South Kenton Stories Series by Jessica A.

Cousins Casey “Set” Washington and Patrick “Nutty” Rivera have always only had each other. Taught to stick together no matter what, you rarely saw one without the other running around the Birch Housing Projects in South Kenton. In just one month, however, their lives are altered dramatically, ending with them being separated for the first time. And by the time they eventually reunite, their last semblance of innocence had been snatched away like those they loved most... moreCousins Casey “Set” Washington and Patrick “Nutty” Rivera have always only had each other. Taught to stick together no matter what, you rarely saw one without the other running around the Birch Housing Projects in South Kenton. In just one month, however, their lives are altered dramatically, ending with them being separated for the first time. And by the time they eventually reunite, their last semblance of innocence had been snatched away like those they loved most.Years later, the cousins still struggle with past trauma internally. Set has ruled over the streets with an iron fist as the co-founder and head of the ruthless Foe Dub gang, though not necessarily by choice. His mother was a casualty in the power vacuum caused when his father was killed, and to prevent history from happening again, he stepped in when his former boss perished, alienating those closest to him in the process. Newly heartbroken, he felt he was the only one who didn’t have anything to lose, and everything to gain.Until four years later, when she returns to his city for good. The only woman he ever loved. The woman who inadvertently put him back in the streets he wanted to escape from, when she took out his former boss; Sabrina Young. And just like four years ago, trouble has followed her back into the city. Set must confront his past in more ways than one, but with his undying love for Brina mixed with burning hate, Set doesn’t see how they can ever get back to how they were.Where Set has been conquering the streets, Nutty has been conquering nap time. Losing the love of his life shortly after she gave birth to their daughter, Nutty has had to push everything aside to perfect being a single father. He vowed to be the father he never had growing up, and give his daughter the type of unconditional love neither he nor his cousin received. And after four years, he feels like he’s found his footing, even if the people around him don’t agree.Until his ex’s best friend Sabrina Young comes back into town.And not only is she back for good, but she’s brought people with her. A teen girl that could be Nutty’s twin. The man they both resemble. And a beautiful spitfire with a young son that his daughter seems to cling to from day one.Life’s beat Nutty down so bad it’s a wonder he still chooses peace instead of living up to his name. But when life once again throws him a curveball, will he survive it? Or will he finally see there’s been a method to life’s madness all along?Keep Going is an interconnected standalone, meaning you do not have to read anything before this book, though you may choose to, to enhance your reading experience. less

Shad “Shotta” Washington figured out early that distracting himself keeps his overwhelming feelings at bay. Music, his family, his gang–focusing on any and everything but himself keeps his careful, aloof façade intact, and has even landed him fame and fortune with a burgeoning rap career. He’s soaring higher than he ever thought possible, even as ghosts haunt him at every turn–at least until a devastating and particularly personal loss sends him tumbling toward the edge... moreShad “Shotta” Washington figured out early that distracting himself keeps his overwhelming feelings at bay. Music, his family, his gang–focusing on any and everything but himself keeps his careful, aloof façade intact, and has even landed him fame and fortune with a burgeoning rap career. He’s soaring higher than he ever thought possible, even as ghosts haunt him at every turn–at least until a devastating and particularly personal loss sends him tumbling toward the edge.Macy Davenport has a habit of failing upward. She’s made a life of following the plot, saying yes to any opportunity that presents itself and rolling with the punches, always ending wiser and more fruitful than when she started. This time, though, following the plot goes awry, leaving her single, pregnant, and with a record. Trying to figure out her next move, she crosses paths with Shotta, her favorite rapper, who’s recent struggles have him taking a break from the limelight.Two people at a crossroads in their respective lives strike up a friendship that will have them questioning everything they thought they knew about themselves. Macy’s friendship with Shad has the blogs labeling her as his baby mama, and he’s not denying it. In fact, every time he calls her child his, every time inserts himself a little more into her life, every time he levels his piercing glare at her, she finds herself one step closer to what she’d never thought she’d fall in love.Meanwhile, past actions of his gang Foe Dub start to bear consequences that threaten to take away the last family Shad has left. Even with the distraction of bonding with Macy and her unborn child, revealed secrets and overwhelming grief pull Shad into a hole he’s not sure he can get out of.Old friends become enemies and old enemies become allies as Shad fights to tie up the loose ends of his past, while holding onto a budding future with Macy. But nothing will matter if he loses the fight against his own mental. less

The game is changing.Foe Dub, an infamous gang in South Kenton, is ending their drug operation. But Kareem “K9” Durrell isn’t worried. In fact, he’s relieved.Now, he can focus on what really matters; his daughter, his mother, and the passion project born out of seeing so many men and women in his community become institutionalized to become repeat offenders because of a lack of support system and resources.The future looks bright for Reem... moreThe game is changing.Foe Dub, an infamous gang in South Kenton, is ending their drug operation. But Kareem “K9” Durrell isn’t worried. In fact, he’s relieved.Now, he can focus on what really matters; his daughter, his mother, and the passion project born out of seeing so many men and women in his community become institutionalized to become repeat offenders because of a lack of support system and resources.The future looks bright for Reem. The day he can tell his mother he’s out the game is a day he looks forward to. The day he can overturn his uncle’s wrongful conviction seems to be on the horizon as well. Maybe after that, he can settle down with a nice, wholesome, peaceful girl who loves his daughter like her own. Be a family. Be normal.He doesn’t know his future is already decided for him. He doesn’t know someone’s plotting on him, someone who’s the opposite of everything he wants, but may just be everything he needs.The games are changing all right. But they’re far from over. True Love is coming, whether he likes it or not. less