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House In Virginia
Rapper, Tsu Surf, and National Best Selling Author, Jessica N. Watkins, have collaborated to bring to life for readers the collection of hit songs, "House In Virginia".
Money is the root of all evil. It’s the thirst and hunger for money that is the origin of the ills of this world. It’s where our desperate thoughts and shameful actions are buried. Yet, when we are broke is when we have the most diabolical thoughts; when we are willing to break hearts, destroy relationships… and even ruin our own lives.
Meet Karen Dunlap and Jovan “Jo” Saint: a young, loving couple living the way that many in their mid-twenties are in hoods of New Jersey. Karen is working a minimum wage job, while Jo hustles on the block with his right-hand, Pop. For the five years that Jo and Karen have been together, Karen has been by Jo’s side no matter his struggle because she sees and believes in her man’s potential. Yet, Karen cannot deny that she wants more, to leave the hood, and live a comfortable life of ease. Jo is desperate to come up in the game, not only for his own comfort but for Karen as well. However, before Jo has the chance to sweep his woman off of her feet, a boss, Kway, easily gains Karen’s attention with the glitz and glam of his lifestyle. However, everything that glitters isn’t gold, and Kway is a dull and ugly, cancerous individual that affects the lives of every woman he touches with his negligence and deceit.
Though Karen soon comes to her senses, re-dedicating herself to her man just in time to experience Jo’s long-awaited come up, her decision to step out on her relationship will haunt her forever, proving to be the worst mistake she has ever made. Yet, will it cause her to lose the love of her life for good? Jo is blind to the deceit hovering around him as he and Pop begin the construction of their own empire. He is blindly happy in his newfound riches. Yet, “the more money we come across, the more problems we see”. The rise of Jo and Pop is laced with mayhem, murder, and infidelities that lead to heartbreaking disaster, the loss of lives, and the introduction of new love.
Join Tsu Surf, National Bestselling Author, Jessica N. Watkins, and a host of entertaining characters on this mind-boggling, roller coaster ride of a street love story.
Money is the root of all evil. It’s the thirst and hunger for money that is the origin of the ills of this world. It’s where our desperate thoughts and shameful actions are buried. Yet, when we are broke is when we have the most diabolical thoughts; when we are willing to break hearts, destroy relationships… and even ruin our own lives.
Meet Karen Dunlap and Jovan “Jo” Saint: a young, loving couple living the way that many in their mid-twenties are in hoods of New Jersey. Karen is working a minimum wage job, while Jo hustles on the block with his right-hand, Pop. For the five years that Jo and Karen have been together, Karen has been by Jo’s side no matter his struggle because she sees and believes in her man’s potential. Yet, Karen cannot deny that she wants more, to leave the hood, and live a comfortable life of ease. Jo is desperate to come up in the game, not only for his own comfort but for Karen as well. However, before Jo has the chance to sweep his woman off of her feet, a boss, Kway, easily gains Karen’s attention with the glitz and glam of his lifestyle. However, everything that glitters isn’t gold, and Kway is a dull and ugly, cancerous individual that affects the lives of every woman he touches with his negligence and deceit.
Though Karen soon comes to her senses, re-dedicating herself to her man just in time to experience Jo’s long-awaited come up, her decision to step out on her relationship will haunt her forever, proving to be the worst mistake she has ever made. Yet, will it cause her to lose the love of her life for good? Jo is blind to the deceit hovering around him as he and Pop begin the construction of their own empire. He is blindly happy in his newfound riches. Yet, “the more money we come across, the more problems we see”. The rise of Jo and Pop is laced with mayhem, murder, and infidelities that lead to heartbreaking disaster, the loss of lives, and the introduction of new love.
Join Tsu Surf, National Bestselling Author, Jessica N. Watkins, and a host of entertaining characters on this mind-boggling, roller coaster ride of a street love story.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2019
633 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 8, 2024
whew.
this book was heavy. idk about proceeding to part two because that house in virginia was tugging on my heart strings. poor Jo. i.. cant even.
this book was heavy. idk about proceeding to part two because that house in virginia was tugging on my heart strings. poor Jo. i.. cant even.
September 28, 2019
Once I started finally started reading this story, it held my attention. Karen's situation was realistic and showed how patience was a virtue. Jo truly loved her. Kray was a dangerous soul. Karen's attempt to live like Mekka caused more harm than good. Good character connection and content as I learned the meaning of the title and listened to the song. Looking forward to next part
September 28, 2019
Very good read
The grass is not always greener. Part of me feels for Karen but it’s like she chose to listen to her, “friend”. My heart breaks for Jo—he seems like a genuine person and Karen betrayed. This was a really good book; I read it in about 4 hours or so. The sad thing is, this happens A LOT! Kway is terrible and Shay should have left a long time ago!! Gosh! I have a feeling Mekka is going to pay, that fast life is going to catch up with her. I cannot wait for part 2!!
The grass is not always greener. Part of me feels for Karen but it’s like she chose to listen to her, “friend”. My heart breaks for Jo—he seems like a genuine person and Karen betrayed. This was a really good book; I read it in about 4 hours or so. The sad thing is, this happens A LOT! Kway is terrible and Shay should have left a long time ago!! Gosh! I have a feeling Mekka is going to pay, that fast life is going to catch up with her. I cannot wait for part 2!!
May 7, 2025
I can't believe I waited so many years to read this book! i loved it. the central couple is Karen and Jo. when we meet them, Karen works at Family Dollar and Jo is a corner boy. Karen starts to feel antsy in her relationship bc Jo not rolling in the dough. *pause* Karen works at Family Dollar and mad bc she ain't living a life of luxury. correction. she mad that Jo ain't providing her a life of luxury. instead of increasing her own pockets or living within her means, she decides to entertain another man to meet her needs.
Karen meets Kway. Karen and Kway have sex. Karen and Kway's lives are forever changed by this encounter.
Kway is your typical ain't shit negro except he's carrying a big secret. He has a wife in the suburbs and a condo in the city for his sexcapades. Kway reminded me of cancer. everything he touched he destroyed. hopefully he gets what's coming to him in the next book.
I loved Pop! Jo and Shay were complete victims. i feel bad for December and Karen, even tho she cheated on her bf.
the narration overall good but had a few glitches.
Karen meets Kway. Karen and Kway have sex. Karen and Kway's lives are forever changed by this encounter.
Kway is your typical ain't shit negro except he's carrying a big secret. He has a wife in the suburbs and a condo in the city for his sexcapades. Kway reminded me of cancer. everything he touched he destroyed. hopefully he gets what's coming to him in the next book.
I loved Pop! Jo and Shay were complete victims. i feel bad for December and Karen, even tho she cheated on her bf.
the narration overall good but had a few glitches.
March 13, 2020
I never ever want a House In Virginia. Why do you ask? Because I will not be able to "unload" it. Que the holder of said "house" allowed people indiscriminately to experience his "house". The story moved rather quickly and had a nice level of suspense even though you knew what was going to happen. I enjoyed the narrator and audio production with the exception of the songs playing in between the chapters. They would completely pull me out of the story and by the 3rd instance, I was completely annoyed by it.
September 13, 2019
Oh Karen
This book is stellar! It’s a must to listen to the song after reading. So much is going on for the characters and I can’t wait for all to be revealed. Jo just doesn’t know what is going on though and maybe he needs to check Into the past coming back for him! Can’t wait for the next part!
This book is stellar! It’s a must to listen to the song after reading. So much is going on for the characters and I can’t wait for all to be revealed. Jo just doesn’t know what is going on though and maybe he needs to check Into the past coming back for him! Can’t wait for the next part!
February 4, 2024
Must Read!!!!
Whew!!!!! Lawd there's a lot to unpack about this book. One man has caused drama and trauma in the lives of those close to him and some not as close. To be brutally honest. It was not hard to figure out what Kway was out here carelessly doing with no regards to the lives of other's. I found it out within the first five minutes of reading. Shay is naive, timid, and docile. She was the right woman for him to control. Shay had no clue how much of a cheating, manipulative, narcissistic, piece of s**t that Kway is. Even after finding out devastating news that changed her life. She still stayed and married him. Shay father was absolutely correct when he told her that Kway was going to ruin her life. December head was in the clouds. She thought Kway was going to be the man she married and have children with until his secrets came out. Instead of getting revenge. December allowed Kway to buy her silence but yet she is still miserable knowing that he changed her life forever. Pop thought Kway putting him and his best friend Joe on showed much respect and appreciation. Making Money was their motive until Pop learned what Kway did to his sister December. Pop respect turned to blind rage and revenge. He was willing to do anything to get back at Kway for the pain he caused his sister even if it meant going after someone close to Kway. Pop told Meeka she talked too much and it is very true. Meeka need to gossip about everybody business is the cause of many dealers getting caught up but being a gold digging hoe was her first priority. Meeka should've kept it moving when she found Robert badge. Greed had her not listening to her intuition. Robert knew Meeka was a gold digger and knew how to lure her in. Money and material possessions had her blinded. Gossiping freely on the phone in Robert apartment. Not knowing her conversations are being recorded. Meeka is the last person anybody should take advice from. I don't understand why Karen listen to her. I understand Karen frustration about her and Joe struggles but the answer to their problems wasn't visiting an abortion clinic several times, using abortion as birth control, or listening to her best friend Meeka telling her to cheat. Joe was actually a good dude. He loved Karen wholeheartedly. He was trying his best to hustle to give Karen the life she deserves although he felt their relationship wasn't going to make it after Karen told him his hustle wasn't enough. Joe had no clue the betrayal that Karen was doing behind his back. Karen thought Kway money, swag, and looks was just what she needed. Kway had her distracted and smitten to the point she was making decisions that would have dire consequences. She was clueless to know that the grass isn't always greener on the other side and that Joe was getting money to be able to upgrade their life. Finding out Kway was a wolf in sheep clothing who was married with a child, along with a secret that could ruin her and Joe life. Karen guilt is eating away at her. I honestly hope Joe leave her ass. Kway isn't the only secret Karen is keeping from Joe. She betrayed him multiple times.
Whew!!!!! Lawd there's a lot to unpack about this book. One man has caused drama and trauma in the lives of those close to him and some not as close. To be brutally honest. It was not hard to figure out what Kway was out here carelessly doing with no regards to the lives of other's. I found it out within the first five minutes of reading. Shay is naive, timid, and docile. She was the right woman for him to control. Shay had no clue how much of a cheating, manipulative, narcissistic, piece of s**t that Kway is. Even after finding out devastating news that changed her life. She still stayed and married him. Shay father was absolutely correct when he told her that Kway was going to ruin her life. December head was in the clouds. She thought Kway was going to be the man she married and have children with until his secrets came out. Instead of getting revenge. December allowed Kway to buy her silence but yet she is still miserable knowing that he changed her life forever. Pop thought Kway putting him and his best friend Joe on showed much respect and appreciation. Making Money was their motive until Pop learned what Kway did to his sister December. Pop respect turned to blind rage and revenge. He was willing to do anything to get back at Kway for the pain he caused his sister even if it meant going after someone close to Kway. Pop told Meeka she talked too much and it is very true. Meeka need to gossip about everybody business is the cause of many dealers getting caught up but being a gold digging hoe was her first priority. Meeka should've kept it moving when she found Robert badge. Greed had her not listening to her intuition. Robert knew Meeka was a gold digger and knew how to lure her in. Money and material possessions had her blinded. Gossiping freely on the phone in Robert apartment. Not knowing her conversations are being recorded. Meeka is the last person anybody should take advice from. I don't understand why Karen listen to her. I understand Karen frustration about her and Joe struggles but the answer to their problems wasn't visiting an abortion clinic several times, using abortion as birth control, or listening to her best friend Meeka telling her to cheat. Joe was actually a good dude. He loved Karen wholeheartedly. He was trying his best to hustle to give Karen the life she deserves although he felt their relationship wasn't going to make it after Karen told him his hustle wasn't enough. Joe had no clue the betrayal that Karen was doing behind his back. Karen thought Kway money, swag, and looks was just what she needed. Kway had her distracted and smitten to the point she was making decisions that would have dire consequences. She was clueless to know that the grass isn't always greener on the other side and that Joe was getting money to be able to upgrade their life. Finding out Kway was a wolf in sheep clothing who was married with a child, along with a secret that could ruin her and Joe life. Karen guilt is eating away at her. I honestly hope Joe leave her ass. Kway isn't the only secret Karen is keeping from Joe. She betrayed him multiple times.
December 9, 2020
Awesome book Great concert and eye opener
I loveeeeeeee Jessica sooooooo much and turf I’m so proud of you This book was really good I’m mad I had it sitting in my kindle for ever procrastinating about reading it it was well worth it. All the twist and Secrets I cant believe Karen I’m very disappointed in her I really like Jo he deserve so much better . You never leave your man when down or try to down play his hustle yeah of you what better for him but your suppose to be his number 1 support where I’m from Aint to many Jo’s around he’s a real man Pop that’s my dawg fasho I feel so bad for poor shay ! Kway he’s a sad excuse of a disloyal selfish Nasty dirty Man he’s the devil idc he deserves everything that comes to him This book was really a eye opener my mouth was Wide open I jut couldn’t believe he would be okay doing something like tha to women and continued . Wow this goes to show you how Men really are WOAH . I pray December gets happiness mekka A busser I don’t really like her lol but very great Lovedddddd this book So much I will be jumping right into part 2 .
I loveeeeeeee Jessica sooooooo much and turf I’m so proud of you This book was really good I’m mad I had it sitting in my kindle for ever procrastinating about reading it it was well worth it. All the twist and Secrets I cant believe Karen I’m very disappointed in her I really like Jo he deserve so much better . You never leave your man when down or try to down play his hustle yeah of you what better for him but your suppose to be his number 1 support where I’m from Aint to many Jo’s around he’s a real man Pop that’s my dawg fasho I feel so bad for poor shay ! Kway he’s a sad excuse of a disloyal selfish Nasty dirty Man he’s the devil idc he deserves everything that comes to him This book was really a eye opener my mouth was Wide open I jut couldn’t believe he would be okay doing something like tha to women and continued . Wow this goes to show you how Men really are WOAH . I pray December gets happiness mekka A busser I don’t really like her lol but very great Lovedddddd this book So much I will be jumping right into part 2 .
January 31, 2021
Wow!!!!!!! Fiyah!!!!!
Kway is swagged out, top of his game and not shid in many women eyes. He believes Shay is the love of his life but I truly believe he is incapable. As him and Shay walk down the isle December finds out and she is his first victim besides his wife! December has a true cake baked for Kway and will involve her brother Pop. Looking for a come up Pop and Jo finally get theirs when December hooks Pop up with Kway. Jo and his woman Karen finally have a “come up “moment and they are starting to live a good life. Meeka Karen’s bff is always encouraging her buddy to date others since Jo cannot help her financially and she meets the dapper Kway ready to fulfill all her dreams. These folks need to remember “No glove, no love” . Meeka meets Rob and then later finds out he’s a 👮♂️? Rob has made her soo comfortable that she is snitchin every second she’s at his place. This world is soo cold and drug busts, dead bodies, abortions, diseases will hit doorsteps left and right! Part 2 is going to be a mutha!
Kway is swagged out, top of his game and not shid in many women eyes. He believes Shay is the love of his life but I truly believe he is incapable. As him and Shay walk down the isle December finds out and she is his first victim besides his wife! December has a true cake baked for Kway and will involve her brother Pop. Looking for a come up Pop and Jo finally get theirs when December hooks Pop up with Kway. Jo and his woman Karen finally have a “come up “moment and they are starting to live a good life. Meeka Karen’s bff is always encouraging her buddy to date others since Jo cannot help her financially and she meets the dapper Kway ready to fulfill all her dreams. These folks need to remember “No glove, no love” . Meeka meets Rob and then later finds out he’s a 👮♂️? Rob has made her soo comfortable that she is snitchin every second she’s at his place. This world is soo cold and drug busts, dead bodies, abortions, diseases will hit doorsteps left and right! Part 2 is going to be a mutha!
September 3, 2020
LOVED IT
I really enjoyed this story and the songs fit perfect with the scenes that were playing out. Very well written and great character development. This book had my attention just from the prologue. These characters had a lot going on from financial struggle, infidelity, gold digging, lies and deceit. It's a small world on the streets of jersey and these characters become connected in more ways than one. I loved Karen and Jo together but what happened to stand by your man. I understand her frustration of having to struggle but Jo was willing to do whatever it took to make her happy. Mekka and Kway were so similar I'm surprised they didn't end up together. This book will have you feeling all kinds of emotions with the actions of these characters. Now that things have started to unravel, what will happen next. A must read.
I really enjoyed this story and the songs fit perfect with the scenes that were playing out. Very well written and great character development. This book had my attention just from the prologue. These characters had a lot going on from financial struggle, infidelity, gold digging, lies and deceit. It's a small world on the streets of jersey and these characters become connected in more ways than one. I loved Karen and Jo together but what happened to stand by your man. I understand her frustration of having to struggle but Jo was willing to do whatever it took to make her happy. Mekka and Kway were so similar I'm surprised they didn't end up together. This book will have you feeling all kinds of emotions with the actions of these characters. Now that things have started to unravel, what will happen next. A must read.
June 2, 2020
House of Virginia is Fya!!!
This book had me so angry. I was mad at Karen though I understood her frustration, but it’s either be down or move on. Jo was such a good guy my heart bleed for him. He’s one of those guys that just need a break in life. He wasn’t lazy or unmotivated, just unsure of himself. He put Karen on a pedestal that she didn’t deserve. Her homegirl just talks entirely too much. I don’t know how trustworthy anyone with a mouth that big can be. Ugh and Kway just made me want to beat him with his narcissism. Great read definitely worth checking out. I can’t wait for part two.
This book had me so angry. I was mad at Karen though I understood her frustration, but it’s either be down or move on. Jo was such a good guy my heart bleed for him. He’s one of those guys that just need a break in life. He wasn’t lazy or unmotivated, just unsure of himself. He put Karen on a pedestal that she didn’t deserve. Her homegirl just talks entirely too much. I don’t know how trustworthy anyone with a mouth that big can be. Ugh and Kway just made me want to beat him with his narcissism. Great read definitely worth checking out. I can’t wait for part two.
February 23, 2022
Twist, turns and secrets.
I enjoyed reading this story. Jo loved Karen unconditionally. Karen had a weak moment and believed the grass was greener on the other side and in the end got caught. Mecca had diarrhea of the mouth and couldn't hold water and Katrina was the same way. December thought she was the one and only with Kway; however, he had to explain the awful truth. Kway had real female issues. I liked Pop, Rob was getting caught up in his fling. Shay, oh Shay. This story confirms that everything that looks good ain't good for you. Jessica Watkins did a good job with this book.
I enjoyed reading this story. Jo loved Karen unconditionally. Karen had a weak moment and believed the grass was greener on the other side and in the end got caught. Mecca had diarrhea of the mouth and couldn't hold water and Katrina was the same way. December thought she was the one and only with Kway; however, he had to explain the awful truth. Kway had real female issues. I liked Pop, Rob was getting caught up in his fling. Shay, oh Shay. This story confirms that everything that looks good ain't good for you. Jessica Watkins did a good job with this book.
May 8, 2020
As a fan of Tsu Surf as a rapper I was already intrigued and this was a great introduction to Urban Fiction for me. The characters were very well developed and I was locked in on the dynamics for Jo and Karen’s relationship. He really painted a great picture of what life is like in the hood when you’re struggling and dealing is the only way out. Already looking forward to reading part two
July 16, 2020
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This story starts off with Shay being kidnapped. My first impression of Kway is he is the devil in disguise. Although Shay still marry Kway despite his deceitful ways. Karen is loyal to Jo, but her greed leads her to Kway, but everything that glitters is not gold. This story was definitely a page turner.
This story starts off with Shay being kidnapped. My first impression of Kway is he is the devil in disguise. Although Shay still marry Kway despite his deceitful ways. Karen is loyal to Jo, but her greed leads her to Kway, but everything that glitters is not gold. This story was definitely a page turner.
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October 3, 2020A hidden gem
It was A GREAT READ!!
I would have never guess House In Virginia was an acronym for HIV. In about to read book 2.
Shay is kind of my favorite character her and Jo. Jo is so in love with Karen he to me was the only innocent character his only motive was to do better get better for him and Karen he had no hidden agenda. This is a hidden gem.
It was A GREAT READ!!
I would have never guess House In Virginia was an acronym for HIV. In about to read book 2.
Shay is kind of my favorite character her and Jo. Jo is so in love with Karen he to me was the only innocent character his only motive was to do better get better for him and Karen he had no hidden agenda. This is a hidden gem.
September 5, 2023
Karen & Jo have been dating for five years. Karen is tired of working her dead end job & dating a low level corner boy. One day Karen meets Kway. Not only is Kway a big time drug dealer, but he’s been going out of his way to get Karen’s attention. But Kway has a lot of secrets he’s been hiding from Karen. One that might eventually change her life forever.
June 30, 2020
Lord Child!!!
I could not put this book down! This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! Jo was a man truly in love. All Karen had to do was wait on time and not listen to her bag chasing friend. It's on to book 2.
I could not put this book down! This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! Jo was a man truly in love. All Karen had to do was wait on time and not listen to her bag chasing friend. It's on to book 2.
August 16, 2020
Just my opinion
This book was really good. The situation was really fucked up. All these innocent people getting f'd over is so wrong, but I understand it's realistic. And poor Jo, and Shay.
This book was really good. The situation was really fucked up. All these innocent people getting f'd over is so wrong, but I understand it's realistic. And poor Jo, and Shay.
August 27, 2020
Love the book! For me, it only got 4 stars because it took too long to get to the nitty gritty. Also, the foreshadowing at the end of the chapters threw me off. Overall though, can’t wait for part 2 this weekend.
August 29, 2020
It was a decent read. I figured out the plot within the first few pages. Shay, Jo, December, Pop, Karen and Meeka are connected by one triflin man...Kway. Kway is responsible for single handedly ruining people’s lives. And those who he is connected to will have to pay the price too.
April 15, 2020
Five stars
The story was good!. Very well written. Story kept my attention and was very interesting. I wish I had more. I'll be waiting for part 2.
The story was good!. Very well written. Story kept my attention and was very interesting. I wish I had more. I'll be waiting for part 2.
April 27, 2020
Book was okay, definitely fit the genre. Took me a while to figure out what house in Virginia meant.
September 4, 2020
The best
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Wow it wasn't predictable. I loved it. I can't wait to read part 2. Highly recommend
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Wow it wasn't predictable. I loved it. I can't wait to read part 2. Highly recommend
November 17, 2020
Lies
What happens when you feel like your world is crashing on you? Karen is getting everything at the wrong time! What is Pop doing? All are questions I have for book 2. Thank you
What happens when you feel like your world is crashing on you? Karen is getting everything at the wrong time! What is Pop doing? All are questions I have for book 2. Thank you
January 4, 2021
Awesome
Jessica Watkins did it again. Talk about suspense. I had so many emotions while reading this book. Karma is a something else.
Jessica Watkins did it again. Talk about suspense. I had so many emotions while reading this book. Karma is a something else.
March 10, 2021
Loved reading this book.
March 23, 2021
I'm giving this 4 stars cause I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook ❤️❤️ It kept me entertained. I'm refraining from 5 stars because I was so sick of hearing the words... However, therefore, and yet.
September 7, 2021
👍👍👍
I hate to leave reviews, but I want to on this one. This was a very good book, read it within 24 hours. I suggest if you come across it , you read it. On to part two.
I hate to leave reviews, but I want to on this one. This was a very good book, read it within 24 hours. I suggest if you come across it , you read it. On to part two.
April 9, 2023
Jessica never disappoints! Really enjoyed this story and looking forward to see how it ends.
April 11, 2025
wow
I had to read this book because I love the song. The joint force with Jessica made this book that much better. Can’t wait to read part 2
I had to read this book because I love the song. The joint force with Jessica made this book that much better. Can’t wait to read part 2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews