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I Should've Chose My Heart
Growing up in the Greenway Projects, things like graduating and going to college was unheard of. Ackees Vanderburg was eager to prove to everyone that he was the anomaly. Not only was Ackees graduating but he was headed to college on a full football scholarship. At least that was the plan. What happens when he’s forced to choose between his dreams and his heart, will he make the right decision? Gion Fitts was spoiled by nature. Growing up with a dad in the game, she had grown accustomed to the thought, money equals love. Gion felt that everything she wanted was within her grasp, especially when it came to her father and Ackees. When she offers Ackees the opportunity of a lifetime, it puts their relationship on the line. When it all boils down, will he choose her, or will her secrets force him into the arms of someone else? Sidris Valla never knew the feeling of being number one in anyone’s life outside of her best friend, Ackees. Not knowing her father and her mother choosing to spend time with different suitors instead of raising her, embedded a host of trust issues in her heart. Her friendship with Ackees was something that she cherished, to the point that she tucked away her true feelings that she held for him. When forced to release her deepest, most inner thoughts, Sidris is left vulnerable and praying that their bond will weather the storm. Money Vanderburg, cousin of Ackees Vanderburg, is how he was seen around the Greenway Projects. Everything about his very existence started and ended with Ackees and he hated it. When an opportunity arises that puts him in position to finally get out of his cousin’s shadow, he rises to the occasion, but at what cost? The battle between want and need when it comes to love, is one that can leave you completely fulfilled or one that will leave you full of regret and wondering if you should’ve chose your heart.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2020
494 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 14, 2020
Highly recommended
This is a definite must read. Some parts of the book were really deep. In life forgiveness is not always easy, this book will make you really think. Money and Kees relationship was a relationship only the two of them would ever understand. This author does not disappoint!
This is a definite must read. Some parts of the book were really deep. In life forgiveness is not always easy, this book will make you really think. Money and Kees relationship was a relationship only the two of them would ever understand. This author does not disappoint!
July 1, 2020
Loved it❤️
This was a little different, but no less entertaining. I loved this story and I couldn’t put it down. So happy it was a stand-alone.
This was a little different, but no less entertaining. I loved this story and I couldn’t put it down. So happy it was a stand-alone.
August 8, 2020
😔😔😔
I absolutely looove Nikki Brown, and I dont think I've read a story by her I didn't like... until now. This story was super drawn out. So many things could've been taken out, I lost interest and was skipping pages, and I'm not use to that with her stories. It just seemed like too much was happening but then nothing at all (if that makes sense). Also it was super repetitive, I feel like every other page was telling us how spoiled and entitled Gion was, or how Sid's mother was a deadbeat, or how football was Ackee's passion etc... Also aside from sex and Sid losing her virginity to Kees there was nothing to their relationship. We didn't really get a build up we were told that they were best friends and that they knew each other since they were 5, but we didn't get to experience it, and the reason they belonged together. Awe yea and I most definitely HATE the hide the baby storyline in ANY story and wish it would stop. It's not cute or any excuse why women do this, if it was the villain it wouldn't have been any excuse given to make it okay that she hid a whole pregnancy and had the baby 🙄🙄🙄.
All in all I'm disappointed in this story, but everyone is entitled to one mess up, because when i say love all her books except the paranormal book (and that don't count because she was stepping outside her comfort zone, and I have to gove her props for that) I really love her books.
I absolutely looove Nikki Brown, and I dont think I've read a story by her I didn't like... until now. This story was super drawn out. So many things could've been taken out, I lost interest and was skipping pages, and I'm not use to that with her stories. It just seemed like too much was happening but then nothing at all (if that makes sense). Also it was super repetitive, I feel like every other page was telling us how spoiled and entitled Gion was, or how Sid's mother was a deadbeat, or how football was Ackee's passion etc... Also aside from sex and Sid losing her virginity to Kees there was nothing to their relationship. We didn't really get a build up we were told that they were best friends and that they knew each other since they were 5, but we didn't get to experience it, and the reason they belonged together. Awe yea and I most definitely HATE the hide the baby storyline in ANY story and wish it would stop. It's not cute or any excuse why women do this, if it was the villain it wouldn't have been any excuse given to make it okay that she hid a whole pregnancy and had the baby 🙄🙄🙄.
All in all I'm disappointed in this story, but everyone is entitled to one mess up, because when i say love all her books except the paranormal book (and that don't count because she was stepping outside her comfort zone, and I have to gove her props for that) I really love her books.
July 1, 2020
🤯
Literally this book just kept me on my toes and I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. Kees was a bright young man with an opportunity to make it out of the hood. With a full ride to play football at Clemson University, nothing was going to hold Kees back. He had another life at home being a leader and one of the top men in the city. He left it all behind and that was so admirable to me. On the flip side, his cousin and right hand, Money, had other ideas for his own life.. the theme with these two was jealousy! Money’s greed was his ultimate downfall. Money (whewwww) he took me through it; the whole book I was upset with his character 🤣. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that he hated his cousin so much. There was so much drama surrounding the women, Gion and Sidris. Gion couldn’t get out her own way and in the end she was left without Kees or Money. And Sidris wasn’t perfect but I understood her reasoning for a lot of the things that she did. Overall, I enjoyed reading this. I think for a stand-alone it kept my interest and there was a good balance with the drama—like, nothing was crazy over the top. Good read for me.
Literally this book just kept me on my toes and I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. Kees was a bright young man with an opportunity to make it out of the hood. With a full ride to play football at Clemson University, nothing was going to hold Kees back. He had another life at home being a leader and one of the top men in the city. He left it all behind and that was so admirable to me. On the flip side, his cousin and right hand, Money, had other ideas for his own life.. the theme with these two was jealousy! Money’s greed was his ultimate downfall. Money (whewwww) he took me through it; the whole book I was upset with his character 🤣. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that he hated his cousin so much. There was so much drama surrounding the women, Gion and Sidris. Gion couldn’t get out her own way and in the end she was left without Kees or Money. And Sidris wasn’t perfect but I understood her reasoning for a lot of the things that she did. Overall, I enjoyed reading this. I think for a stand-alone it kept my interest and there was a good balance with the drama—like, nothing was crazy over the top. Good read for me.
April 26, 2024
I'm not new to the author. I love her books. However, I must admit. I hate football and the beginning chapters I almost gave up on this book and said forget it lol the beginning was based on Ackees football dreams, which he did fulfill, and his so call love life with the wrong chick. The drama started getting good once he got with Sidris. I'm glad Sidris came into his life. That's most definitely the woman for him. I really don't feel bad for the first girl in jail that Ackees had. For some reason I automatically decided I don't like her (I done forgot the girl name that fast lol). She was right about 1 thang though. She should have chosen her heart for sho. She faced her karma for not supporting Ackees. I mean why choose living the street life over something legal legit and guaranteed 🤔 she stupid 🤦🏾♀️ well...until next time ✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾
April 28, 2021
Loving through Pain
What I didn’t like was how disloyal or ungrateful Gion was!! Ackees reminds me f the male version of myself. I fault her father as well because father’s are a daughters first love and failed her ! As for Sadris and Ackees I just love them ! I can relate a lot to this book ! I love how they had some strong and loving grandparents! I love the growth throughout the entire book ! This was definitely a good real !! If I had to be a real a dude in the streets it would definitely be one like Ackees! I hate how jealous really be clouded people’s mind to cause them to do something’ that’s not even worth doing ! Ackees hurt was so big and wanted to see everyone win!! I definitely loved reading this book!
What I didn’t like was how disloyal or ungrateful Gion was!! Ackees reminds me f the male version of myself. I fault her father as well because father’s are a daughters first love and failed her ! As for Sadris and Ackees I just love them ! I can relate a lot to this book ! I love how they had some strong and loving grandparents! I love the growth throughout the entire book ! This was definitely a good real !! If I had to be a real a dude in the streets it would definitely be one like Ackees! I hate how jealous really be clouded people’s mind to cause them to do something’ that’s not even worth doing ! Ackees hurt was so big and wanted to see everyone win!! I definitely loved reading this book!
July 4, 2020
Absolutely Amazing
Ackees Vandeburg!! Ackees was a man that knew what he wanted out of life from the day he graduated high school and definitely didn't let anyone or anything block his decisions! Gion and Money thought his love for them would keep him from following his dreams. He realized Gion was a place holder for his true love, Sidris. He made some mistakes with Sidris, but he fixed them and followed his heart and well as his dreams! Money and Gion were both out for themselves and all about their next come up. Karma paid them both in the worst way. This was a great book!
Ackees Vandeburg!! Ackees was a man that knew what he wanted out of life from the day he graduated high school and definitely didn't let anyone or anything block his decisions! Gion and Money thought his love for them would keep him from following his dreams. He realized Gion was a place holder for his true love, Sidris. He made some mistakes with Sidris, but he fixed them and followed his heart and well as his dreams! Money and Gion were both out for themselves and all about their next come up. Karma paid them both in the worst way. This was a great book!
June 30, 2020
Beating the odds, and expectations!
The story took me on a rough ride and ended with a slightly better version than I expected. I knew Ackees would stick to his goals of making his family proud. His best friend Sidris, I also knew would play in his decision making process. His girl Gion was a piece of work, and I felt so sad for Money's messed up way of thinking. Grandma Ella and Papa Charles cracked me up. The story had many turns and kept me turning pages. It was a good urban tale about beating the odds.
The story took me on a rough ride and ended with a slightly better version than I expected. I knew Ackees would stick to his goals of making his family proud. His best friend Sidris, I also knew would play in his decision making process. His girl Gion was a piece of work, and I felt so sad for Money's messed up way of thinking. Grandma Ella and Papa Charles cracked me up. The story had many turns and kept me turning pages. It was a good urban tale about beating the odds.
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July 6, 2020Great Read
This standalone was good from beginning to end. I loved the unbreakable bond between Sidris and Ackees. Even though, they'd expert a year apart, it made them stronger once they reunited. Money, was a troubled soul and didn't realize how much he was loved. Which lead to him spiraling out of control. Gion, was money hunger, selfish and spoiled. The snakes got exactly what they deserve. I'm so glad that everyone else got their happy ending and then some. Great job Nikki Brown.
This standalone was good from beginning to end. I loved the unbreakable bond between Sidris and Ackees. Even though, they'd expert a year apart, it made them stronger once they reunited. Money, was a troubled soul and didn't realize how much he was loved. Which lead to him spiraling out of control. Gion, was money hunger, selfish and spoiled. The snakes got exactly what they deserve. I'm so glad that everyone else got their happy ending and then some. Great job Nikki Brown.
July 29, 2020
A great read
This book was a nonstopper. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. I didn’t want to put it down. I love how the families were by each other’s side at all times. Ms. Ella & Mr. Charles were great grandparents. The whole Village raised by them in a good way. It’s just some fall short. Happy for Kees, Sid & the baby. I’m also happy for Kees mom. Sad for Money & his mom. But every thing happens for a reason. I was sad when it ended. I wish there was a part 2 in the making. Again this was a great read.
This book was a nonstopper. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. I didn’t want to put it down. I love how the families were by each other’s side at all times. Ms. Ella & Mr. Charles were great grandparents. The whole Village raised by them in a good way. It’s just some fall short. Happy for Kees, Sid & the baby. I’m also happy for Kees mom. Sad for Money & his mom. But every thing happens for a reason. I was sad when it ended. I wish there was a part 2 in the making. Again this was a great read.
September 2, 2020
Good read!
Ms.Brown writing has evolved with her choice in characters. Always like how the leading males are locked once they fall in love. Like how some of the characters chose college over their “hood lifestyle”. Don’t like the “hood” mentality been the vocal point in all of these stories, especially with the characters been so young which is a given for immature behavior.
Young adults would probably enjoy reading this.
Even though the story was drawn out,I gave it a 5 rating because it was interesting and a stand-alone.
Ms.Brown writing has evolved with her choice in characters. Always like how the leading males are locked once they fall in love. Like how some of the characters chose college over their “hood lifestyle”. Don’t like the “hood” mentality been the vocal point in all of these stories, especially with the characters been so young which is a given for immature behavior.
Young adults would probably enjoy reading this.
Even though the story was drawn out,I gave it a 5 rating because it was interesting and a stand-alone.
September 17, 2022
a story of good and bad
Good storyline, a little twist. Kees was my favorite inspiration character but Money was my favorite broken character, it seemed he was broken from beginning of story. My heart ached and grieved for Money throughout the book, I just felt sorry for him. He just couldn’t conquered his demons but he should’ve been given a chance to get his life in order. Charles and Ella are also my favorite, they were so hilarious. I love their unconditional love for both boys. Sidris not a favorite of mines. And I just loved Jeran.
Good storyline, a little twist. Kees was my favorite inspiration character but Money was my favorite broken character, it seemed he was broken from beginning of story. My heart ached and grieved for Money throughout the book, I just felt sorry for him. He just couldn’t conquered his demons but he should’ve been given a chance to get his life in order. Charles and Ella are also my favorite, they were so hilarious. I love their unconditional love for both boys. Sidris not a favorite of mines. And I just loved Jeran.
June 28, 2020
Heart Wins
Man this book took me through the motions. I love Sidris and Ackees relationship and I’m glad they made their way back to each other in the end. I wish Money would have got out of his own way but life happens. That damn Jaren was a whole mess and I LOVED it!! Hopefully we can get a cute update on the Vanderburg family, especially with new baby coming along. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a dope read!
Man this book took me through the motions. I love Sidris and Ackees relationship and I’m glad they made their way back to each other in the end. I wish Money would have got out of his own way but life happens. That damn Jaren was a whole mess and I LOVED it!! Hopefully we can get a cute update on the Vanderburg family, especially with new baby coming along. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a dope read!
July 5, 2020
Really Good!
This was a really good book and I loved that it was standalone. This book encompassed everything that I love in a book. There were so many emotions that I went through while reading this book. I was happy , sad, mad, anxious, depressed and estactic. Loved all of the characters especially Ackees and Sydris. So glad they got their hea. Nikki, you have gained a new fan!
This was a really good book and I loved that it was standalone. This book encompassed everything that I love in a book. There were so many emotions that I went through while reading this book. I was happy , sad, mad, anxious, depressed and estactic. Loved all of the characters especially Ackees and Sydris. So glad they got their hea. Nikki, you have gained a new fan!
July 5, 2020
Hmmmm
I really wanted to like this book...Ugh 3.5 at best.
I loved the friendship and young to finding ones true self and enjoyed how to book touched on emotional impact...but the book drags and I even skipped a few and still missed nothing. I believe that the story line developed well but the drag and unneeded details really took away from the story. In the end everyone got they deserved.
I really wanted to like this book...Ugh 3.5 at best.
I loved the friendship and young to finding ones true self and enjoyed how to book touched on emotional impact...but the book drags and I even skipped a few and still missed nothing. I believe that the story line developed well but the drag and unneeded details really took away from the story. In the end everyone got they deserved.
July 11, 2020
Awesome Book
This book was everything, I love Charles and Ella’s relationship they make getting older with the love of your life worth it. Ackees and Sidris the saying comes to mind if you love someone let them go if it’s meant to be they will find there way back to you. This is the relationship that they had. I’m so glad they got it together. Money, Melody and Gion got exactly what they deserve. Please read this book if I could give it more than 5 stars.
This book was everything, I love Charles and Ella’s relationship they make getting older with the love of your life worth it. Ackees and Sidris the saying comes to mind if you love someone let them go if it’s meant to be they will find there way back to you. This is the relationship that they had. I’m so glad they got it together. Money, Melody and Gion got exactly what they deserve. Please read this book if I could give it more than 5 stars.
July 16, 2020
My Favorite Author!!!!
Ok now I do have a lot of authors which I adore but this same author is who introduced me to them because I needed a style of writing similar to hers therefore she will always be my favorite. Now as for this book Mannnnn. Usually standalone feel like something is missing or it feel rushed but not this one, trust me when I say she is going to take you on a rideeeeeee,
Ok now I do have a lot of authors which I adore but this same author is who introduced me to them because I needed a style of writing similar to hers therefore she will always be my favorite. Now as for this book Mannnnn. Usually standalone feel like something is missing or it feel rushed but not this one, trust me when I say she is going to take you on a rideeeeeee,
August 7, 2020
Nice very nice
Omg this standalone is lit. I hate my boy had to go through all of that hurt but he cane out on top. Now his brother/cousin I hated the stuff that he was doing and I was sad when he died. But at least him and his mom is in a better place. His grandma E is a firecracker she was off the chain and I enjoyed reading another book of urs. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
Omg this standalone is lit. I hate my boy had to go through all of that hurt but he cane out on top. Now his brother/cousin I hated the stuff that he was doing and I was sad when he died. But at least him and his mom is in a better place. His grandma E is a firecracker she was off the chain and I enjoyed reading another book of urs. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
June 29, 2020
You did that, again!!!!
Great read. Kees is one of the most selfless ppl and that made me love him. Sidris, im glad she followed her heart and told him how she felt, which after trial and tribulations brought her to her forever. Now, Money was just heartless and selfish as was Gion. Ella reminded me of Siya. Great read sis.
Great read. Kees is one of the most selfless ppl and that made me love him. Sidris, im glad she followed her heart and told him how she felt, which after trial and tribulations brought her to her forever. Now, Money was just heartless and selfish as was Gion. Ella reminded me of Siya. Great read sis.
June 29, 2020
A must read.
Nikki, you deserve 10⭐ with this book. I loved everything about it. Money was a troubled person and I actually felt a little bad for him but the things he did were so grimy. Now Gion was just so money hungry and the one thing she said right was that she was looking for someone like her dad. Karma ain't know joke. This was a must read!!!!!
Nikki, you deserve 10⭐ with this book. I loved everything about it. Money was a troubled person and I actually felt a little bad for him but the things he did were so grimy. Now Gion was just so money hungry and the one thing she said right was that she was looking for someone like her dad. Karma ain't know joke. This was a must read!!!!!
July 1, 2020
Great Read
I really enjoyed this standalone. The storyline was written so well and everything flowed together! The characters was amazing.. I would have never thought two cousins were really brothers! I couldn’t put it down it was just that good! This authors growth has been amazing and I’m so glad I have been here for the ride
I really enjoyed this standalone. The storyline was written so well and everything flowed together! The characters was amazing.. I would have never thought two cousins were really brothers! I couldn’t put it down it was just that good! This authors growth has been amazing and I’m so glad I have been here for the ride
July 1, 2020
Awwwww this was so good
Money got what was coming to him he should have listen to his family and went to school trying to be the next Dope boy and it cause him his life but I’m happy for Sid and Ackees Jeran was funny and I’m happy about him and his mom relationship I need a spin-off
Money got what was coming to him he should have listen to his family and went to school trying to be the next Dope boy and it cause him his life but I’m happy for Sid and Ackees Jeran was funny and I’m happy about him and his mom relationship I need a spin-off
July 2, 2020
I Should’ve Chose My Heart 💜
That was an awesome story! I loved everything about it! I knew Money would eventually get his karma but that’s life! Sidris and Ackees deserved their happy ending!! I gave it 5 stars ⭐️ because it was a great read and will recommend all my friends to read it! Great job!!
That was an awesome story! I loved everything about it! I knew Money would eventually get his karma but that’s life! Sidris and Ackees deserved their happy ending!! I gave it 5 stars ⭐️ because it was a great read and will recommend all my friends to read it! Great job!!
July 3, 2020
Great read!!!!
I knew that Sidris was made for Ackees. Money would have been ok if he would have just gotten the help he needed. Im glad Gion realized the error in her ways. I hope her lil girl has a better outlook on life. Melody should have least tried. She hated him from birth and always let him know.
I knew that Sidris was made for Ackees. Money would have been ok if he would have just gotten the help he needed. Im glad Gion realized the error in her ways. I hope her lil girl has a better outlook on life. Melody should have least tried. She hated him from birth and always let him know.
July 7, 2020
Great Read
A great read that is well written with a steady flow. Family dysfunction at it's best. Well developed characters that are all dealing with the same issue. They are all missing the love of a parent, and all deal with it in different ways. Nikki Brown always delivers a fire read and never disappoints.
A great read that is well written with a steady flow. Family dysfunction at it's best. Well developed characters that are all dealing with the same issue. They are all missing the love of a parent, and all deal with it in different ways. Nikki Brown always delivers a fire read and never disappoints.
July 18, 2020
GREAT BOOK!!!
Nikki never disappoints me. I absolutely loved this book. It was great from beginning to end. I love Ackees and Sidris together. They were meant for each other. Grandma Ella was something else, I loved her. This is most definitely a must read. You'll never be disappointed reading Nikki Brown's books..Great job as usual Nikki..
Nikki never disappoints me. I absolutely loved this book. It was great from beginning to end. I love Ackees and Sidris together. They were meant for each other. Grandma Ella was something else, I loved her. This is most definitely a must read. You'll never be disappointed reading Nikki Brown's books..Great job as usual Nikki..
July 29, 2020
Deserved 10 stars 🌟
Nikki Brown wrote the heck out this story. I honestly started writing this then I read something else....I thought it would be predictable 😕 boy was I wrong. When everything was revealed you just couldn't believe have deceitful Money was.The only thing you have come to your oqn conclusion about what happened to all other characters.
Nikki Brown wrote the heck out this story. I honestly started writing this then I read something else....I thought it would be predictable 😕 boy was I wrong. When everything was revealed you just couldn't believe have deceitful Money was.The only thing you have come to your oqn conclusion about what happened to all other characters.
August 11, 2020
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Omg 😲 I got this book when it was first released but i couldn't read it. Nikki is one of my favs so i already knew i wasn't going to be disappointed. Baaaabbbyyy this was a good book. The drama, family secrets,and the betrayal all had you in your feelings!! It's a must read. I hate it's over
Omg 😲 I got this book when it was first released but i couldn't read it. Nikki is one of my favs so i already knew i wasn't going to be disappointed. Baaaabbbyyy this was a good book. The drama, family secrets,and the betrayal all had you in your feelings!! It's a must read. I hate it's over
September 13, 2020
Loved it
So glad that Ackees chose his heart. Him and Sidris had been through a lot. Him finding out the dark secrets tore his world apart. Sidris stepped on campus and the healing begin for them and their relationship. Gion poor baby was chasing the wrong things. Money let his pride and envy ruin him. So glad everything worked. Great job 👍🏾👍🏾
So glad that Ackees chose his heart. Him and Sidris had been through a lot. Him finding out the dark secrets tore his world apart. Sidris stepped on campus and the healing begin for them and their relationship. Gion poor baby was chasing the wrong things. Money let his pride and envy ruin him. So glad everything worked. Great job 👍🏾👍🏾
June 29, 2020
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This a great standalone! It literally touched on everything. Man I was smiling so hard when Ackees and Sid got back together! Their love is one of a kind that chemistry hit so different!!
This a great standalone! It literally touched on everything. Man I was smiling so hard when Ackees and Sid got back together! Their love is one of a kind that chemistry hit so different!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews