It's been a long time since I've read an entire book in less than 24 hours, but GROWN was unputdownable for me. This is a hard read in terms of content but the writing is beautiful and the story is compelling. I really appreciated Ms. Jackson's author's note at the end as well. Five stars.

Grown is the book I didn't know I needed. Tiffany D. Jackson has become one of those authors whose books that I buy immediately. Although this book is a work of fiction, I wondered if what Enchanted experienced in this book mirrored some of the experiences the young girls R. Kelly "allegedly" held captive.

Everything that glitters isn't gold and Enchanted Jones learned this the hard way. Enchanted is a 17-year-old singer and swimmer. She convinces her mother to take her to an American Idol type singing competition.. On that fateful day, she meets Korey Fields. He is black music royalty. Korey is mesmerized by Enchanted's singing and her beauty. Enchanted doesn't win but she ends up meeting Korey and he gets her number.

As an adult reader, we see the grooming occurring of Enchanted at the hands of Korey. What man takes this much interest in a child? He was so manipulative and what angered me, even more, were the adults who were complicit in how Korey handled all of these underage girls in his presence. I was angry with Enchanted's parents too but they felt they were doing everything right. Korey was just that good and was able to convince them to sign over guardianship of their daughter.

My heart was in my throat reading what began to unfold between Korey and Enchanted. This book has many triggers such as sex with minors, physical and psychological abuse but the story needed to be told nonetheless. Enchanted was failed in so many ways but in the end, she received justice. In true Tiffany Jackson style, she delivered an ending I didn't see coming.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Cover 10/10
Though the subject matter was sometimes difficult to get through and I found myself needing breaks. I believe this book to be truly exceptional. Many girls can unfortunately relate to the topics of this story and Tiffany D. Jackson does an amazing job at giving voice to these women. While I would definitely give out some content warnings beforehand, I will be recommending this book for a while.

Everyone needs to read this book! Everyone! This was difficult to read, almost impossible at times, but so necessary and important. I will be pressing this into the hands of everyone I know.

This characters are so relatable. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I could not put this book down. I read it in one setting. I will add to my book club and recommend to project lit This is one of my favorite authors and I knew she would not disappoint. This book was on fire. Great topics that would lend itself to sone juicy classroom discussions.

GROWN opens as Enchanted Jones wakes up and finds legendary R&B Star Korey Fields dead next to her, his blood on her hands. The story unfolds between chapters of Now and Then as we learn how a failed audition lands 17 year old Enchanted in the spotlight under the wing of the 32 year old music legend. What starts seemingly harmless mentoring quickly progresses into an abusive and predatory relationship that Enchanted can’t escape. Cut off from everyone that she loves, Enchanted must find a way to save herself.
Once I really started reading GROWN, I couldn’t stop! Riveting

A bit "ripped from the headlines". It takes the idea of the predatory nature of fame and the music industry to an extreme. Maybe too extreme. It's more than just taking advantage of a naive girl. It's torture and abuse, culminating in murder. It over reaches, taking what could have been a subtle exploration of predatory fame and the perception of the abused, and making it a bit exploitative.

Tiffany Jackson does it again. I'd love to say that I spent a lot of time with her books, but they are so page turning that I just can't stop. This book is one that needs to be required reading. I wish that there weren't so many girls out there that needed this story, so many girls who needed to see that they aren't alone.

My first response after reading this book...WOW. Holy cow this book will have you hooked from the start. That first chapter...beet juice...whew! And it just keeps going. I love the horror aspect combined with a mystery that is all tied into some seriously real and disturbing points of older people grooming and taking advantage of younger people among other serious topics. Such a gripping story. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fierce story that didn’t hold back. There was enough suspense to drive the book forward, but it still told a chilling tale that was uncomfortably based in fact. This book is a wake up call, and gives a voice to the young women that need to be heard.

This was well written and a good story. Some of the twists and turns had me questioning things lol. I think on some level most of us can identify with Enchanted and what she goes through with Korey, maybe not to this extreme but in some fashion. Older men can make you feel some yupe of way and when you're young and qurstiong yourself and your own worth that can make you feel on top of the world. I really do enjoy Tiffany's books and this one was no exception. I liked the back and forth of the present and how it led up to it. I will definitely reccomend this book, with caution. I couldn't put this one down!!!! ♡

As in books past, Tiffany Jackson pulls the story from the headlines. In this book, it's the R. Kelly case. Enchanted Jones wants to sing and perform. She know she has what it takes: talent and the look. She believes all her dreams are coming true when she catches the eye of the famous Korey Fields. As she's drawn into his life, she realizes that Korey isn't what he seems. The book alternates between before the blood and after. As the story unfolds, the reader keeps asking, can it get worse? Definitely a more mature read for the high school age and above.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ebook ARC of this title.

HOLY MOLY. This book is incredible, and feels especially timely given the lack of justice for Breonna Taylor today. Tiffany Jackson writes a scathing indictment of powerful men (and their aids and abettors) who prey on girls, as well as the criminal "justice" system that doesn't believe those girls. While reading this book, I couldn't help but think of Malcolm X's words: "The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman." Turns out, Tiffany was thinking about those words too.

Jackson included a content warning at the beginning of the book. This is something that all books should have!

Tiffany D. Jackson does not disappoint in her newest release. Grown is a twisted tale that pushes the reader quickly toward the ending. There is a lot of sensitive subject matter surrounding the abusive relationships in this book, but they also provide hope for survivors.

Enchanted dreams of singing in front of sold out crowds and following her passion to become a singer/songwriter. She auditions for a televised talent competition and meets superstar Korey Fields. He is charming, charismatic, and clearly interested in Enchanted's talent...but is he interested in more than just her music? Grown provides a cautionary tale of power struggles, keeping secrets, and trying to grow up too quickly.

This is one of my favorite reads of 2020 so far. Be sure to check out this captivating tale. 5/5 stars

This book isn't perfect - there's so much in so little space that it feels rushed throughout and sometimes the dialogue is clunky and unrealistic, but damn, if it doesn't grab you and then doesn't et go until the last page. We need more books like this one: thrilling and suspenseful, yet incredibly socially conscious and with an amazing protagonist to boot.

Awful and brilliant. Grown had me filled with dread and rage and sympathy and horror. I'm absolutely glad I read it, but even in the lightest moments, even in the unexpected beats and twists of the unfolding mystery, that sense of dread made this a difficult read. It's far more and far worse than just a contemporary YA thriller. It's a revelation and an indictment.

I usually include a content note at the end of my reviews, but this one requires a more prominent placement. Please handle with care. Content notes: main character Korey Fields is loosely based on R. Kelly and situations described in the book are loosely based on the decades' worth of abuse allegations against R. Kelly, including rape of a minor(s), grooming, brainwashing, controlling and isolating behavior, gaslighting, assault and physical abuse, emotional abuse, manipulation, lying, child pornography, revenge porn, misogyny, underage drinking, substance abuse, addiction, enablement, victim shaming, unsympathetic police and community , mental illness, financial stress

Told with a dual then-and-now timeline, the book opens with now. Enchanted wakes confused in a room covered in blood and Korey Fields stabbed to death on the bed. The then narrative paints a picture of the normal life of 17-year-old Enchanted "Chanty" Jones: hanging out with teammates and friends; suffering the love and indignities of a large, close-knit Black family that holds onto their suburban life by thin margins; desperately longing to develop her undeniable singing talent into a viable career path; and, once superstar Korey Fields spots Chanty at an audition, falling in love and following the 28-year-old Fields on what she hopes is that path. As then draws closer to now, we watch the path lead to that blood-soaked room and into the mysteries, investigations, and revelations beyond.

Written in 4 parts and 90 short chapters, there's is a tense, break-neck pace to this book that many readers will find engrossing and some will find merciful. It's compelling and relevant, centers the voice of a talented and strong Black girl, and offers an opportunity for so many important discussions about power and abuse, love and consent, race and gender and vulnerability, community, and more. Highly recommended but with serious caveats for content warnings, and a bit of discomfort about this story being read as a thriller or for "the thrill."

My thanks to NetGalley and Katherine Tegen Books for a digital ARC.

This is difficult and at times uncomfortable read. Although fictionalized, this shines a light on toxic abusive relationships and the reason some victims stay in them. The story is captivating but might be triggering to readers that have dealt with abuse, rape, and toxic relationships.

Enchanted Jones has always wanted to sing professionally. She can't even believe her luck when she auditions for an American-Idol-esque competition, and though she doesn't get chosen to move on, she meets the amazing Korey Fields, the most popular and idolized singer. Korey takes Enchanted under his wing in an effort to give her a push onto the music scene. However, the more Enchanted realizes about her new life with celebrity-status, she wonders if this is where she truly wants to be.

Rape, abuse, racism, and racial inequalities are important and sensitive topics in this story. The story itself is interesting and compelling, but the message through Enchanted's journey is even more powerful. I highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book should be required reading for Black girls, women, and anyone who works with them. The author masterfully shared the story of Enchanted Jones, a Black girl seeking validation and belonging in a world that has ignored her. I really appreciate the way that we got a glimpse into her inner thoughts, and how she ended up getting involved with Korey. I have never before encountered a story of abuse and trauma within YA literature. But after reading this book, I know that these are the types of narratives that are needed. Abuse is never as simple as it may seem on the outside, and manipulation is often disguised as love by men who are healing from their own traumas. Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it!

17-year-old Enchanted Jones wants to be a singer so badly. When she meets famous musician Korey Fields at an audition, her career and her love life take off. Korey is 28, but the age difference doesn't matter because this is true love - until it isn't. Korey quickly becomes controlling and abusive. I don't want to give too much away, but this book should be considered a must-read for teen girls. It is triggering for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, but I feel strongly that it has the potential to prevent more girls and young women from falling prey to abuse. This book has the potential to save lives by showing teens the warning signs of abusive relationships and human trafficking. I have so much love for this book. I have read Allegedly and Monday's Not Coming which are also by Tiffany D, Jackson, and while I enjoyed the mind-blowing plot twists in both of them, this one blows them both out of the water. The audiobook is exceptionally well-narrated and I highly recommend it. #Grown #NetGalley