Jamal selling out for the mayor, Derrick hiding an affair from his fiance, and Ricky in jail after his club and restaurant were raided due to his affliation with Dolla Dolla. Shelly Ellis continues with to create an engrossing and entertaining story of these three friends (even though only two of them are speaking to each other). Their individual worlds are collide as secrets come out. Relationships are broken and formed. This book is seamless with the one before it. I'm looking forward to the next installment, The Final Play.

[CaroMommie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so messyyyyyyyy...good! It follows friends since childhood, Ricky, Derrick & Jamal. It is chaotic nail biting sitting on the edge of your seat excitement.

Their stories separately make for great reading, but put them together and it makes for time well spent getting to know them.

I think you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

[Darline Saeidifar · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW!!! This book was awesome!! Shelly Ellis did it again with this wonderful novel. Totally enjoyed it and was determined to get to the end (so I can read the last one) and therefore could not put it down. These characters were pissing me off!!! I sincerely only like Ricky. Can’t stand Derrick and Jamal. And I don’t care for Morgan (don’t like home wreckers). Buy it, read it and enjoy it!

[Erica (The Literary Apothecary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Shelly!

This was a delightful book, that had all the ingredients for a great urban tale; intrigue, drama, plot twists, character building, and an open door for another book.

[Patricia Wiessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I said before you must read the The Branch Ave Boys series...its nitty gritty laced with everyday reality...from beginning to end you must keep the pages turning...Enjoy and thank Ms. Ellis for another successful adventure. KUDOS

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great storie. How will he forgive and for got . I love the hate and love relationship. Will the guys friends last or will just go a way. I couldn't put is t down

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in certain parts seem to be slow and wordy for me. Once this book took off it was a great read. I am looking forward to seeing what happened next to the Branch Avenue Boys.

[Linda Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good series!!

[BossyLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't rate this book separately. Will provide a full review after book 3.

[Nobie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG This series is off the chain.