Great book , but it took a long time to get into the book. I will go back and read the entire series , maybe that what took so long to get into the book.

The final installment of three friends that met at a facility to help young boys, grew up together and have maintained their friendship into adulthood. Together, and have been experiencing drama and mayhem as adults. Truthfully I don't remember a lot when it comes to series, but these characters were never far from my mind, and although it's the last of the series, I truthfully wish it could continue. The characters were real, very relatable, and I was really mad when I had to put it down and get some sleep for work the next day. One of the few series that I have enjoyed every single book in the series. Phenomenal job, and I can't wait to see what the author does for us next.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Final Play is the last installment in the Branch Avenue Boys trilogy, once again Shelly Ellis did not disappoint. Derrick, Ricky and Jamel are all in trouble and it all leads back to one person Dolla Dolla.

I have enjoyed this series and really hate to see it end, it was nice to read books from the male perspective, how they feel about each other and women. This book has everything you want to read. I look forward to seeing what this author has up her sleeve next.

I have read In These Streets and Know Your Place. So, when I had to read and help Shelly promote this last installment!
Impossible to put down, even-paced, engaging, and suspenseful.

The Final Play
Shelly Ellis

The Final Play is a gritty urban novel from author, Shelly Ellis. This is the third and final book in the Branch Avenue Boys series and continues the stories of three men who met as boys and maintained close friendships well into adulthood. The novel is told from the alternating viewpoints of each man but is easy to follow due to appropriately named chapter headers.

Derrick, Ricky and Jamal met as boys at the Branch Avenue Boys Institute, where they had each been sent for delinquent behavior. They formed strong bonds with each other as a means of survival. Life and it’s trials and tribulations weakened those bonds. Relationships have been broken. Can these friends survive the challenges and dangers resulting from the decisions they’ve made and restore the bonds they once had?

Derrick is still the director of the Boys Institute but fears for himself, his staff and the boys he’s responsible for. Local thug Dolla Dolla is threatening all that Derrick holds near and dear to his heart. He must make a decision that will cost him dearly no matter which way he decides.

Jamal knows he made some terrible decisions as Deputy Mayor and is determined to right his wrongs, not realizing the real danger he’s placing himself in.

Ricky’s girlfriend is pregnant and they’re running for their lives. Ricky vows that no harm will come to his woman or his child, no matter what he has to do to protect them. He’s willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his new family.

Ms. Ellis continues the trend in this series and delivers another excellent read. These are the characters I’ve grown to love throughout the series. The plot is compelling. Drama and intrigue are still an integral part of the story. As with the first two books in the series, my attention was held from start to finish. The Final Play is the perfect finale to the series. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all lovers of urban fiction.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

I thoroughly enjoyed the final chapter of the Branch Avenue Boys series! I've been pacing since the end of book two, on pins and needles waiting to hear what happens to Jerome, Derek and Ricky... and most importantly, the Mayor and Dolla Dolla. To say this ending was fitting and satisfying is to seriously short change the ending installment to this series. Simply perfect.

Shelly Ellis writes delicious drama, realistic and nuanced characters in a vivid setting... I plan to re-read all three books now that the series is over. Already can't wait for the next offering from this author.