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Crack Money With Cocaine Dreams #1
Crack Money With Cocaine Dreams
The streets of the forgotten borough, Staten Island, are cold. And so are the drug dealers that flood them. When your pockets are empty but your needs are full, you do the unthinkable. After her mother walks out on her at seven years old, Messiah Garibaldi was groomed to be a boss. Being the daughter to a mob boss and maid, she learned early to never mix business with pleasure. Messiah and her best friend, Jaylah, cook some of the best dope to man, which is how the ruthless drug lord, Tech, enters her world. Never being the one to be in love, Rasheed enters Messiah’s life and opens her to the possibility to love. Will Messiah mix business with pleasure? There’s only one thing in his Eli, Messiah’s companion. Eli is money hungry and broke. When giving the opportunity, Eli pulls off a stunt that might end his life. LB is a low-level nickel and dime drug dealer for Tech. Tech has been promising to put him on for years. Tired of being broke and watching Tech reaps the benefits of his labor, LB decides to step out and link up with Rasheed. Staten Island is small, everyone knows everyone...but do they really? When you have crack money but cocaine dreams, envy becomes your best friend.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 25, 2025
Jahquel J
What did I just read? I read this book in about two days. Definitely a page turner she puts me in the mind of Ashley Antoinnette. I will be reading more of her books Messiah. It’s not to be messed with trust and believe now let’s crack open the sequel.
What did I just read? I read this book in about two days. Definitely a page turner she puts me in the mind of Ashley Antoinnette. I will be reading more of her books Messiah. It’s not to be messed with trust and believe now let’s crack open the sequel.
May 21, 2025
I am down the rabbit hole with all the origin stories of characters from The Delgatos. I love reading about young Messiah! This has been a good read…however…
My Gawd, the editing is horrendous! If you look at my highlights and notes you’ll see. But seriously, if Jah’s pen wasn’t so dope, I’d forgo reading due to the spelling, grammatical, and word usage errors.
My Gawd, the editing is horrendous! If you look at my highlights and notes you’ll see. But seriously, if Jah’s pen wasn’t so dope, I’d forgo reading due to the spelling, grammatical, and word usage errors.
November 10, 2024
Great read messiah plays no games to be the age of 18. She plays and moves smart to bead some people she associated herself with prove to to jealous and treacherous. They just don't know who they are dealing with. This is a great urban fiction novel about fast money.
April 5, 2026
JAHQUELLL
Um messiah you are very crazy. Malika your own brother is probably going to kill you. Eli you as good as dead too. And the T and T twins yall dead too.
Um messiah you are very crazy. Malika your own brother is probably going to kill you. Eli you as good as dead too. And the T and T twins yall dead too.
January 16, 2025
Messiah and Jaylah were not to be played with. I love seeing women making boss moves
July 28, 2018
Good book
This was a really good book,but it had a lot of typos. Other that I enjoyed the read.. On to the next installment.
This was a really good book,but it had a lot of typos. Other that I enjoyed the read.. On to the next installment.
July 10, 2026
Messiah Garibaldi is one of the coldest and most calculated boss bitches Jah has ever created, and I need more readers talking about her. A chemist, a genius, and the head of a family business with people depending on her, all while barely an adult herself, Siah stayed ten toes down and ten steps ahead at all times. She was never interested in being soft, approachable, or digestible for anyone. My girl was about her money, her empire, and making sure everybody around her understood exactly who she was.
The definition of Queen of Her Empire. Heir to Her Throne. Not To Be Fucked With.
And Jah, being Jah, made Messiah hilarious without even trying. The image of this pregnant woman WADDLING across the street just to shoot a man in his knees so he could “be at her level” damn near sent me into orbit. I was crying laughing. Jah’s ability to balance brutality, humor, loyalty, and absolute chaos in a single character is flawless as hell.
I also love the order in which I’ve read the Jah’Verse because there is something so special about meeting characters in the present first and then later getting to witness how they became who they are. Reading Staten Island Love Letters 1-5, Staten Island Love Affairs 1-4, and Staten Island Love Story 1-3 before diving into Crack Money with Cocaine Dreams 1-2 made Messiah hit even harder for me. Watching the layers of her ambition, loyalty, motherhood, emotional walls, and ruthlessness build in real time made me even more obsessed with her character.
And beneath all the violence, money, power moves, and cocaine dreams is a woman trying to hold onto herself while carrying the weight of an empire on her back. Messiah loves hard, protects harder, and refuses to let the world make her small. She will forever remain one of my favorite Urban Fiction baddies because there truly is nobody else like her.
The definition of Queen of Her Empire. Heir to Her Throne. Not To Be Fucked With.
And Jah, being Jah, made Messiah hilarious without even trying. The image of this pregnant woman WADDLING across the street just to shoot a man in his knees so he could “be at her level” damn near sent me into orbit. I was crying laughing. Jah’s ability to balance brutality, humor, loyalty, and absolute chaos in a single character is flawless as hell.
I also love the order in which I’ve read the Jah’Verse because there is something so special about meeting characters in the present first and then later getting to witness how they became who they are. Reading Staten Island Love Letters 1-5, Staten Island Love Affairs 1-4, and Staten Island Love Story 1-3 before diving into Crack Money with Cocaine Dreams 1-2 made Messiah hit even harder for me. Watching the layers of her ambition, loyalty, motherhood, emotional walls, and ruthlessness build in real time made me even more obsessed with her character.
And beneath all the violence, money, power moves, and cocaine dreams is a woman trying to hold onto herself while carrying the weight of an empire on her back. Messiah loves hard, protects harder, and refuses to let the world make her small. She will forever remain one of my favorite Urban Fiction baddies because there truly is nobody else like her.
May 6, 2017
I've been on an urban fiction/ street lit kick and while this fit the bill, it was poorly written so I couldn't quite lose myself in it. There wasn't much character development but at least the plot was decent. I think my biggest beef was that I couldn't quite connect with any of the characters. The story mainly focuses on the virginal coke queen of Staten Island. Messiah is 18 and comes from a very rich family. She could do nothing the rest of her life and be covered but she wants to put her brains to the test and make better weed (for her father's drug empire) and better coke (for hers). She's seeing a deadbeat boy but she gets the feeling that he's just hanging around her for the money and lifestyle. When she runs into Rasheed, a drug mogul and family man taking care of his niece and nephew, she discovers what it can be like being with a real man. There are some other players in the story but it mainly focuses on those two. It ends on a major cliffhanger but I don't know if I have it in me to finish out the series. Filled with drugs, hustling, designer clothes, and drama this book will appeal to those that like street lit.
June 11, 2025
So this is about Messiah….mother of Maliah and Mariah whose book took place in 2019. Messiah was in her 40’s during that series. Can we all agree that there is no way Jayla could have told Messiah that she was “twins” with Teyanna Taylor when Messiah was 18. 🤷🏾♀️
Chapter 10 - I’m not going to be able to take Malika being called Rasheed too many more times in this book before I get real pissed. Editing 🙄
When did Messiah become Rasheed’s fiancé? Did I miss something?!
Also, is Jayla pregnant because again, I feel like I’ve missed some important things but…🤷🏾♀️
CiCi! 😳
Aside from some inconsistencies with timeframe I really enjoyed the origin story of the legendary Messiah Garribaldi. The plot line held my attention the entire time and I prefer this chapter structure over each chapter being written from a single character perspective like most books I’ve read by this author. I think it kept a better flow for the story to unfold.
Off to part two!
Solid 4⭐️
Chapter 10 - I’m not going to be able to take Malika being called Rasheed too many more times in this book before I get real pissed. Editing 🙄
When did Messiah become Rasheed’s fiancé? Did I miss something?!
Also, is Jayla pregnant because again, I feel like I’ve missed some important things but…🤷🏾♀️
CiCi! 😳
Aside from some inconsistencies with timeframe I really enjoyed the origin story of the legendary Messiah Garribaldi. The plot line held my attention the entire time and I prefer this chapter structure over each chapter being written from a single character perspective like most books I’ve read by this author. I think it kept a better flow for the story to unfold.
Off to part two!
Solid 4⭐️
June 23, 2026
Messiah
This book absolutely brings the drama, and Jahquel J. does not disappoint!
What I loved most about *Crack Money with Cocaine Dreams* was watching Messiah’s incredible journey. Seeing how she stepped up and truly came to be the Queen of her empire was everything. This book completely proves how the women rule their world, taking charge and commanding respect at every single turn.
It is a fast-paced, gripping ride from start to finish, and the ending leaves you wanting so much more. I seriously cannot wait to continue with the series to see what happens next!
If you love powerful women handling their business in high-stakes crime dramas, you need to add this one to your TBR immediately.
This book absolutely brings the drama, and Jahquel J. does not disappoint!
What I loved most about *Crack Money with Cocaine Dreams* was watching Messiah’s incredible journey. Seeing how she stepped up and truly came to be the Queen of her empire was everything. This book completely proves how the women rule their world, taking charge and commanding respect at every single turn.
It is a fast-paced, gripping ride from start to finish, and the ending leaves you wanting so much more. I seriously cannot wait to continue with the series to see what happens next!
If you love powerful women handling their business in high-stakes crime dramas, you need to add this one to your TBR immediately.
January 1, 2022
Being vulnerable!!
Not your typical work. I read a lot of mispunctuation. This is not like the work of my favorite author. However I love the Messiah character please don’t change her because then she wouldn’t true. Now Jaylah, I think she needs to be shot( in the shoulder) for being stupid about LB. Her first mistake was giving dude money. Yeah shoot her for being dumb. Lol. Anyway great read. But please proof read often.
Not your typical work. I read a lot of mispunctuation. This is not like the work of my favorite author. However I love the Messiah character please don’t change her because then she wouldn’t true. Now Jaylah, I think she needs to be shot( in the shoulder) for being stupid about LB. Her first mistake was giving dude money. Yeah shoot her for being dumb. Lol. Anyway great read. But please proof read often.
October 4, 2025
Amazing
This book was good from the beginning to the end. Now I understand why Messiah is like she is and she very picky about who she let get close to her. Rasheed definitely got Messiah to open up and become a softer woman. But, She still was gangster. I love the fact that she was family oriented. She did not play about nobody messing with the people she love. She definitely was a true soldier. Rasheed was definitely a loyal man who loved his woman to the core.
This book was good from the beginning to the end. Now I understand why Messiah is like she is and she very picky about who she let get close to her. Rasheed definitely got Messiah to open up and become a softer woman. But, She still was gangster. I love the fact that she was family oriented. She did not play about nobody messing with the people she love. She definitely was a true soldier. Rasheed was definitely a loyal man who loved his woman to the core.
September 28, 2017
I'm digging this story
I'm all for chics being the brute of a story Messiah is definitely that. Fortunate for her to be born with rich Italian blood flowing through her"....she uses what her dad taught her about the business and only 19 and she's a force to be reckoned with.
Happy reading
I'm all for chics being the brute of a story Messiah is definitely that. Fortunate for her to be born with rich Italian blood flowing through her"....she uses what her dad taught her about the business and only 19 and she's a force to be reckoned with.
Happy reading
February 16, 2019
Fire!!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes this book is more than five stars. Messiah and Rasheed are perfect for one another....Two bosses, yessss!
I also like LB and Jaylah relationship. I hope the catch Elijah and put a beating on his a**. I knew CiCi was Messiah's mom. Can't wait to see what happens next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes this book is more than five stars. Messiah and Rasheed are perfect for one another....Two bosses, yessss!
I also like LB and Jaylah relationship. I hope the catch Elijah and put a beating on his a**. I knew CiCi was Messiah's mom. Can't wait to see what happens next.
December 26, 2021
Jahquel J
I loved this book it was fire from the beginning to the end. You did that with this book. I was so happy that Messiah and Rasheed got together. I loved them as a couple though they were definitely made for one another though. I didn’t like the things that Eli and Malika did to Messiah at all.
I loved this book it was fire from the beginning to the end. You did that with this book. I was so happy that Messiah and Rasheed got together. I loved them as a couple though they were definitely made for one another though. I didn’t like the things that Eli and Malika did to Messiah at all.
February 24, 2024
Best Story Ever
Halfway through I realized I read this a while ago. But still I love it and its worth the re read. This story is fast paced and action packed and exciting. I feel the author described the characters so well, I can picture the in my mind. Well now I have to re read the next part. I'm wondering where my first review went but its okay I'm leaving another one.
Halfway through I realized I read this a while ago. But still I love it and its worth the re read. This story is fast paced and action packed and exciting. I feel the author described the characters so well, I can picture the in my mind. Well now I have to re read the next part. I'm wondering where my first review went but its okay I'm leaving another one.
May 20, 2025
Excellent work
Now I know how Messiah got her start! She’s always been that woman to fear, even as a child! She Never backed down to anyone even her father Lorenzo! Rasheed has been by her side since the day they met. I have a clear understanding to her madness with her ride or die Jaylah.
Now I know how Messiah got her start! She’s always been that woman to fear, even as a child! She Never backed down to anyone even her father Lorenzo! Rasheed has been by her side since the day they met. I have a clear understanding to her madness with her ride or die Jaylah.
October 1, 2017
Omg Gr8 Book
I enjoyed reading this book I had a feeling that CiCi was her mom. Cause she would not Tell Tech about her life then the scar. Moving on to Part 2 AWESOME READ DID NOT WANT TO PUT DOWN
I enjoyed reading this book I had a feeling that CiCi was her mom. Cause she would not Tell Tech about her life then the scar. Moving on to Part 2 AWESOME READ DID NOT WANT TO PUT DOWN
September 17, 2021
Go girl
I love the title. She's one of my favorite authors so I already knew what I was infor. I love everything about this book especially the characters I'm on to part 2. Lets get it.
I love the title. She's one of my favorite authors so I already knew what I was infor. I love everything about this book especially the characters I'm on to part 2. Lets get it.
Read
March 9, 2022Must Rrad
Ikyfl I am all into this story, I'm in my feelings I cannot believe what just happened I'm moving on to part 2 seeing as to how I'm on the edge of my seat. Kudos to the author
Ikyfl I am all into this story, I'm in my feelings I cannot believe what just happened I'm moving on to part 2 seeing as to how I'm on the edge of my seat. Kudos to the author
March 16, 2025
didn’t see that coming
Oh wow, they should have never let Eli or Malika out of their site. I hope they all get what’s coming to them and the loosey goosey sisters! LB need to get his head right, Rhonda still might be his downfall.
Oh wow, they should have never let Eli or Malika out of their site. I hope they all get what’s coming to them and the loosey goosey sisters! LB need to get his head right, Rhonda still might be his downfall.
December 30, 2025
Awesome read
Another awesome read by Jahquel. Messiah isn't the one to play with at only 18. I love her and Rasheed together. Malika is playing a lot of games. Can't wait to dive into book 2.
Another awesome read by Jahquel. Messiah isn't the one to play with at only 18. I love her and Rasheed together. Malika is playing a lot of games. Can't wait to dive into book 2.
March 9, 2026
Definitely a page turner. The typos were a bit much. Even switched names of the characters. (I have it highlight so you can see). I know this wasn’t Jah’s doing. These editors need people to edit them lol.
All in all really good book.
All in all really good book.
March 13, 2026
The Queen of Cliffhangers
Jahquel J doesn’t disappoint in this one. I am reading out of order but although the stories are connected they are interesting on their own. Ready for book 2.
Jahquel J doesn’t disappoint in this one. I am reading out of order but although the stories are connected they are interesting on their own. Ready for book 2.
March 13, 2026
that ending!!!!
Messiah has been my favorite character in every book she’s been in! To see wow!!!! Yoooo!! The ending!!! I did not see that coming!!! I’m floored!!! I’m gagged!!!! This is wild!!!!!!! A damn good read!!! Off to book 2
Messiah has been my favorite character in every book she’s been in! To see wow!!!! Yoooo!! The ending!!! I did not see that coming!!! I’m floored!!! I’m gagged!!!! This is wild!!!!!!! A damn good read!!! Off to book 2
March 26, 2026
Poor Rasheed
It’s a shame Rasheed gotta kill his own fam! Can’t wait to see what happens next. Leave it to Ms Jahquel to have you up late at night trying to figure out the next plot twist!
It’s a shame Rasheed gotta kill his own fam! Can’t wait to see what happens next. Leave it to Ms Jahquel to have you up late at night trying to figure out the next plot twist!
June 18, 2026
The drug life
That drug life is cut throat and Messiah is that HBIC. She is hard but at what point is enough enough. We shall see…. Also got ding the author or editor for all these darn mistakes. Hence a 4 star instead of 5!
That drug life is cut throat and Messiah is that HBIC. She is hard but at what point is enough enough. We shall see…. Also got ding the author or editor for all these darn mistakes. Hence a 4 star instead of 5!
August 5, 2026
After reading Staten Island Love Letter, I knew I had to go back and see why Messiah is the way she is and how she fell in love. This book read like a damn movie! Messiah & Jaylah are the definition of boss ass b*tch.
November 2, 2017
She is the BOSS
This action packed series is a must read Saih is plAying any games and she has a solid team as well. I can't wait to see what happens next
This action packed series is a must read Saih is plAying any games and she has a solid team as well. I can't wait to see what happens next
January 30, 2018
Excellent book
I truly did not see that coming. This book is the truth. I really enjoyed it. Jahquel really did the damn thang on this one.
I truly did not see that coming. This book is the truth. I really enjoyed it. Jahquel really did the damn thang on this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews