Customer Reviews

Love Trumps Game (Strebor on the Streetz)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Author D.Y. Phillips' latest novel LOVE TRUMPS GAME is a fast-paced and excitable read extolling the wiles and wickedness of a million dollar drug business and the man behind it. Topps Jackson can be depicted as Satan's son and it still wouldn't aptly describe a man who kills at random, has no regard for anythng sensible in making decisions to clean his image, and who certainly has no feelings for life, love and liberty. Money, the root of his cause celebre and what will be the progenitor of his demise, is magnified when mixed with the female gentalia that begats a name the author dubs as `monussy' -- the algamation of money and _ussy! Topps claims that there's no better marriage than the two. Ms Phillips does a great job in allowing all of the characters in this story to have a sense of belonging, especially the secondary ones who lend much more than just ordinary attachment. The gist of the story is how a man runs his business feeling that his son should be the sole inheritor of the riched cultivated. It's about how the business is run, what lengths it takes to keep status quo, and who has to be killed to maintain it. The only person that threathens to topple all that he has accumulated is his kids' grandmother, Hattie Sims!

Neema Jean Sims, who can be considered in one sense a protagonist, but it's her mother, Hattie who gets equal billing based on the author's timely plot twists and settings. It adds more flavor to a simmering storyline that have you waiting and wondering what will come at the end. Honestly, reading this story, I didn't want it to end! I'm sure readers will want to know how and why a ruthless drug dealer can cause so much havoc on a family, community and children, notwithstanding? Hattie endures quite a bit before and after her daughter mysteriously disappears, rendering her sole guardian of her two rude and undisciplined grandchildren. This leads to a literary chase scene in which mayhem begats murder. Living life on the run and weaving a tale that can give credence to suspense is what makes this book a hit.

Adequate storytelling prowess is the genesis of any good book justifying options of readership, and of late, the thug life and everything thereof is apropos to `da hood' mentality of enhanced sex, drugs and dead bodies. Love Trumps Game shows what can happen when a person on the wrong side of the law leaves 'lose ends' untethered and fails to secure ties that bind. I like this book and feel that it is a good read, because unlike the average book in this genre, the author while writing it, gave a good balance between the good and bad of the drug trade.I loved the ending. What good is a story without one to give it balance and a sense of accomplished value? I had no problem in rating this book 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend that it is bought where books are sold! Check out why I feel that D.Y. Phillips will be an author you're willing to wait for the next good book in her!

Hattie Sims is a young grandmother that has experienced a lot in her lifetime and has finally settled into a mundane routine. The drama always comes in the form of her youngest daughter, Neema Jean, an unwed mother of two children by kingpin Topps Jackson. Neema is constantly leaving her children on her mother's doorstep without invitation so that she can traipse around fancy free despite her mother's indignant refusals. Although Neema and Topps have a dysfunctional lifestyle, she's in it to win it for every cent she can squeeze out of Topps. Topps is an evil and soulless character that has made up his mind that his seven-year-old son Brandon needs to be learning the ropes to take over his illegal empire one day.

Topps discovers treachery in his trenches and decides a lesson is about to be special delivered to those closest to him. A determined Hattie throws salt in the game, which brings danger to her and those who aid and abet her in the desperate quest to protect her grandchildren. Will Topps develop a conscience and have mercy on Hattie, or will Hattie outwit this gruesome character?

Love Trumps Game is a fast paced and enticing novel. Relatable characters will have you rooting for Hattie, screaming for Brandon to get a good beat down, gunning for Topps, and shaking your head at Neema. Ms. Phillips is also able to incorporate the beginning of a love story in the midst of all the drama. Love Trumps Game was my first time reading Ms. Phillips work, and her introduction into this genre is very impressive. Kudos!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

I really enjoyed this book it was something different from the regualar street lit. It shows what today's grandmothers go through with kids today. Not only do they raise there own kids but they have to raise there grandchildren as well. Hattie was one strong grandmother to stand up to that monster Topps the kids father. This was a good book don't pass this one up.

Hattie Sims is looking forward to enjoying her early retirement. Little does she realize that this is not going to happen anytime soon. With her youngest daughter, Neema, constantly leaving her two children behind and disappearing for days on end, leaves Hattie little time to herself. Not only is she taking care of her bad ass little grandchildren, but she has to deal with their crazed father, Topps Jackson, whom is a ruthless drug dealer.

When Neema, mysteriously disappears, Hattie has a feeling that Topps has something to do with her disappearance. When Topps comes to the door demanding his children and Hattie refuses to relinquish them, he is determined to get them back...one way or another. Issuing threats that Hattie does not take lightly, forces her and the children on the run, staying with friends, family and strangers.

Will Neema resurface? Dead or alive? Who or what is behind Neema's disappearance? What will become of Hattie and the children? These are immediate questions you will be asking yourself, while you are constantly turning the pages to find out what happens next.

LOVE TRUMPS GAME by D.Y. Phillips will have you engrossed from the very first page. It is rare that you will find that perfect book, mixed with all the elements of a 5 star read, that you just want to tell everyone to run out and get. LOVE TRUMPS GAME was one of those books. It had me on an emotional rollercoaster with all the drama and suspense. LOVE TRUMPS GAME is an on the edge of your seat page-turner. This is one of the best books I have read so far in 2009.

Reviewed by Leona
UrbanFireBooksClubOnline

In Love Trumps Game, readers are introduced to Hattie Sims who has raised her two daughters, worked a job she hated for 25 years and went through a loveless marriage.Hattie is now retired and is looking forward to enjoying a peaceful life.Her life is turned upside down when her youngest daughter Neema Jean suddenly disappears.Hattie finds herself taking care of Neema Jean's two young children who are unruly and disrespectful.
Topps Jackson is the father of Neema Jean's children.He is also a ruthless drug dealer who doesn't care about no one but himself.He runs a dangerous but profitable drug operation and he wants to bring his son in despite how young he is.With Neema Jean gone,the only person stopping Topps from taking the kids is Hattie.Despite the threats Hattie has recieved, she is forced to live her life on the run depending on her family and friends.Will Hattie give in and turn her grandkids over to Topps or will she decide enough is enough and stand up against Topps?
All I can say on this is it's definitely a page turner and it kept me glued to the pages.The story moved at a fast pace and it kept me guessing on what would happen next.

Reviewed by nicole098
Street Lit Clique

Love Trumps Game is a very good book. fast paced exciting read about family and the love of a mother/grandmother. I would love a part 2 where I could learn more about myra and her husband....EXCELLENT BOOK!!

THIS WAS A VERY GOOD BOOK. THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING THIS GRANDMOTHER WOULD NOT DO FOR THE SAFETY OF HER GRANDCHILDREN. I HAVE HAD THIS BOOK FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND NOW I AM MAD FOR WAITING SO LONG TO READ IT. DON'T LET THIS ONE PASS YOU BUY IT IS ONE HELL OF A PAGE-TURNER!!!

The story was just okay to me. Characters were well developed but storyline wasn't. Story moved way too fast and left open-ended questions. There was several times KayKay's man, Roscoe was mentioned about how he's an old-time gangster that had beef with Topps, and if he finds out about her murder and yada yada..but Roscoe never was a significant part of the storyline. Why mention or put emphasis on his persona? Author didn't develop storyline or follow-up with the story about the other people that Topps murdered except KayKay. What about Slick and Gina?

The story was too unrealistic. Myra, Neema's sister didn't tell their mother that her sister was alive for 3 weeks??? GOOH. Hattie was only 49 years old, and she was developed like she was 59 years old.

This story was a page-turner, but only to get through with it so I can read another book. I don't think I'll be reading anymore of this author's work. Sorry.

Overall rating: 2.5

All Praises to Grandmothers everywhere, who is taking on raising your child/rens kids... I to am taking care of a grandchild. And they will run you raggedy at times. But the love we have for our childrens, children is such a big blessing. Hattie is a blessing for her grandchildren as well, making sure that their father Topps, doesnt get his hands on his two children. What type of father gives his child weed at the age of 7, teach him how to hold a gun, to cuss like a sailor. Some men need to grow up themselves and realize these kids need a father figure not a thug figure in their life. I understand that Topps Jackson, had mad love for his kids, but for the wrong reasons. This was a really good book and a great read.

From an author who refuses to let her works be characterized by any particular genre, D.Y. Phillips brings her readers a story that can generously be labeled as "a refreshing piece of originality" in Love Trumps Game. She pulls the strings of sex, drugs, money, murder, power, family, commitment, acceptance, understanding, and most of all, LOVE and captures her readers' hearts with this endearing, entertaining, and intriguing tale. A grandmother's love, faith, and patience is tested in the worst way when her daughter, Neema Jean disappears and leaves her two children, Brandon and Raynita, in her care. Hattie Sims is worried sick about her daughter's whereabouts; but more importantly, she is concerned about the well-being of her grandchildren if given over to their father, Topps Jackson.

Topps Jackson is a very dangerous man. From running a very lucrative drug business to committing cold-blooded murder at the blink of an eye, Topps will stop at nothing to get what he wants...when he wants. When Topps demands that Hattie hand over his children or else, his "madman antics" begin when she refuses to release Brandon and Raynita over to him. Hattie is now forced to "run for cover" to protect the innocent lives of her grandchildren and possibly save her own. Topps fails to realize that he's not dealing with just "any old rocking chair sitting, bible-toting Grandma"; Hattie reassures him after each threat he tries to terrify her with, that if he gets her grandchildren, it will be "over her dead body". Will this deadly cat and mouse game lead to Hattie's words being brought to fruition?

D.Y. Phillips has crafted an admirable story of a grandmother's "ride-or-die" love for her family. Readers will genuinely empathize with the characters' and marvel at how Phillips has developed each of their stories so intricately. The plot/storyline is amazingly refreshing, original, and creative. Love Trumps Game leaves such an impact on its reader that it will have you craving more from Author D.Y. Phillips.

What did you like most about the reading selection?
I fell in love with the originality of the plot/storyline and the characters.

What did you least like about the reading selection?
Nothing, it satisfied my entire reading appetite; Action, drama, mystery, and a even little comedy.

Latasha Hall
Vice President of B~more Readers with W.I.S.D.O.M Book Club
A "B~more" Literary Review Critic
b_morereaderswithwisdom@yahoo.com