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Daughter of the Game

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Kai is a published and nationally recognized poet and writer. Her poem, Pre-Destiny was featured in the April 2008 issue of Essence Magazine and she was a Featured Poet in A Place Of Our Own (APOOO) national tribute in April 2008 and RAWSISTAZ Author Showcase, April 2007. She is a contributing poet in Step Up to the Mic: A Poetry Explosion, by Poetic Press (Xpress Yourself Publishing). A winner of the No Candles Infinity Contest, hosted by Osbey Books, Kai is credited for writing emotionally raw and thought provoking works. Her short story featured in If It Ain't One Thing..., by Diva Books, Inc., received praise for its originality and realism. Similarly, her tribute to mothers, entitled Soften My Soul, featured in APOOO's Mother's Day Tribute, has resulted in an outpouring of praise and personal testimonies. Additionally, Kai's poem My Baby Girl, was featured in the Fall 2008 issue of The Write Vibe, and her poem The Other Women is featured at Tribute to Black Women. Kai also serves as a Guest Reviewer for RAWSISTAWZ Reviewers. An alumni of Hampton University, SUNY Brockport and Georgetown University Law Center, she is a licensed attorney and proud parent.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2010

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77 people want to read

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KAI

45 books

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Locksie.
134 reviews47 followers
February 4, 2012

Can’t hide from your heritage.

Growing up with separated parents who both take an active part in their child’s life can come with a lot of pressure. Take Monique Waters for instance, she lives with her highly respected schoolteacher mother Miriam, whom speaking from experience; teaches her daughter the importance of getting an education and stay away from the streets.

Monique’s father is just as respected as his ex Miriam, only on the opposite end of the spectrum. He is dynamite kingpin Peter Waters and although to the general public it seems he has retired and has handed over his crime boss hat to the younger cats…this couldn’t be further from the truth. Peter has instilled in Monique and his other children all they need to know on how to handle themselves on the streets and to keep their mouths shut. Actually, Monique is the one child Peter thinks will NOT fall victim to the streets.

Monique Waters have made her parents proud and is in her freshman year of college. As for the streets… let’s just say she is fully aware of the code. Upon meeting Armand, Monique was aware of the role he plays streets…so it was imperative that he knew nothing about her heritage; which could put both of them in danger. Monique finds herself falling in love with Armand, and she battles with the teachings of her mother and father knowing that neither of them will approve. She also wonders what will happen when Armand finds out who she really is.

When Monique is put on the frontline with danger, all previous thoughts, dreams, and possibilities are blown out the window! What happens next starts a war on the streets that impacts many lives and reveals astonishing facts along with a few dead bodies. Armand and Monique are shell shocked with a pack of lies, betrayal, and deceit to weed through. Will this couple beat all odds? Will their love prevail?

With the excellent writing and character development, I was very aware that Miriam still loved Pete but had put herself and her daughter first above everything else. I could definitely read between the lines in this novel. And I loved that we were exposed to all the important character’s thoughts…that just heightened the aura of the story…loved it!

An excellent recommended read by author Kai who presented a well crafted novel of deceit, lies, family, and love, proving she definitely has literary skills! I am sooooo looking forward to part 2!!

Locksie February 2nd 2012
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 5.0*****

Profile Image for The Urban Book Source.
174 reviews32 followers
June 17, 2012
This is a fast paced urban tale that reminds me of a modern day Romeo and Juliet. Monique Waters is the daughter of a school teacher who has left her lover, Pete, a drug lord, so her child Monique will not be caught up in the streets. Monique appears to be the ideal college girl til she meets the handsome and dashing, Armand, a drug dealer who is rapidly move up in the streets under the wings of his boss, Titan. Trying to hider her identity as a "good girl" Monique does not tell Armand that her father is Pete and goes along with the game that she doesn't know street life, but things shift when a hit is put on a drug house that belongs to Armand and Monique is almost killed. The only thing that saves her is an emblem around her necklace that the would be assassins report to Pete who now realizes his daughter is tied to his nemesis, Armand and Titan. Along with her two siblings, Pete, pulls Monique to his house for safety and forbids her to see Armand whom he has taken a hit on. A full street war ensues when the old school gangsters go against the new bloods. Monique is torn when Armand learns the truth about her and is caught between being loyal to his boys and protecting her risking himself to be killed. Meanwhile Monique is torn between family loyalty for her brother and father as well. When things start to heat on the streets and body start to roll, Moniques sister is nearly killed and her brother is on a mission to take down Armand. Soon bullets start to fly, betrayals are in full effect as lives starts to spiral for an all out street war.

What did you like about the book?
It was fast paced, full of action packed and kept you on the edge of your seat. The characters were believable and well developed.

What did you dislike about the book?
I was slightly disappointed I had to wait on a PART 2, but it was good, I can't complain really.

What could the author do to improve the book?
There were alot of characters in the book, maybe lessening a few would help.
Profile Image for Delonya.
698 reviews20 followers
September 26, 2010
Caught in the Crossfire

Monique Waters is ensnared in the middle of a deadly drug war. Making the situation more precarious is the fact that the warring factions are her father and her boyfriend. For over a year Monique was successful at keeping both parts of her life totally separate. Her boyfriend Armand only knew Monique as the college student who's being raised by her school teacher mother. While Monique's father Pete is convinced that Monique will be the only one of his children that will fully escape his street dealings. Monique's mother severed her relationship with Pete many years ago to ensure that as well and the decision seemed to be a wise one until Monique falls for Armand.

When Armand's benefactor Titan crosses Pete, Pete decides to retaliate by knocking off Titan's top protégé who just happens to be Armand. Pete's assault places Monique directly in harm's way and sets off a chain of events that shifts the book into overdrive. The entire novel encompasses a 72 hour period that will be seared into the minds of readers. Author Kai does an extraordinary job demonstrating how urban fiction can be done correctly.

The premise of Daughter of the Game is in no way new but what made it stand out against other stories with similar plots is the realism and character development exhibited. Monique wasn't a spoiled princess dating a drug dealer as a way to rebel against her dad. Pete wasn't an over the top drug lord flaunting his wealth with purchases that he wouldn't be able to justify to the IRS. With Daughter of the Game Kai effectively showcased that an urban book doesn't have to be filled with stereotypical characters to be believable. Authentic heartfelt characters that readers can sympathize with will give the novel all the street credibility it needs to be convincing.
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
July 25, 2010
Born in the Game

There's more than meets the eye with Monique. She's a young college student with a bright future. But hidden beneath the surface, Monique is hiding a secret. She's the daughter of kingpin Pete Waters. He's not just a man, he's THE man! Her father, not wanting any harm to come to his offspring, has kept their relationship on the low, allowing Monique to lead a normal life. But he has hipped her to the game in hopes that she wouldn't get involved herself or with a man living the street life. However, all that is out the window when Monique falls for Armand, an up-and-coming hustler making a name for himself. Has Monique jumped from the pan to the fire?

There is a lot to like about DAUGHTER OF THE GAME. Newcomer Kai makes her mark with an impressive debut. In a genre that, at times, can be repetitive and predicable, Kai did her own thing.

Reading a novel from a first time author is like a first date. Hopes are high for something lasting. Kai has earned a second date. Anyone seeking a good urban read will find "Daughter of the Game" is a rewarding read.


Reviewed by: Toni

4.5
Profile Image for Tiffany.
204 reviews
September 27, 2013
Daughter of the Game takes you want to journey of Monique's life. While growing up she never felt she was the same as everyone else because she had such a great love for school and books. She felt like she always had to hide who she really was. Dating a dude involved in the street life may seem to be too much for Monique who isn't involved in that life. Monique appears to have everything going for herself educated, a good life. Things seem to be going good with her she's going to college, has her man until one day a world she's not familiar with comes to her world. Loyalty is tested, things are going to change but will Monique remain the same or is she holding on to a secret life also?

I enjoyed this book. Was action packed, lots of drama. Just when something went one way something else happened. This isn't a story where you see the ending coming you will be surprised with what happens. Overall enjoyed it sometimes I wish it wouldn't drag in some parts and get to the action, but I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for LyfeChanges.
112 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2013
It was so much action when I learned of a sequel I immediately stopped reading!! So glad I did.. Reading both back to back gave me solace!! Lol.. Supporting street lit is a passion pure entertainment so waiting months for the next ride is a little disappointing!! Kai delivers in this action packed screen shot of a " Daughter of the Game" ..
Profile Image for Kyla.
43 reviews
September 7, 2012
This Is One Of The Best Books I Have Ever Read!!! I Would Recommend This Book To Anyone Looking For A Good Read!!!! Love It Read It In A Couple Of Hours. It Deserves More Than 5 Stars This Book Is Movie Material!!
Profile Image for Marsha Kt.
12 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2013
THIS BOOK IS GOOD BUT MO WAS GETING ON MY DAMN NERVES I WILL NOT SPOIL THE BOOK U HAVE TO READ Y I SAID SHE GET ON MY NERVES ARMY WAS ERKING 2 BUT THIS IS A MUST READ THIS WASMY FIRST TIME READING ANYTHIN FROM AUTHOR KIA ABOUT TO START PART 2
44 reviews
March 12, 2015
Had to read it again

Loved this book, so I had to read it again. 5 Star Publications' books are always good. And it's clear that they take time to carefully review and edit their books. Much appreciated.
Profile Image for Tammy.
11 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2012
EXCELLENT!!! Where is Part 2?
Profile Image for Juanesia.
395 reviews48 followers
October 24, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. It was a breath of fresh air from what I had been reading. Can't wait to find part 2 on my ereader!!! Definitely a must read. Makes for a great discussion book!
1 review
January 4, 2013
I reall like this book it kept me wanting to keep reading. I cant wait onto i read the second one hope it just as good. It a book that you could connect to.
Profile Image for Juiceereads.
121 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2013
This was a good book!!! Lots of twists and turns... I'd definitely recommend it!!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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