Raised in the rough streets of Kansas City, Harlem Lawson is well aware of the struggle. Having witnessed crime, poverty, death and much more at such a young age; Harlem learned to make a way when there was no way. Due to unfortunate circumstances, and fear for her family, Harlem’s mother packs them up and relocates to a shelter away from everyone and everything she’s accustomed to. Opting to make the best of her situation, Harlem finds solace in the presence of the young and handsome Enzo Maverick. As much of a mystery as he is to Harlem, Enzo prefers to keep it that way. With an impeccably rude demeanor and crass decorum, mostly everyone stays clear from him. Everyone except his mother’s boyfriend, Khalil. When the two come to blows and Enzo almost gets arrested, his mother is forced to make a decision that lands Enzo in the same place as Harlem, where their blossoming, yet rocky friendship begins. Hesitant to trust anyone, Enzo and Harlem both quickly learn that allowing one another into their world may be just what they need to find peace. When tragedy and triumph strikes, the two are abruptly detached. After years pass, Harlem is no longer the curious 17-year-old Enzo first encountered. In fact, she’s just as ruthless and cold-hearted as he is. In this gritty tale of money, love, lust and betrayal, Harlem is reminded that everything in life worth fighting for comes with a struggle. Even love; a feeling she desperate yearns for.
BriAnn Danae is an urban romance author and native of Kansas City, Missouri. In October 2015, she penned her first novel and since has enhanced her catalog claiming seventy titles to date. She whimsically writes Black love stories with purpose and passion, making you want to go beyond the book and look into her mind as a writer.
As the two-time 2021 Black Girls Who Write award winner for Best Black Book Series and Best Black Urban Romance and KCPCA 2023 Best Author of Kansas City, BriAnn has masterfully crafted her pen. With the talent to navigate between genres, she’s captured the hearts of her readers, making them fall hard in love with her characters. Her writing can be classified as soul-snatching, heart-yearning, chest throbbing, and downright some of the most exhilarating literature one could grace their eyes upon.
There’s a message BriAnn strives to leave with her readers. “I don’t just write to tell a story. I write to paint a picture and give a testimony.”
Oh, I had high hopes for Harlem and Enzo, and this book did not disappoint. It was wild from start to finish. Harlem was that girl the true definition of getting it out the mud. From holding it down for her mom and siblings to running licks, she really did whatever she had to do. The chemistry between her and Enzo was undeniable. I get why he left, but the way he completely cut her off? That was cold. And that secret revealed at the end? Totally caught me off guard!
I’d been wanting to read SHE FROM THE GUTTA since I saw the cover. I hadn’t had a chance to read it but recently I found time. BriAnn Danae told a love story that I wasn’t expecting. Harlem is a young high school girl just tryna have fun with her best friends. She wants to make some money & an opportunity falls right in her lap...so begins her criminal career. Things get a lil sticky & Harlem ends up working at McDonald’s. It’s at work that she meets Enzo. Things happen that I can’t tell you about because I don’t wanna give the story away, but I’m sure you’ll love it! Enzo & Harlem are perfect together although I think I favored Enzo. The supporting characters were also perfect friends. I had no clue what the book was about because I didn’t even read the synopsis. Like I said, the cover drew me in & I just went from there. The end of the book had me a lil shocked & angry because I didn’t know it would be ANOTHER PART!!! But thankfully I just saw the cover so it shouldn’t be a long wait. I definitely recommend this read. ~LEE~
This story was just okay. I feel like the cover is a bit misleading. I thought this would be a real gutta, gangsta book and it does get there but at like 85-90%. This story is about two teenagers, barely out of high school, hitting licks to provide for their families. I think the backstory took up too much of the book and could’ve been condensed to make this one book instead of a series. It happens in real life, but Harlem’s mother is setting a horrible example for her children. Enzo was wrong and there would be no spinning the block for me. The author didn’t do enough for me to make me feel like they had that much chemistry to begin with. The book definitely turned up a bit at the end and had me invested.
I don’t think Enzo would be allowed in a shelter, since he’s an adult. Some gramatical errors, missing punctuation and misused words.
“Oh shit!” is all I can say after finishing “She from the Gutta”. I wasn’t prepared for that ending. I’m so happy I’m late to the game and can just hop into book two lol.
Anyway, Enzo and Harlem have an interesting story and, for the most part, I was into it. “She from the Gutta” is told in third person so not only do we get the two leads’ reactions to and thoughts on things, we get the side characters’.
A great majority of “She from the Gutta” is set during Enzo and Harlem’s lives as teenagers. There are a few things that occur that establish who Enzo and Harlem are as adults. It was necessary, but I was ready for them to have a time jump so they could grow tf up.
BriAnn Danae did a great job with the writing and pacing and everything. I’m just someone who doesn’t care to read about teenagers, especially when they start talking about wanting to smash someone. On that note, I appreciate the fact that BriAnn Danae made Enzo and Harlem older teenagers and basically breezed through them doing it.
The time jump for this book is supposed to be five years but the math is off with Harlem’s age. That’s beside the point though. What matters is that Enzo and Harlem are grown now, reconnect, and still hitting licks. Which, the last lick had my jaw on the floor.
Trill seemed like such a kind guy. I didn’t want Harlem to go through with the plan. Alas, she did it anyway and (without spoiling anything) things happen and secrets are revealed that’ll make you say, “oh shit!”
I'm a little on this fence with this story. The beginning kept my attention but toward the end it kind of slowed up. After what happened it was understood why Enzo made his move, and it was also understood why Harlem felt how she felt. I got a few things from the story that was real today. Andrea dealt with the same 'what if's like any other woman in her situation. Her reaction to what happen I've seen in real life. No matter how many conversations, therapy or threats you can't force someone to change. You still have to respect them. The second half of the book is where it kind of dwindled down. At Lucci's return, pretty much figured that old thing would go back. Love will always weather the storm. The ending didn't really give me that heart wrenching gasp I needed, but I know that Enzo is probably spazzing if what I think happened actually happened. Hopefully in 2 we get to see how Andrea is coming, how it really affects her kids, and how Harlem handles her mother in a much mature way.
It was a great book. I didn’t really like or understand Andrea but I tried to empathize with her. But Dre beat her like it was going out of style, hit your child, threatened to kill your children, you and your children had to run to a domestic abuse shelter and still you want to go back to him??? And Dre??? All I have to say about you is…
Now for the couple of the book… I knew that she had gotten pregnant. I just knew it! But when it was never mentioned, I thought well okay maybe not. And Enzo, I was really rooting for y’all to get it together so come on book 2… let’s get right!!!
Honestly didn’t think they would have made it this far. I thought Trill was gone catch her slipping, or at least her. Check her phone. Something!!!😩. I was hoping Harlem made Enzo work a little harder cuzz he got off way to easy. My heart dropped when he told her she loved him, d@mn!!! I didn’t think she was gonna go through it! I was hoping AGAIN!😩I’m ready for the discussion now chile. Let’s do it tomorrow! 5pm PST! Koo! 🙌🏾😩😩
Ohh and I sweaaaaaaaaaar all characters better be alive next release chilee!!!! I can’t do it lol
Before I talk about the book, I just want to acknowledge your growth as a writer. The story flow so effortless with little to no errors! The storyline was so unique. Harlem is in a league of her on no other character out her compare. I love her friendship with her friends bc she could have easy force them to be apart of her gotta life, but respect them too much. Now, my new babe Enzo is a boss made and I love it. But I need part two bc I want ready for that last page to do down like that. This story was amazing and no other book can compare to this heat!
Even tho the streets don't love nobody, Enzo & Harlem love each other...
This is a story full of things that can happen to any of us, and that surely has happened to some of us... This is a love story, a story full of romance, love, violence, and murder, but still a love story. When someone will steal for you, lie for you, and kill for you, that love is real. Can you have love without loyalty tho?? Some things you just won't understand if you not from the gutta. Hold on tight for this exciting, drama filled ride.
No exaggeration this book is one of the best I’ve read in months. Been in a horrible reading slump and this was just what the doctor ordered! It was so well developed the storyline was so well thought of and flawless and it was just such a great reading experience. Harlem and Enzo were really the female and male version of the other and that ending I did not see it happening that way! I can’t wait to see how everything plays out!
This book was amazing. As always your books are very well written and the character development is amazing. And this one does not disappoint. Immediately I was drawn to Harlem and Enzo's stories. I like how they just cliqued with each other developing a friendship that turned into first love status. But that ending is what had me in shock and wanting more. This was definitely a page turner and wait to read what happens in part 2. Highly recommend reading.
Wow. When I say that this book was simply an amazing read, I lie to you not. The domestic violence portion was well written. And Enzo, that man is my new book bae. He and Harlem was the perfect couple. I loved the way that he was with her, a true gentleman, but I was disappointed when he left. That Zeema was a real snake and I can’t wait to see what happens to her. That ending had me screaming and pulling my dang hair out. Where is book two?😬😬
I don't know what to say about that ending... but honey you did an amazing job!! I felt the emotion all throughout this book. I just love Enzo and Harlem. Her boss up so epic for real. Honestly people don't know what they are capable of until their back is against the wall. Harlem came out swinging, sweet girl turned savage. Now Enzo always had that savage in him. But the way he is with Harlem is so sweet!! Part 2 should be crazy.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This was different from what we are used to reading but you won’t be bored! Fast paced drama filled with snakes and old love. Enzo and Harlem have that unbreakable bond. I love the loyalty between the girls. Woah Harlem mama made me want to smack her a few times so weakkkk!! Zeema gotta go💨. That ending tho ....... EnzOoOoooooo 😫😫😫😫 wtf !!
I was NOT expecting that ending AT ALL. Smfh Harlem and Enzo gone take me through it in book 2 I’m already knowing. I felt so bad for Trill honestly, Harlem become so heartless after Enzo. I can’t wait to read what actually went down in her life after he left... I know Enzo is going to be hurt from the past and because of what he just did 💔
I don't know where to start. This book was so raw and uncut. You are definitely a beast when it comes to telling a story. Harlem and Enzo had me at go! I mean their lives were so relatable... Oh ad I see McDonald's was a lick for everybody. LMBO Anyway as always a job well done. You got me with that ending so I'mma need book two soon.
Enzo is Bae all day, yeah yeah yeah they will and had some issues but mostly he is the one for Harlem. I can try to formulate part 2 but I will leave it for the expert BriAnn lol. Spoiler you see how having shady ppl like Zeema in your circle can ruin a great thing. This is definitely on for the big screen AWESOME job BriAnn
I liked the book and will be waiting for pt 2. Harlem and Enzo had to get it the best way they could as a teenagers. They both were family oriented . Lucci was a fool. Zeema was pregnant but was it by Trill? What was she doing there? Some minimal errors overall a good book
Omigosh, I'm so ready for part 2! When I say this story plot was intriguing I mean every word! The characters and their life story is so realistic because everyone life isn't peaches and cream whether they from the gutta or not! I just hope Enzo and Harlem can make it after the bomb that was dropped! Briann Danaë no doubt came through with her dynamite pen game!
Books like these are why I love to read. Harlem is definitely from the gutta lol. I loved her spirit, her will to survive, her strength to overcome her circumstances, and I respect her hustle. I hope her and Enzo work it out because he really doesn’t have a reason to be mad anyways. Lucci is hilarious asf. Ready for part 2.
Oh me, oh my!!! BriAnn you have outdid yourself. I dont even know what to say but Damn!!! Girl you are amazing and your gift is priceless! I love everything you write and will always. Keep doing your thang boo!!! Cant even write this review because I'm eagerly anticipating reading part two!!!
Sooo I like Harlem! I really like Harlem! E can’t really be made if she got rid of their baby...he dismissed her...and he doesn’t know if she got rid of it or lost it. Now Harlem didn’t have to jump in front of Zeema bc she was still on some snake stuff. I really enjoyed this read. Can’t wait for part 2!
It's crazy how Harlem and Enzo kept running into each other and had such a strong connection I hate how Harlem mom allowed her man to lay around and not help her out because we you have kids it affects how much shit they carry in their lives. I'm glad she had enough courage to move when he said he was going to hurt her kids. Reading part 2 next
A beautiful story about two young people who try to make something out of nothing. This book touches on DV and the deep psychological issues and long term effects of it. It deals with heart break and betrayal. With finding strength in ones self to keep pushing even when the odds are stacked against you. 10 across the board. Now for part 2
I'm still at a loss for words after reading this amazing book, I'm going to be impatiently waiting for book 2... Just when I was falling in love with main characters i'm left breathless..definitely a great read and a page turner.
Nothing but amazement!! This story here sent me through so many emotions, I tried to take my time but I couldn’t....I love Harlem and where she came from and I even love Enzo more...waiting on part 2!!
Maaannn this book had me like EllaMae soo deep in my feelings but I’m glad you was able to show troubles dont last always !!! Harlem and Enzo are stressing me though !!
I always enjoy reading your work. I love how Enzo and Harlem’s situations were the same yet different and brought them together. Great ending, ready for part 2! Hopefully it won’t be long!