Customer Reviews

How Can I Be Down?

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just when I thought this author pulled it off with Two's Enough Three's A Crowd, she smacked me in the face with another great novel, How Can I Be Down, and left me wanting more from her. This novel was on a whole different level from the other, which proves her capabilities as a writer are outstanding. The story was well written and very easy to follow. I'm torn between my love for Jaylin, in Two's Enough, and my love for Kiley, in How Can I Be Down. Her characters are lovable and are realistic men who have some of the same issues as everyday men do. Kiley, Karreem, and Quincy were exciting to read about. The ending blew me away, as I cried so hard and threw the book across the room. I won't give it away but like a book should be, this book is filled with laughter, drama, excitement, and sorrow. If you don't own a copy, get one.

10 Stars for How Can I Be Down too. I rarely will rate a book five stars, but with the exception of How Can I Be Down and Two's Enough Three's A Crowd, I couldn't help myself for pushing for more. This gangsta style, real life story quickly captured my attention, as Hampton's other novel did. Her writing puts you, the reader, right there. Many other books do the same, but not like these did. I was there all the way and truly enjoyed the ride. My twenty-four hours of lost sleep, because I couldn't pull myself away, was worth it. Kiley, being the strong leader in How Can I Be Down, made you feel for what he was going through even though he made bad decisions. Just as Jaylin did in Two's Enough Three's A Crowd. You'll find that you can't keep yourself from caring for them. Ms. Hampton, I'm hollering out to you like your other fans...I WANT A SEQUEL to HOW CAN I BE DOWN! I won't give the ending away, but it left me in tears. So, tell me...what's going to happen next...we're waiting. Purchase this book and you won't regret it!

How Can I Be Down? brought Brenda M. Hampton to the spotlight. Kiley Jacoby Abrams, a twenty-seven year old Black man has the next several months cut out for him. He's private, full of secrets, and running from a life of crime. If that's not enough, he's got more setbacks than any one man can handle: an arrogant troublesome brother, a sneaky playa-hating friend, a friend who turns to him for everything, and a woman who claims to have his back. After moving from Los Angeles to St. Louis, Kiley soon realizes that trouble follows him anywhere he goes. He's fighting day by day to stay on the right track, but a secret from his horrifying past evolves and refuses to let him do so. He conspires to bring down the person responsible for his father's death, only to soon suffer the consequences. Eventually, Kiley's paranoia, his trust for women, and guilt becomes a costly price to pay.

Reviewers, again, thanks for the overwhelming emails and support regarding this novel. Its message comes through loud and clear and I hope that Kiley was able to reach as many of you as possible. Because many do not want me to put Kiley's character to rest, he's coming back in the near future. "NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE," will make its way to your homes soon. I truly hope you enjoy. God Bless!

Brenda M. Hampton, Author of: Two's Enough Three's A Crowd, My Way Or No Way, How Can I Be Down?, & My Best Friend's Man
www.brendamhampton.com

This book is a great read. I could not put this one down, I finished this book in one weekend. Ms. Hampton captured my attention from page one. She took you inside the world of Mr. Kiley J. Abrams, a thug who also has a heart. Brenda Hampton is definitely on this rise and I recommend all of her books to those who love to read fiction filled with drama!

Brenda Hampton is truly talented as she is able to go from a lover boy type novel (Two's Enough, Three is a Crowd), to this street filled novel. I really enjoyed both novels. Kiley is left an empire to uphold after his father was killed. While running from a secret of his past life, the reader goes into a life of streets, women, drugs, relationship drama, shiesty friends, true friends, and more. This was a well written novel. It makes the book so much better when you don't have any idea how the novel will unfold (to many readers give stuff away). As I said about Ms. Hampton's other review, people are not reviewing this book this well for nothing! Good job Ms. Hampton. I am starting her next book My Way or No Way tommorrow. Keep them coming!

How Can I Be Down? is one like Boyz In The Hood or Baby Boy that you'd enjoy seeing on the big screen. This book, like Hampton's Two's Enough Threes A Crowd puts you right there as if you're at the movies. I'd love to see Kiley's character played out, for he was a character that you would feel so deeply for even though some of his decisions were not good ones. His love for his friends and family I felt and I was so hurt by the ending. I won't give it away, but it was unbelievable. Miss Hampton please make a movie out of this one. I'll be the first to go see it, and I'm positive that the theatres would be packed. If not, can I get a sequel? Kiley is one character you just can't let go. A wonderful novel and every book reader should own this one. I loved the way St. Louis was mentioned and I'll be a fan for life.

Whew! Amazing! "How Can I Be Down?" is one that needs to be in your library. Ms. Hampton has put her thang down with this one! Kiley Abrams is 'the man' that has no shame in his game. Be it in the bed, in the kitchen, on the wall, down the hall, he is definitely 'bout it' 'bout it.' He is the ultimate player in that you will love him for his courage, his love and concern for all around him, his business mind, and unequivocably HIS Unique Finesse! He has no problem wearing all types of hats from being 'thy brother's keeper', continuing 'thy father's legacy', stepping up to being 'thy super dad' and lastly 'thy luscious, lustful lover man!' Ain't no half stepping, no side stepping, nothing but doing that damn thang to the utmost! If you're smart, don't sleep, get your copy today!

READ THIS BOOK.
If you enjoy reading you will not be disappointed. I have read this book 6 times, not only that but I've also read Mrs Hamptons other 3 novels and I am sitting here anxiously awaiting the sequel to her novels. When I read her masterpieces I feel immersed into her world. I cry, I laugh, I ache, I feel so many emotions, and Mrs Brenda is truly talented. The characters in her book could be your neighbor, that's just how realistic her writing is. I have had the wonderful opportunity to speak to her by email and she is just as delightful as her novels. And I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer who said " Mrs Hampton could write on toilet tissue and I would buy it" Because I would too. Mrs Hampton has affected me in a way that no other author ever has, and I consider myself to be an avid reader.Thank you God for blessing us with her talent. Read the book you wont be disappointed. I am reading it again for a seventh time, this time out loud to my husband!!!

A street novel written tastefully. Excellent read! It goes without saying who my favorite character was. Thank you Miss Hampton for showing that not all thugs are ruthless. Good job.

Ms. Hampton you did it again! I really enjoyed reading this book. However I was looking for a little more drama,this book had drama but more so Kiley and his women...I was looking for some hard core street drama. It was there at the end. Kiley is the man...all I can say is he was putting on them girls made me wanna holla at him.(HEHE) Ms. Hampton is the author of the year.!!