How Can I Be Down?

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!

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!

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 Manwww.brendamhampton.com

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!

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.