In the summer of 1999, Junior (a.k.a. Leonard Gerard Robinson Jr.) is a freshman at Steny College of New York along with Vanessa Bailey, his desirable girlfriend. Although their uncensored romance appears enviable from afar, up-close, the two lovers have an apt for trouble. They tempt fate between the sheets by brazenly avoiding protection and make poor decisions throughout the book. Junior's eyebrow-raising love life isn't his only concern, however.

The scholar from Brooke's Rowe loses his lust for poetry and often battles with his older sister, Casey, over his responsibilities. Meanwhile, Junior can barely hold onto his job at the Grocery Mart. He obsesses with wooing his Brooklyn-bred lover and allows his priorities to fall to the wayside. The allure of a loving relationship fuels Junior's shortfalls in this sinful, urban tale.Author Nathan Jarelle entices readers with thorough storytelling in this scathing sequel to its predecessor. Beyond Poetry: Above & Beyond delivers on every facet of the urban spectrum: romance, comedy, violence and heartache. Jarelle's use of real-world language is persuasive throughout the novel. His poetry amplifies the dilemma on page, and his rhyming cadence is unique.

Jarelle continues his throwback tour with a pit-stop at the tail end of the 90s!.