Watching This Author/Musician As He Grows Better and Better! Jonathan Anthony Burkett AKA John Blake! Join Me!

"After leaving Victoria’s home, Claude and Kelly arrived at Paul and Nikki’s. Claude and Kelly greeted everyone as they walked through the front door. The effect Kelly had on Donald each time he saw her made him say to himself, You’d be a fool to let this one go. 
"For the most part, the evening went smoothly. They ate and shared their funniest moments together as friends while a movie played in the background. Just when it seemed the night would end perfectly, however, Donald got up and told Claude there were some things he wanted to get off his chest. 
"Smiling, Claude replied, “I’m listening.” “It’s with Kelly,” Donald said. Still smiling, Claude looked at Kelly and replied, “All right, go ahead and tell her.” 
“I would like to talk to her in private,” Donald stated.
 “No, I don’t feel comfortable with that. You should be able to express what you have to say to Kelly in front of everyone,” Claude told him. “Okay then. Kelly,” 
~

“Okay then. Kelly,” Donald started, turning his attention to her, “no matter how long it takes, I’ll be right here waiting to show you how much you mean to me.” 
Hurt by Donald’s words, Brittany quickly grabbed her belongings and walked out the door.
 “Donald, that was so wrong of you,” Kelly said, then followed behind Brittany. 
“Well, before any further damage is done, I think it’s time for us to go,” Claude stated calmly. 
"Paul and Nikki sat in shock as they watched him leave...
~~~

Friends 2 Lovers:

Closed Doors Open

By Jonathan Anthony Burkett

I admit that I've gotten to personally like this writer more than I normally have a chance to...maybe it was his autobiography... My guess is, though, that when I first met him on line and said a few things about his first book, he was so interested and enthused to receive my thoughts that I kinda became a personal fan... Getting ready to put this review together showed me even more that this man is out there working to succeed and if you care about supporting new authors, I'm going to ask you to take a look at his work. 

His autobiography was pure enjoyment to read, although it was not an easy story to accept. I still remember what happened to the little boy as he was... I also watched and talked with him about sharing his faith within a fiction book... Do you include sex? for instance... Burkett rewrote that first novel and although I didn't read it word for word, I did skim the latest and found that he had greatly improved that book, including the addition of drama and violence... It's reality in today's world, I know, but the level of violence in books is getting extreme... Burkett's books are balanced, however, as he struggles to share his faith and his values about love and friendship...

This latest novel was good, but there is still a strain to his writing. Especially writing the world of females. I applaud him at the same time as I admit that I have no idea whether his work reflects the lives of this generation... What I do know, however, was that there was much that could be deleted from the book, particularly the number and "daily" interaction between those people: conversations, texts, inclusions of meals... Although they happen, there is no need to include them unless something happens during those events that "move the story forward..." A "cut" of those parts would keep the reader moving faster into the complexity of the family drama itself...

“It's better to have a few faithful friends then numerous shallow friendships.” (Jonathan Anthony Burkett) Using one of his own quotes seemed to apply in this story especially, as I saw several "shallow" friends start to talk to Kelly and Claud, the two friends who've now become lovers and are living together...

Do people really say these things to their supposed acquaintances about the man or woman you love? If so, why put these people in a position where they have to justify their relationships... It increased the drama, yes, but I found myself getting angry on behalf of both of them..."you don't need those types of friends..." LOL So, that means, of course, that Burkett drew me in with his followup to the first book...

“I’ve heard so much about Claude and Kelly.
How did they meet?” Mike asked curiously.
 “Well, from what Kelly told me,
their friendship began after she stood up
 for him against a couple of boys,” Latoya said.
 “After that situation, Claude thanked her,
 and they became good friends.
 One day, Claude decided to talk to me
 about how Kelly was feeling because
 of what I was going through with their father.
 He surprised me so much by what he said
 that I started caring for him as if he was my son
. His words really helped to restore our
mother-daughter relationship.”
 “Sounds like he really put in an effort to bring
 happiness back into her life,” Mike replied.
 “Yes, Kelly’s happiness seemed to always be
 what mattered to him. According to him,
he gave her space with other boys so she
 could learn from her mistakes,”
 Latoya said with a chuckle.
 “Well, I can’t wait to meet them,” Mike replied.
                                       ~~~

Back to the violence, the men in Claud's life have short tempers which resulted in the total loss of his family! I would have liked to see more time given to Claud's inner thoughts during this period, or even perhaps through discussions with his friend and her mother. In fact, the incidents within the novel are aimed to reflect love and faith... This is good, but I think the reality is that none of us immediately reach that level. To really reflect the results of horrific accidents, death, etc., when they come means that we need to feel and see the internal anger, even at God. Could Claud's short temper bursts be because he holds in so much that anybody crossing him, who have no part in his life, are used to let go of some of that internal struggle? I look forward to future books that, hopefully, dwell on the internal emotions.

Claud in particular has been affected by remarks by a couple of new friends. Even while he's trying to respond to them, you can tell that what they've said has gotten him thinking...and acting...  I enjoyed that, in fact, because, all that lovey-dovey between them--does that really happen? LOL 

Still, the author shares some great poetry in those situations... and nobody can deny this Dude is one romantic guy!

Though there are a few editorial issues, I was impressed by the issues that the author is addressing, including divorce, children of divorce, child abuse, career versus marriage, sex and so much more. Also, as of this point in the series, most of the characters and actions are within the families or extended families and friends which sets up the environment for dealing and discussing relationship issues that go bad within the family and how dealing with them affect so many different lives in different ways.

A lot of surprises from the past were finally revealed, including the discovery of a young boy, Claud's nephew, who they hadn't known about!

Like I said, earlier, I'm watching this young man as he works to find his role in writing, music, love and as a Christian.
His books are selling for less than a dollar right now. Do let the author know about your opinions if you read any of his work... He's has the talent...what will he choose to do with it for the future??? Highly recommended for family drama...


GABixlerReviews

See also Friends 2 Lover Volume 1 original version
              Neglected but Undefeated

About this author

Jonathan Anthony Burkett was born in 1987. He is a bright writer inspired by many, as he continues to struggle in life. Devoted to achievement in his lifetime, he is willing to take any test. He told himself, that he would never give up no matter the trials and tribulations. He decided to write to help him move towards a bright future for himself; and because he knows that is what his Grandparents want for him.

Learning now that life is a challenge for many, with trials, tribulations, brutality, hatred, along with grief and manipulation. Jonathan is writing now to release his thoughts about life, after being motivated, inspired to prosper, encouraged to tolerate, uplifted, and empowered from his past.

“Father God strengthen my willpower, for I have made it through battles, but I know that the war is nowhere close to being over, for me. However, I plan on standing strong throughout it all, never giving up, and believing that I will live to see brighter nights and days” Jonathan prays.

His latest novel is “Friends 2 Lovers”, I and II are now available, a beautiful portrayal of how the strong bond of friendship and truly knowing someone can blossom into a lifetime of love……

Can a close friendship grow into something deeper – a loving relationship perhaps? In this compelling and emotive story that evokes a gamut of emotions and thoughts, author Jonathan Anthony Burkett portrays how it is possible for best friends to be more than “just friends”. Find out how Claude and Kelly end up from being Friends 2 Lovers as you follow them through their disappointing, confusing, loving, shocking, encouraging, and romantic moments. But can their bond last and withstand all the challenges that cross their way? Experience an overwhelming ebb and flow of emotions when you join them in their journey.

Jonathan Anthony Burkett Speaks Out For Many Children in Neglected But Undefeated...

“Faith doesn’t get you around problems in life and relationships, it gets you through it.”

http://www.localyte.com

Note: This is not a picture of the author...but I thought this child looked like what Jonathan might have looked like while he lived with his grandparents in Jamaica...

"I have learned a lot about the importance of doing good and not bad from my grandparents, but I still did not really care until grandma started locking me inside the house. Nevertheless, I still did whatever, whenever, because all I had to do was call on Doctor and he would help me and then talk to me about the things I was doing wrong. Like stealing fruits and vegetables from another person's yard.

"I drove around a lot with my grandfather because he was like a taxi driver and I loved driving his car. Mario Kart, the video game, was not enough for me; I wanted to experience what it was like to drive in real life. So whenever I went out with him, I sat on his lap and grabbed the steering wheel.

"While I was the driver, I listened to music, moving and jumping up and down while my grandfather pressed on the gas and brake pedals. People looked at us as if we were crazy because we would drive fast with four hands on the steering wheel.

"I loved being with grandfather... However, holding me close one day on his lap, Doctor told me something like this: 'I love you and will be with you always, Jack. When one man says I hate you, remember, Jack, I love you. If you ever need me, call me, because I am here for you. Do not run from any man or problems or else many more may come your way...

~~~

Neglected But Undefeated

The Life of a Boy Who Never Knew

 a Mother's Love...

By Jonathan Anthony Burkett

I wanted to share this review on Friday so those who read it will have the opportunity to spend time over the weekend thinking... thinking about a little boy who never knew a mother's love...

Now, my father was killed while my mother carried me, so you could say that I never had a father's love...

But, you see, Jonathan's mother was living in the same house at the time...

This is the story of a little boy who was pulled out of the arms of loving grandparents, brought to America, and lived in hell thereafter... It is not a story that is easy to read... But if you care about children, you...simply...must...

"I was just staring at her, knowing what was coming, and I was right. She began walking away while tell me to wait right there in the living room for her. Next thing I knew, she came back with an extension cord that had been connected to the television..."Stretch out your hand," she then told me.
"Why?" I asked.
"You don't need to know why. I'm your mother, and what I tell you to do, you must do it without any if, ands, or buts," my mother replied.
"I stretched it out, and then immediately--whop! The pain was unbelievable. The sting had me going crazy and screaming. I put my hand between my legs as I tried to fight the pain. Tears began coming out of my eyes like crazy, and I couldn't even think of what I should do to get myself out of this.
"She ended up hitting me about ten more times, which made me drop to the floor because I was in so much pain, and then she sent me to my bedroom and told me to stand in the corner until she told me I could move. When I looked at my arms, I saw that my skin was swelling up with the imprint of the extension cord on it.
"And hour later she came into my room, turned off the lights, and told me good night.
"Can I go to sleep now?" I asked.
"No. Bad boys deserve to be punished, so you're going to stand right there in the corner until you drop down and die," she replied.
"I don't know what time it was in the middle of the night, but I got tired of standing. So I sat down right there in the corner and then fell asleep.
"In the morning, when she saw me in the corner sleeping, my mother didn't even say good morning or ask if I was all right. She just began beating me, saying, "Didn't I tell you to stand in the corner?"
~~~

Jonathan's story of abuse makes up the majority of this book. It was obviously cathartic for him, and may be for many others. But it is clear that God was watching this boy. I don't know how he survived, he did and the ending of his book includes a beautiful testimony. 

Jonathan began to write to relieve some of the tension of his life. The most memorable thing for me is when his grandfather called to speak to Jonathan and his mother did not allow it. His beloved grandfather died shortly thereafter, but nobody told Jonathan, explained anything to him...He had lost the one person in his life who had provided him unconditional life.

Kicked out of his home quite often, it was fortunate that Jonathan was well liked by the people around him--his friends would take him in. But he often walked the streets... Jonathan was a child from rape and his mother never let him forget it, often calling him by his real father's name while she beat him. He did have a stepfather, but he was not strong enough to deal with what was going on...

This is an extremely well written biography, so well written that there is nothing to distract readers from the horror of this boy's life. But, then you read his strong words... he is "Undefeated!" This book needs to be read; this story needs to be shared... Even if you cry while you read most of it, like I did...

GABixlerReviews

Jonathan Anthony Burkett was born February 1, 1987. He is a brightoutstanding writer inspired by many, as he continues to struggle in life. Devoted for achievement in his lifetime, he is willing to take any test. He told himself, that he would never give up no matter the trials and tribulations. He decided to write to help him move towards a bright future for himself; and because he knows that's what his Grandparents want for him.

Jonathan Anthony Burkett life changed dramatically the year 2005 after he had survived a surgery that, he was told would better his life. Miraculously it did, along with his mind about life. A young man now, dedicated towards achieving goals in life, without his GED/High School Diploma, he had now looked at himself as in the world.

Having the urge now to get himself back into school to get either his GED/High School Diploma, Jonathan held back from it because his mind was to blocked up with all of the problems that he was having still in his life. After days of thinking about how he was going to handle all of his living problems, he had gotten the idea to just find a good job, and to save up until he was able to provide everything that he needed, so that he may feel uplifted and then ready to strive for success. However, mistakes were made and jobless he became once again. That’s when he remembered what he had told himself, what he wanted to do if he survived his surgery, and that was to share his life story with the world for many to see how  merciful our father God is, to his children.

In the future Jonathan will be of course writing more books along with having goals on becoming a scriptwriter, songwriter, actor and more things that he loves to do as doors begin to open up for him.

Patiently Jonathan is still waiting, for if it was meant to be, victory will be in one of his open doors that he, will someday walk right through.   

Review: Friends 2 Lovers Responds to Lovers of Romance...

Image via Wikipedia

Friends 2 Lovers
How could that ever be?
When that one you love
Is afraid of what may come...

Friends 2 Lovers


By Jonathan Anthony Burkett











With lots of beautiful poetry liberally spread throughout his book, Jonathan Anthony Burkett's debut novel is the answer to those who love to read romance, especially as young adults.


Claude is the romantic young man who is in love with Kelly. They met early in life and became each other's best friend. Interestingly it is their "best friend" status that makes both afraid of their relationship moving into something more; neither wanted to lose their best friend!


But when Claude lost most of his family through a series of events, Kelly was there for him, helping in every way she could. Claude lost his father and brother in a shooting and Kelly was hoping to keep Claude from seeking revenge and prevent further violence.


Claude had fallen in love, but knew that it was important not to push Kelly too far, still he presented her with a promise ring as she graduated from high school. At that time she was dating Donald a football star and was planning on attending the same college he would be going to. That happened to be where Claude was attending, so each was looking forward to seeing their best friend more.


But little by little real feelings for each other overrode feelings they had for others. And that was not easy because Donald was still wooing Kelly and Claude had met and was becoming close to Brittany.


Tension develops then and then even more later when Donald and Brittany decide to share a relationship...


Burkett takes readers directly into the midst of a young adult relationship. He explores sex, religious beliefs, friends versus lovers through Claude and Kelly, providing readers with intimate conversations as the couple grow closer, learn more about each other, and then as they decide to live together.


Claude and Kelly are enjoyable characters. They tease each other and talk about anything and everything--showing that having been friends first led to a closer relationship romantically? It certainly seems to be the case for these two!


I especially enjoyed the poetry and shared just a few lives above, but the author is obviously a gifted poet who is probably right now sharing another poem with the one he loves! You can just tell that this young man has a love for life that he is or will one day share with his chosen mate. By the time the book is ending, it seems like everybody is hooking up with somebody--including Kelly's Mom! 


Looking for a lover, then check out the activities of those who become friends first!


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