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The Branch Avenue Boys
The Final Play
Three best friends from the streets found success--in very different ways. But with a crisis detonating around them, their bond could also destroy everything they care about . . . No matter how tough the odds, Ricky, Derrick, and Jamal learned to unite and fight during their time at the Branch Avenue Boys’ Youth Institute. But their adult lives have driven them apart—and set off a series of events their friendship may not survive. All Jamal's political achievements can't erase his bargain with D.C.’s corrupt mayor. And when he finds himself the latest target on Mayor Johnson’s hit list, he’ll risk everything to end the mayor’s deadly reign—even if it's the last move he ever makes. Institute head Derrick refuses to cave to D.C. drug king pin Dolla Dolla and sell out all he believes in. But his courageous stand might cost him the Institute—and the woman he loves . . . With a pregnant girlfriend, Ricky can't stay on the run forever. Now he's making a dangerous play to win. But with Derrick and Jamal in Dolla's sights, Ricky and his friends must resolve the conflicts keeping them apart if they want to come back together—even if that means none of the Branch Avenue Boys will be left standing . . . “Ellis makes a promising start in her new Branch Avenue Boys series, which expertly melds elements of gritty urban fiction with contemporary multicultural romance and tells a captivating tale from three different perspectives . . . sure to please fans of De’Nesha Diamond and Victoria Christopher Murray.”—Booklist on In These Streets
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
9 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Ellis
16 books381 followersShelly 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 15, 2020
Senseless violence with a modicum of romance. 2 of 10 stars
October 24, 2019
The Final Play
Shelly Ellis
The Final Play is a gritty urban novel from author, Shelly Ellis. This is the third and final book in the Branch Avenue Boys 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. Life and it’s trials and tribulations weakened those bonds. Relationships have been broken. Can these friends survive the challenges and dangers resulting from the decisions they’ve made and restore the bonds they once had?
Derrick is still the director of the Boys Institute but fears for himself, his staff and the boys he’s responsible for. Local thug Dolla Dolla is threatening all that Derrick holds near and dear to his heart. He must make a decision that will cost him dearly no matter which way he decides.
Jamal knows he made some terrible decisions as Deputy Mayor and is determined to right his wrongs, not realizing the real danger he’s placing himself in.
Ricky’s girlfriend is pregnant and they’re running for their lives. Ricky vows that no harm will come to his woman or his child, no matter what he has to do to protect them. He’s willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his new family.
Ms. Ellis continues the trend in this series and delivers another excellent read. These are the characters I’ve grown to love throughout the series. The plot is compelling. Drama and intrigue are still an integral part of the story. As with the first two books in the series, my attention was held from start to finish. The Final Play is the perfect finale to the series. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all 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.
Shelly Ellis
The Final Play is a gritty urban novel from author, Shelly Ellis. This is the third and final book in the Branch Avenue Boys 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. Life and it’s trials and tribulations weakened those bonds. Relationships have been broken. Can these friends survive the challenges and dangers resulting from the decisions they’ve made and restore the bonds they once had?
Derrick is still the director of the Boys Institute but fears for himself, his staff and the boys he’s responsible for. Local thug Dolla Dolla is threatening all that Derrick holds near and dear to his heart. He must make a decision that will cost him dearly no matter which way he decides.
Jamal knows he made some terrible decisions as Deputy Mayor and is determined to right his wrongs, not realizing the real danger he’s placing himself in.
Ricky’s girlfriend is pregnant and they’re running for their lives. Ricky vows that no harm will come to his woman or his child, no matter what he has to do to protect them. He’s willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his new family.
Ms. Ellis continues the trend in this series and delivers another excellent read. These are the characters I’ve grown to love throughout the series. The plot is compelling. Drama and intrigue are still an integral part of the story. As with the first two books in the series, my attention was held from start to finish. The Final Play is the perfect finale to the series. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all 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.
October 12, 2019
The Final Play is the third book in the Branch Avenue boys series about three friends who find success following different paths. Circumstances in their lives cause destruction that may fracture the friendship and their lives. Now in this final installment, which brings everything full circle we see a different side of Derrick, Jamal and Ricky.
Derrick acknowledges his wrong doings and when given an ultimatum from Dolla Dolla, a known drug dealer, he has to make a hard decision that can affect a lot of people. It was a joy to see the humble side of Derrick.
Jamal progresses the most in the series. He becomes a lot stronger and determined to take his ex-boss Mayor Johnson down. He just doesn’t know there may be consequences. I questioned some of his actions and the way he went about doing certain things in the book. I did enjoy the change in him.
Ricky, my favorite out of the three is a strong character who likes to take risk. He can be blunt at times but is as loyal as they come. He also had the most to loose out of the three. His character shocked me by the end of the book.
Shelly Ellis once again writes a series filled with realistic characters with struggles that remind you of everyday life. Her writing style, plots and developed characters captures you in the first chapter of any of her books. I’m sad to see this series end, but am hopeful her next one is on its way.
I recommend this book to urban fiction readers who like fast paced drama and a hint of suspense with a little action thrown in.
*This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.
A&RBC Rating: 5 Stars=Non-Stop Page Turner
Derrick acknowledges his wrong doings and when given an ultimatum from Dolla Dolla, a known drug dealer, he has to make a hard decision that can affect a lot of people. It was a joy to see the humble side of Derrick.
Jamal progresses the most in the series. He becomes a lot stronger and determined to take his ex-boss Mayor Johnson down. He just doesn’t know there may be consequences. I questioned some of his actions and the way he went about doing certain things in the book. I did enjoy the change in him.
Ricky, my favorite out of the three is a strong character who likes to take risk. He can be blunt at times but is as loyal as they come. He also had the most to loose out of the three. His character shocked me by the end of the book.
Shelly Ellis once again writes a series filled with realistic characters with struggles that remind you of everyday life. Her writing style, plots and developed characters captures you in the first chapter of any of her books. I’m sad to see this series end, but am hopeful her next one is on its way.
I recommend this book to urban fiction readers who like fast paced drama and a hint of suspense with a little action thrown in.
*This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.
A&RBC Rating: 5 Stars=Non-Stop Page Turner
July 2, 2020
NOPE!!!
🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨
Good book, but the ending was WACK!!! From a man's POV, no matter WHAT happens in their relationship, if his friend of twenty plus years ends up with his former lady, THAT "FRIENDSHIP" is over!! Finished!! Kaput!! And the way it played out in this book makes it even more obvious that Jamal AND Melissa are trash.
From the jump Melissa was shady as hell. Always darn complaining, then the way she turned on her father. If Derrick hadn't stepped in, while receiving her withering ire, they still woulda been estranged, and then secretly "hanging out" with Jamal?!?!? She was just as wrong as Derrick was when he was kicking it with Morgan, and even more so because SHE was CONSTANTLY pushing him away and running to his "best" friend to complain about him behind his back. But now she is the aggrieved party?!?! Ooooookay!!!🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 I just really despised the ending.
With caveats, buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨
Good book, but the ending was WACK!!! From a man's POV, no matter WHAT happens in their relationship, if his friend of twenty plus years ends up with his former lady, THAT "FRIENDSHIP" is over!! Finished!! Kaput!! And the way it played out in this book makes it even more obvious that Jamal AND Melissa are trash.
From the jump Melissa was shady as hell. Always darn complaining, then the way she turned on her father. If Derrick hadn't stepped in, while receiving her withering ire, they still woulda been estranged, and then secretly "hanging out" with Jamal?!?!? She was just as wrong as Derrick was when he was kicking it with Morgan, and even more so because SHE was CONSTANTLY pushing him away and running to his "best" friend to complain about him behind his back. But now she is the aggrieved party?!?! Ooooookay!!!🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 I just really despised the ending.
With caveats, buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
November 3, 2019
Thrilling ending to a well-written series.
Read the full review on my blog .
Read the full review on my blog .
November 6, 2019
The final installment of three friends that met at a facility to help young boys, grew up together and have maintained their friendship into adulthood. Together, and have been experiencing drama and mayhem as adults. Truthfully I don't remember a lot when it comes to series, but these characters were never far from my mind, and although it's the last of the series, I truthfully wish it could continue. The characters were real, very relatable, and I was really mad when I had to put it down and get some sleep for work the next day. One of the few series that I have enjoyed every single book in the series. Phenomenal job, and I can't wait to see what the author does for us next.
I received an advanced copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2022
This is the final book in this series written by Shelly Ellis. The story continues to follow the paths of three very close friends, who complicate their lives by the paths in which they take in their journey of life. The journey that is taken complicates their friendships and their lives due to violence, betrayal and love.
The continued friendships cause them each a different hardship that can kill them and that can also destroy each one of them.
This book finally brings all of their individual conflicts together , because all of their dealings are intertwined in some way that impacts them all individually and collectively.
They are all attempting to do the right thing, but circumstances make it very hard to obtain, but in the end it finally works out, because love, understanding & friendship ultimately wins out over all obstacles and life goes on with a renewed friendship and understanding that life is what you make it.
This was an enjoyable book, but I could not get my head around the ultimate betrayal of Jamal & Melissa, although Derrick cheated with Morgan first. This was a hard pill to swallow.
The continued friendships cause them each a different hardship that can kill them and that can also destroy each one of them.
This book finally brings all of their individual conflicts together , because all of their dealings are intertwined in some way that impacts them all individually and collectively.
They are all attempting to do the right thing, but circumstances make it very hard to obtain, but in the end it finally works out, because love, understanding & friendship ultimately wins out over all obstacles and life goes on with a renewed friendship and understanding that life is what you make it.
This was an enjoyable book, but I could not get my head around the ultimate betrayal of Jamal & Melissa, although Derrick cheated with Morgan first. This was a hard pill to swallow.
September 30, 2024
Overall very good series. Entertaining. Action packed. I wouldnt describe this as a romance novel. I'd call this more of a romantic suspense. The relationships def played a part but they took a backseat to the storyline.
This book is about 3 childhood friends- Jamal, Derek, and Ricky- who went through a bunch of bullshit one year in DC. Bulllshit includes the breakup of their friendship, corrupt mayor, blackmail, multiple deaths, birth, arrests, fights, breakups, drugs, prostitution, and drive-by shootings. Looking back at the entire story, I'm dumbfounded at all that happened to these dudes and other innocent parties. The two main villains were the DC mayor and a drug kingpin. A lot of the stuff that happened seemed unbelievable including the ending. Don't know if I buy Jamal and Derek ever resuming a friendship after Jamal starts dating Derek's ex fiance. Also don't know why Ricky and family are in witness protection. This was a 3 book series that held my attention all the way through.
This book is about 3 childhood friends- Jamal, Derek, and Ricky- who went through a bunch of bullshit one year in DC. Bulllshit includes the breakup of their friendship, corrupt mayor, blackmail, multiple deaths, birth, arrests, fights, breakups, drugs, prostitution, and drive-by shootings. Looking back at the entire story, I'm dumbfounded at all that happened to these dudes and other innocent parties. The two main villains were the DC mayor and a drug kingpin. A lot of the stuff that happened seemed unbelievable including the ending. Don't know if I buy Jamal and Derek ever resuming a friendship after Jamal starts dating Derek's ex fiance. Also don't know why Ricky and family are in witness protection. This was a 3 book series that held my attention all the way through.
April 30, 2020
The Final Play is the final installment to Shelly Ellis’ Branch Avenue Boys series. This book was fire from the beginning, starting where book 2 ended. Friends Ricky, Derrick, and Jamal have had each other’s backs since meeting at the Branch Ave. Institute for boys when they were 12 years old. However, in adult hood they have been through a lot of ups and downs but no one saw their friendship being tested. All targeted by the same drug kingpin their lives are spiraling out of control, wrecking havoc on their relationships, careers, businesses, and people connected to them. They’re all in too deep and ready to risk their lives for what they believe in. Will they be left standing to see another day at the end?
November 5, 2019
The Final Play is the last installment in the Branch Avenue Boys trilogy, once again Shelly Ellis did not disappoint. Derrick, Ricky and Jamel are all in trouble and it all leads back to one person Dolla Dolla.
I have enjoyed this series and really hate to see it end, it was nice to read books from the male perspective, how they feel about each other and women. This book has everything you want to read. I look forward to seeing what this author has up her sleeve next.
I have enjoyed this series and really hate to see it end, it was nice to read books from the male perspective, how they feel about each other and women. This book has everything you want to read. I look forward to seeing what this author has up her sleeve next.
December 17, 2019
The best yet!
This is Part 3 of The Branch Avenue Boys series. I am so sorry it’s ending 😩. All 3 books, especially this last one, have been page turners keeping me up late at nite. There is plenty of drama, murder, shootings, a drug kingpin, intrigue, several love stories, sex & friendships tried & tested. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Shelly Ellis is a phenomenal writer & I can’t wait to read more of her work.
This is Part 3 of The Branch Avenue Boys series. I am so sorry it’s ending 😩. All 3 books, especially this last one, have been page turners keeping me up late at nite. There is plenty of drama, murder, shootings, a drug kingpin, intrigue, several love stories, sex & friendships tried & tested. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Shelly Ellis is a phenomenal writer & I can’t wait to read more of her work.
September 27, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the final chapter of the Branch Avenue Boys series! I've been pacing since the end of book two, on pins and needles waiting to hear what happens to Jamal, Derek and Ricky... and most importantly, the Mayor and Dolla Dolla. To say this ending was fitting and satisfying is to seriously short change the ending installment to this series. Simply perfect.
Shelly Ellis writes delicious drama, realistic and nuanced characters in a vivid setting... I plan to re-read all three books now that the series is over. Already can't wait for the next offering from this author.
Shelly Ellis writes delicious drama, realistic and nuanced characters in a vivid setting... I plan to re-read all three books now that the series is over. Already can't wait for the next offering from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2019
EXCELLENT... I was on the EDGE of my seat throughout! Full of drama action and suspense...and the cast of characters is quite COLORFUL and entertaining. An emotional roller coaster ride! WOW....kudos Mrs. Ellis!
May 26, 2020
Great series to read
I highly recommend this series to read. Great story line and it flows smoothly. Characters are easy to remember and the story has all the ingredients to keep readers engrossed. There were no grammatical errors. I hope there is a part 4.
I highly recommend this series to read. Great story line and it flows smoothly. Characters are easy to remember and the story has all the ingredients to keep readers engrossed. There were no grammatical errors. I hope there is a part 4.
June 25, 2022
I liked this book, but didn’t really like the end. I would have liked to read a bit more about Ricky reconnecting with Simone and his child after being away from them both for a little over a year. It was sad to read the the final book in the series and the boys journey.
September 19, 2019
FULL REVIEW COMING SOON... but what a perfect satisfying ending...for everybody.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2020
Great ending!!!!
April 5, 2022
This was a good book. I love the way it portrayed true brother friendship and how they reunited in the end. Great job. We all fall down but we need our brothers and sisters to help up get back up.
February 11, 2024
Very good book!
Read
June 3, 2025Kicked out the book without warning about an hour into.
April 27, 2020
This series went out with a bang! My nerves were all over the place! The action in this book was so real! But I'm glad everything worked out like it was suppose to. The brothers ( best friends) are back cool again and everyone are with the people they love! Couldn't ask for a better series filled with action, drama and love! Great ending to a perfect series! Shelly Ellis is a beast with her pen game and proves why she is one of the best!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews