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Gutter #1
Gutter - Part 1: The Rise
This book is intended for mature readers.
A gritty urban love story…
Zake ‘Gutter’ Rayden has beaten the odds. Considered one of the most unique and gifted artists in the entertainment industry, he is a hot commodity and has taken the music world by storm for over a decade with his distinctive musical style and talent. With back-to-back, sold-out tours, cash to burn, number one songs on the billboard charts and Grammy nominations, his wildest dreams have come true tenfold. However, behind all the money, women, and paparazzi is a life full of strife and struggle. Dark secrets, too. His back against the wall, he must return to his roots to unravel the truth. While in his hometown of Red Hook, Brooklyn, Gutter unearths a Pandora’s box of epic proportions. The past has returned to collect its due, and it all centers around his estranged mother, and himself.
Promise Bradford is Assistant Funeral Director of Horizons Funeral Home, Mortuary and Chapel. As of late, the families of the deceased aren’t the only ones that feel as if they’ve run out of time. Promise is determined to get her mojo back after a difficult past year full of ups and downs. Starting over is the hardest thing she’s ever had to do, but she is determined to get her life on track. One fateful day, she meets the musical superstar and just like that, an amazing chance encounter turns into something much more. Gutter and Promise are touched by the poignant finger of fate, and chemistry ignites. However, Promise harbors a secret, one that can destroy the newfound love she’s found.
Can a man consumed by darkness ever find happiness outside of the limelight?
A gritty urban love story…
Zake ‘Gutter’ Rayden has beaten the odds. Considered one of the most unique and gifted artists in the entertainment industry, he is a hot commodity and has taken the music world by storm for over a decade with his distinctive musical style and talent. With back-to-back, sold-out tours, cash to burn, number one songs on the billboard charts and Grammy nominations, his wildest dreams have come true tenfold. However, behind all the money, women, and paparazzi is a life full of strife and struggle. Dark secrets, too. His back against the wall, he must return to his roots to unravel the truth. While in his hometown of Red Hook, Brooklyn, Gutter unearths a Pandora’s box of epic proportions. The past has returned to collect its due, and it all centers around his estranged mother, and himself.
Promise Bradford is Assistant Funeral Director of Horizons Funeral Home, Mortuary and Chapel. As of late, the families of the deceased aren’t the only ones that feel as if they’ve run out of time. Promise is determined to get her mojo back after a difficult past year full of ups and downs. Starting over is the hardest thing she’s ever had to do, but she is determined to get her life on track. One fateful day, she meets the musical superstar and just like that, an amazing chance encounter turns into something much more. Gutter and Promise are touched by the poignant finger of fate, and chemistry ignites. However, Promise harbors a secret, one that can destroy the newfound love she’s found.
Can a man consumed by darkness ever find happiness outside of the limelight?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2021
24 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Tiana Laveen
98 books509 followersTiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved away, and now lives inside of her mind, but her heart is occupied with her husband, two children, and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Tiana Laveen is a uniquely creative and innovative author whose romance fiction is geared towards those who not only want to temporarily escape from the daily routines of life, but also became pleasantly caught up in the twisted, well developed journeys of her unique characters. Tiana creates a painting with words as she guides her reader into the lives of each and every main character. Her dedication to detail and staying true to her characters is evident in each novel that she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 1, 2021
I love the dynamics in this story and I absolutely love Gutter’s character. I find it ironic that he is a honest straight shooter however, he can’t admit out loud that he cares about his mom. You can just about predict what will transpire in the next installment and I have mixed feelings.
October 5, 2021
okay read
Book was cool. I understand the author want them to develop a friendship first before tacking a relationship but I still didn’t get a lot of answers. It was too much going on in the book. It was like taking different pages or passages from diary and make a book out of it. So it was an okay read for me, I think I expected so much more from the author.
Book was cool. I understand the author want them to develop a friendship first before tacking a relationship but I still didn’t get a lot of answers. It was too much going on in the book. It was like taking different pages or passages from diary and make a book out of it. So it was an okay read for me, I think I expected so much more from the author.
October 1, 2021
This weirdly read like a documentary or the beginnings of a biography.
I clearly enjoyed it because I finished it in an afternoon but now that I am done, I am left wondering, what's the focal point?
I am going to assume Gutter's relationship with his mother because the romance was very fast and easy. There was no struggle, which is fine, but there was also not much of a build-up. We had moments but I feel like the bulk of it was off-page text messages and three weeks later chapters.
As for the characters, I like them. Gutter is such an effortless character. I have never read about a caucasian rapper before but I found myself at times thinking he was black. And it's not the music so much as the attitude and a couple nuances.
Promise was promising in the beginning but by the time we got to the final chapter, I found that I didn't too much care what she was doing. She became an accessory to the novel.
I was also very confused why she moved between sounding Caucasian and then sounding like a black woman from the projects.
Now, I must be sex-starved because I found myself enjoying their roll in the hay, despite Gutter's inability to say the word vagina! I don't want anyone calling my private parts wetlands!
I enjoyed this novel but there was something about the flow. I much preferred the dialogues as sometimes the descriptions got to be a bit much.
I clearly enjoyed it because I finished it in an afternoon but now that I am done, I am left wondering, what's the focal point?
I am going to assume Gutter's relationship with his mother because the romance was very fast and easy. There was no struggle, which is fine, but there was also not much of a build-up. We had moments but I feel like the bulk of it was off-page text messages and three weeks later chapters.
As for the characters, I like them. Gutter is such an effortless character. I have never read about a caucasian rapper before but I found myself at times thinking he was black. And it's not the music so much as the attitude and a couple nuances.
Promise was promising in the beginning but by the time we got to the final chapter, I found that I didn't too much care what she was doing. She became an accessory to the novel.
I was also very confused why she moved between sounding Caucasian and then sounding like a black woman from the projects.
Now, I must be sex-starved because I found myself enjoying their roll in the hay, despite Gutter's inability to say the word vagina! I don't want anyone calling my private parts wetlands!
I enjoyed this novel but there was something about the flow. I much preferred the dialogues as sometimes the descriptions got to be a bit much.
October 21, 2024
It’s been a minute since I felt so conflicted by a book. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it. Gutter, the superstar, felt like a manufactured hero, and I just didn’t think he should feel that way. A rapper, vocalist, pianist, guitarist, and soo many other things he could supposedly do musically just made him feel so unrealistic.
That was my main issue with this book. It all felt so unrealistic. Especially the dialogue. ‘Show, not tell’ was a principle this author threw in the gutter for important details. A lot was described that was non-essential, while a lot was disclosed in the dialogue that should’ve been described. It felt so bizarre.
The race element of this book had me feeling a way. I just don’t understand in what world people describe race the way it is described in this book, and as often. So much just felt unrealistic.
As I said, I honestly don’t know how I felt about this one so I’ll keep this review brief. I will be reading the second part out of curiosity and boredom, if that’s what you’re feeling too, you might as well read this.
That was my main issue with this book. It all felt so unrealistic. Especially the dialogue. ‘Show, not tell’ was a principle this author threw in the gutter for important details. A lot was described that was non-essential, while a lot was disclosed in the dialogue that should’ve been described. It felt so bizarre.
The race element of this book had me feeling a way. I just don’t understand in what world people describe race the way it is described in this book, and as often. So much just felt unrealistic.
As I said, I honestly don’t know how I felt about this one so I’ll keep this review brief. I will be reading the second part out of curiosity and boredom, if that’s what you’re feeling too, you might as well read this.
September 23, 2021
Yeah This Is Good!
Wow, I have been trying to come up with the words to exactly explain how good this story is or how.good the characters are.The writer relies on the slow burn on this story because when it catches fire, its going to burn hot! This was well written with much thought put into it as well.Without giving slot away,you have got to read it till the end.This is definitely one you want to keep and besides with all the music references you come away with on heck of a playlist.
Wow, I have been trying to come up with the words to exactly explain how good this story is or how.good the characters are.The writer relies on the slow burn on this story because when it catches fire, its going to burn hot! This was well written with much thought put into it as well.Without giving slot away,you have got to read it till the end.This is definitely one you want to keep and besides with all the music references you come away with on heck of a playlist.
September 12, 2021
Gutter is Amazing and Emotional!!❤💕
Gutter's personality is raw, straight forward and hilarious. Whatever comes up comes out. Promise is his perfect match. She knows her worth and makes Gutter wait. He wants her all and when they come together it's explosive!!! No spoilers read Books 1 The Rise and then purchase Book 2 The Shine. Tiana Laveen is on a mission with this one . Check it out.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Gutter's personality is raw, straight forward and hilarious. Whatever comes up comes out. Promise is his perfect match. She knows her worth and makes Gutter wait. He wants her all and when they come together it's explosive!!! No spoilers read Books 1 The Rise and then purchase Book 2 The Shine. Tiana Laveen is on a mission with this one . Check it out.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
October 4, 2021
Another Hit!!!
I look forward to reading about these characters of Ms.Laveen’s,never boring nor repetitive. Women who are empowered and men who have no issues allowing their women to shine. Even though I’m not a fan of tattoos and piercings,but to each his own,Promise like it so…can’t wait to find out What cause the breakdown of Promise marriage. Getting part 2 now.
I look forward to reading about these characters of Ms.Laveen’s,never boring nor repetitive. Women who are empowered and men who have no issues allowing their women to shine. Even though I’m not a fan of tattoos and piercings,but to each his own,Promise like it so…can’t wait to find out What cause the breakdown of Promise marriage. Getting part 2 now.
September 7, 2021
Music and romance
The things I liked: A rockstar and a funeral director not your everyday paring. There is also the family situation with both Gutter and Promise. The story was well written and kept me engaged from beginning to end
The things I liked: A rockstar and a funeral director not your everyday paring. There is also the family situation with both Gutter and Promise. The story was well written and kept me engaged from beginning to end
September 7, 2021
Amazing!!
I really loved all of the characters in this story. Even the secondary characters had something that you could relate too. Whatever you do don't sleep on this book! I loved every page from start to finish.
I really loved all of the characters in this story. Even the secondary characters had something that you could relate too. Whatever you do don't sleep on this book! I loved every page from start to finish.
September 11, 2021
Very Interesting
I'm enjoying this story. It's definitely different than the others. I'm really invested in all of these relationships, especially the one between Zake and Jennifer.
I'm enjoying this story. It's definitely different than the others. I'm really invested in all of these relationships, especially the one between Zake and Jennifer.
September 13, 2021
Don't have too wait
This is a good story I've enjoyed it thoroughly. The growing and blossoming relationships. It's very good. I'll be reading all my older stories from this author. I didn't know what I was missing.
This is a good story I've enjoyed it thoroughly. The growing and blossoming relationships. It's very good. I'll be reading all my older stories from this author. I didn't know what I was missing.
September 14, 2021
Promises Promises
Love when Tiana just randomly drops a book without a lot of notice. Gutter and Promise seem like opposites but they are drawn together by tragedy. Can't wait to start the second book.
Love when Tiana just randomly drops a book without a lot of notice. Gutter and Promise seem like opposites but they are drawn together by tragedy. Can't wait to start the second book.
September 17, 2021
GUTTER
Gutter is everyone’s dream, you’ll love Gutter and Promise relationship. Great story that’s full of laughs and anticipation. Stilling waiting to hear Promise secret. Good book! Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
Gutter is everyone’s dream, you’ll love Gutter and Promise relationship. Great story that’s full of laughs and anticipation. Stilling waiting to hear Promise secret. Good book! Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
September 19, 2021
Devoured every word!
This first half is so good! I almost don’t want leave a review because I haven’t finished the second half. Once you start reading Ms. Laveen you just devour her words. Leaves me feeling gluttonous. Gutter pulls you in! He’s so complex! Onward to Part 2!
This first half is so good! I almost don’t want leave a review because I haven’t finished the second half. Once you start reading Ms. Laveen you just devour her words. Leaves me feeling gluttonous. Gutter pulls you in! He’s so complex! Onward to Part 2!
September 23, 2021
Gutter and Promise
Part two is next! I enjoy this author’s storytelling. The chemistry between Gutter and Promise is solid and well written. I am intrigued by the secret Promise holds.
Part two is next! I enjoy this author’s storytelling. The chemistry between Gutter and Promise is solid and well written. I am intrigued by the secret Promise holds.
October 4, 2021
Not Sure....
I think this book could have been written in one book. Too much unnecessary back story in a lot of it. Could have just charged one price and been done. The story is interesting but it takes to long to Gey to the point of somethings
I think this book could have been written in one book. Too much unnecessary back story in a lot of it. Could have just charged one price and been done. The story is interesting but it takes to long to Gey to the point of somethings
October 9, 2021
A round of applause!!
I feel like i have Stockholm syndrome; I was snatched up and held hostage by great dialogue, fantastic characters, and laugh out loud witty banter! This book was vintage Laveen and only her loyal readers will get that!
I feel like i have Stockholm syndrome; I was snatched up and held hostage by great dialogue, fantastic characters, and laugh out loud witty banter! This book was vintage Laveen and only her loyal readers will get that!
November 7, 2021
Beautiful
This is a beautiful story about love, anger and redemption. This author has a wonderful way with words. I loved that music was infused in Promise (I love that name) and Gutter’s love story. I highly recommend!
This is a beautiful story about love, anger and redemption. This author has a wonderful way with words. I loved that music was infused in Promise (I love that name) and Gutter’s love story. I highly recommend!
December 4, 2021
Sexy is as Gutter does
Gutter is a gut wrenching story about a Mega Rock star finding love and his battle with losing it from someone who nearly broke him. Mega talent, Mega sex symbol and struggling son will pull at your heart strings. Fabulous story from a great writer.
Gutter is a gut wrenching story about a Mega Rock star finding love and his battle with losing it from someone who nearly broke him. Mega talent, Mega sex symbol and struggling son will pull at your heart strings. Fabulous story from a great writer.
September 8, 2021
On to part 2!
No spoilers just LOVE this story of Gutter and CB lol.... diving into the second half and loving every word!
No spoilers just LOVE this story of Gutter and CB lol.... diving into the second half and loving every word!
September 18, 2021
Good
Good character development so far... I expect the second installment to reveal what the big secret is that Promise is meeting. Zake sounds gruff, funny ,and sexy.
Good character development so far... I expect the second installment to reveal what the big secret is that Promise is meeting. Zake sounds gruff, funny ,and sexy.
September 23, 2021
I loved it!!
Really love the characters and there relationship. A bit afraid to read next part don't want it to fall apart!
Really love the characters and there relationship. A bit afraid to read next part don't want it to fall apart!
October 6, 2021
4.5 Stars
Ms. Laveen, never disappoints, now reading part 2.
A wonderful engaging story!
Ms. Laveen, never disappoints, now reading part 2.
A wonderful engaging story!
November 2, 2021
I loved this series. Great story, great read!
January 9, 2022
Good
So far so good, a bit difficult to say much more with out finishing part two. A well written story, love the characters can't wait for Promise's reveal.
So far so good, a bit difficult to say much more with out finishing part two. A well written story, love the characters can't wait for Promise's reveal.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews